The Patriots’ Day, 2019 was observed on Tuesday across the state of Manipur.
Patriotic songs imbibing the sense of patriotism and martyrdom rent the air at various locations.
It was on August 13 in the year 1891 that Yubraj Tikendrajit and General Thangal were hanged till death for waging war against the Britishers.
Earlier many known and unknown heroes were also given similar punishment while Maharaj Kulchandra and 21 others were deported to Andaman and Nicobar islands, known as Kalapani.
Remembering the supreme sacrifice of the heroes, Manipur Governor Dr Najma Heptulla and chief minister N Biren Singh led the who’s who in Manipur government in laying wreaths to the martyrs at Kangla Uttra inside Kangla fort and Saheed Minar at Bir Tikendrajit park, both in Imphal on Tuesday afternoon.
Later a function was held at B T Park wherein Governor Dr Heptulla said August 13 is of great historical significance for the state of Manipur as it was on this fateful day in 1891 that the brave prince of Manipur and general were hanged in Imphal by the British before thousands of Manipuris for revolting against them.
Stating that history has taught that disunity brings downfall, she also said we must resolve to safeguard our age old values of love, peace, tolerance and mutual understanding.
In his presidential speech, chief minister Biren stated that on this day, Government of Manipur is observing the Patriots’ Day as a mark of respect and reverence to ‘our forefathers’.
Considering the importance of their contribution and the then unknown soldiers during the seven years of devastation (1819-26), the Government has already installed statues of Maharaj Nara Singh and Hirachandra at Langthabal near Imphal, he said.
He also admitted the need to learn the lesson that disunity among us brings downfall and united we stand.He advocates for peaceful coexistence.
Stating that the recent death case of a school girl is a sensitive case, he appealed to the people particularly the Joint Action Committee formed against the death incident and victim’s family to keep faith in bringing justice into the incident as the government is not going to spare the culprit(s) involved in the case.
There are also reports of celebrating the day at various capacities at different locations including Regional Institute of Medical Sciences in Imphal.