Tikendrajit's birth anniversary celebrated
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 29 2011:
The 156th birth anniversary of Bir Tikendrajit has been celebrated with a one-day discourse on the theme 'Facing the Truth' at Lamyanba Shanglen, Palace Compound today.
As chief guest of the event, hosted by Freedom Research Foundation, MLA O Joy Singh led the gathering in offering floral tribute at the portrait of the Manipuri warrior prince.
Speaking at the occasion, O Joy defined freedom as the will and aspiration of an individual to live without suppression or duress.
Expressing that it is questionable whether the people of Manipur living under the Indian fold can be defined as a sign of freedom, the MLA maintained that the main objective of a democratic Government is to ensure equal right to every citizen.
Exhorting the people to strive for unity and emotional integrity, O Joy asserted that the issue of Supra State Body is an affront to the Indian Constitution.
Similarly, bandh or blockade of national highways is also unconstitutional and merits stringent punitive action against the bandh/blockade sponsors by the Government according to law of the land, he said and expressed awe on the calling off of the protracted economic blockade ahead of the arrival of two Indian leaders.
Accusing the Central Government of failing to resolve various sensitive issues amounting to imperilling the people of Manipur, Joy also asked the Centre to understand that any differences between two parties should be treated as 'political conflict' that deserves political solution.
In his address, Principal (Retd) RK Gopalsana recounted events leading to the Khongjom War against the then British empire and the valour displayed by the young Bir Tikendrajit in the battle.
The event was attended by a number of prominent citizens of Manipur.