Imphal, 23 April 2017 ( Evening News ) : Manipur today saluted and paid befitting tributes to its martyrs who had laid down their lives to safeguard the freedom of the land during the 1891 Anglo-Manipur war also known as the Khongjom War. The State government today organised the main observation at Khongjom War Memorial Complex at Kheba Ching in Thoubal district. Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren, Deputy Chief Minister, Yumnam Joykumar, Speaker, Yumnam Khemchand, cabinet ministers ,MLAs and former chief minister, Okram Ibobi paid homage at the memorial. Top civil and police officials were also present on the occasion. A team of Manipur Rifles gave a gun salute in honour of the martyrs. Governor, Najma Heptulla lead a team in paying floral tributes at the bust of Paona Brajabasi below Kheba ching and the Manipur Rifles team gave a gun salute too. Later, the Governor and Chief Minister lead a team to pay floral tributes at the Khongjom river where the blood of martyrs were washed away on the same day. The Governor, Chief Minister and others also took part in the cultural programme in honour of the martyrs. Rain did not stop people from all age groups from paying floral tributes to the martyrs. Speaking on the occasion, Governor, Najma Heptulla asserted that the day is being observed in memory of those martyrs who wanted a change in the society. She said there are many more wars to be won. Governor Heptulla reminded that we need to collectively fight the war on poverty, torment and knowledge.