The Patriots’ Day in memory of those heroes, who sacrificed their lives in the Anglo-Manipur War, 1891, was widely observed in various places of Manipur with the main function organised at Imphal on Monday.
Manipur Governor Dr Najma Heptulla and Chief Minister N Biren Singh attended the main observation at Bir Tikendrajit Park, where Prince Bir Tikendrajit and Thangal General were hung to death publicly on August 13, 1891 on the charge of waging war against the British, following Manipur’s defeat to the British forces. Since then, the day is observed as the Patriots’ Day every year.
The day’s main function began with wreath laying ceremony at the Saheed Minar where Governor Dr Heptulla led others in paying floral tributes to the martyrs. A contingent of Manipur Rifles offered guard of honour and general salute and observed two minutes silence as a mark of respect to those martyrs.
Speaking on the occasion, Governor Dr Najma Heptulla said, “We should never forget the selfless sacrifice of the freedom fighters of Manipur who fiercely fought the mighty British empire.” She appealed to all the communities to shun violence and hatred among themselves and bring about an atmosphere of love and mutual understanding so that Manipur can move forward in the pace of development.
In his speech, State Chief Minister N Biren said that the Government would stand for the people, unity and territorial integrity of the State at any cost. Mentioning about the present unrest of the Manipur University, he said that the officials from the Ministry of HRD would be arriving here in Imphal shortly and believe that the issue would be solved in next 3-4 days.
As a mark of respect, the State Cabinet had decided to officially name the JNIMS road as Pukhrambam Kajao Road and Lamphel to Shija Hospital Road as Chirai Naga Road, he added.
Earlier in the morning, Chief Minister N Biren Singh along with Cabinet Ministers, MLAs and top civil and police officials offered floral tributes at Hicham Yaichampat, Moirangkhom, where Bir Tikendrajit was cremated. A contingent of Manipur Rifles sounded the last post and offered gun salutes to the martyrs.
The dignitaries also went to Thangal General Temple Complex, Palace Compound and offered floral tributes to the portrait of Thangal General.
Bharatiya Janata Party Manipur Pradesh, Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee, Manipur People’s Party, one of the oldest political party in the North East India, also observed the day at their respective party offices at in Imphal.
The day was also observed at the ecological park at Mayangkhang. The district authorities of Bishnupur, Chandel, Kangpokpi, Thoubal and others also observed the historic day holding floral tribute ceremonies at their respective areas.
