Patriots Day observed all over
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 13 2013: As observed across the State, the Patriots Day was observed at the General Thangal Ecological Park, Mayangkhang, Senapati district under the aegis of the district administration.

Offering of floral tributes to the statue of General Thangal was the main feature of the observance.

Among others, the function was attended by Senapati DC PK Jha, Sadar Hills ADC Member Lenkhomang Chongloi, SP Senapati, Additional SP Kangpokpi, district level officers and the general public.

Manipur Police too paid gun salute to General Thangal and other martyrs of Anglo-Manipur War.

Cultural troupes of Mayangkhang and adjoining villages presented patriotic music compositions and eulogised the exploits and sacrifices of General Thangal.

Moreover, rites and rituals generally performed in Christianity, Islam and Hinduism were performed at the same place.

Speaking at the occasion, DC PK Jha remarked that the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891 was a landmark event which symbolised the epitome of patriotism, valour and sacrifice.

A speaker addressing Patriots' Day observance in the library of Meetei Lairik Pukkei, Bangladesh (Top); people offering floral to the martyrs during Patriots' Day observance at Moreh

People would never forget such historic events and the present generation should emulate and sacrifice if the need arises for common national cause as done by their ancestors, Jha said.

ADC Member Lenkhomang Chongloi called upon all the people to follow the path envisioned by the patriots and martyrs of Anglo-Manipur War instead simply observing the anniversary every year.

Kangpokpi Additional Deputy Commissioner DK Thangboi was also present at the function.

The Protection and Preservation Committee Manipur (PPCM) too observed Patriots' Day at Hotel Imphal where former Minister RV Mingthing Tangkhul, CAU Associate Professor Dr Gangmei Sobha and GP Women's College Associate Professor Abdul Hakim graced the function as presidium members.

The function was opened with a Thang-Ta presentation by artistes of North Imphal Cultural Organisation which was followed by offering of floral tributes to the martyrs.

PPCM convenor E Chanu Tamphatombi said that the Patriots' Day is being observed in commemoration of the ideal and spirit shown by Manipuri soldiers who fought valiantly against the invading British forces even though they were fully aware that they were destined to be defeated.

Soon after Manipur was freed from the British colonial yoke, Manipur was annexed by India on October 15, 1949 .

Senior journalist Irengbam Arun asserted that children should be taught about Manipur in details and comprehensively in order to inculcate a strong sense of nationalism in the young minds.

30 per cent of text book syllabus for school students should be about Manipur.

Assistant Prof Dr Sukhdeva Sharma of Indira Gandhi National Tribal University noted that Manipur has been witnessing series of crimes against humanity.

Even though the Government has been denying this fact, committee constituted at the instance of the Supreme Court recently reported that all the six cases it investigated were clear cases of fake encounter.

By imposing AFSPA in Manipur, the Government of India has been openly perpetrating racial discrimination.

MB College Assistant Professor Homen Thangjam too spoke at the function.

Patriots' Day was also observed at Jiribam under the aegis of Pari-Puri Athouba Ningshing Lup, Jiribam at Ancestor Heroes Memorial Complex, Ningshingkhul Biodiversity Park with Works Minister, Dr Kh Ratankumar as the chief guest.

The function was held in collaboration with AMSU, District Committee, Jiri; JIMPAL; AJMP; WASAK; DESAM; MSF; JDO and KSA.

Offering floral tributes at the portraits of the heroes marked the occasion.

Speaking at the occasion, Dr Kh Ratankumar said the Govt has in-principle agreed for granting district status to Jiribam.

However, the matter has been deferred as it is sensitive for now.

A painting competition was also held to mark the occasion.

At Moreh in Chandel district, the Patriots' Day observance was held at Ima Kondong Lairembi Haraobung.

The programme was jointly organised by five organisations namely Meitei Council Moreh (MCM); ACODOM; AMSU Chandel District Committee; Nupi Khunai Chaokhat Lamjing Lup and Kha-Nongpok Apunba Nupi Lup.

Chairman of Chandel ADC, Lhukhosei Zou and Ksh Robert Singh, Addl DC of Chandel attended the programme as the chief guest and president respectively.

M Thoiba Singh, president MCM; Irengbam Ibobi Singh, president of ACODOM; Jangmang Haokip, president of HTC; V Sekhar, president of Tamil Sangam, Moreh and Md Ahmad, VP of MMCM were the guests of honour.

At RIMS campus, its Director, Prof S Sekharjit Singh led the faculties, staff, students of Dental, Medical and Nursing colleges in paying floral tributes to the patriots to mark the occasion.

In Bangladesh, Meetei lairik Pukkei observed the event as 'Athoubashinggi Ningsing Thouram' with rendition of patriotic songs by children, offering of floral tributes and recitation programme being the highlight of the commemorative function held at the Pukkei's library, informed a statement.

Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Naharol Yaipha Khongjang (Thangmeiband Kabrabam Leikai), Ethnic Heritage Council (Hericoun), Coordinating Voluntary Organisation (Hiyangthang), All Manipur Women's Social Reformation & Development Samaj, Apunba Kanglei Sinnaiba Lup (Keishampat), Union of Social Upliftment (Khurai Lamlong Keithel), All Manipur Anti-Drug Association, Huyen Lallong Manipur Thang-Ta Cultural Association (Irilbung), Sana Leibak Manipur Hakchang Shajel Thang-Ta Shindam Shanglen (Nambol), Village Water Sanitation Committee (Lilong Chajing), Lainingthouhanba Club cum Information Centre (Khurai Chingangbam Leikai), Kwakta Government High School (Bishnupur), Morok Ingkhol Primary School, Institute of Cooperative Management (Imphal), Liberal College (Luwangshangbam), Loumee Shinmee Apunba Lup (Brahmapur Guru Aribam Leikai), Singjamei to Lilong United Clubs' Organisation (Canchipur), lilong Young Social Service union (Lilong Bazar), Mongkhang Lambi Modern Club (Singjamei Wangma), Oriental Youths' Organisation (Kongpal Makha Porompat Road No-1), Elite Foundation Manipur (Keishamthong Bazar) and United Youth Organisation (Singjamei Wangma Bheigyabati Leikai) also observed Patriots' Day.

Along with offering of floral tributes at the portraits at the martyrs, patriotic song competitions, tree plantations, social services, drawing competitions, etc marked the observance functions held at the respective offices/premises of these organisations.

The Patriots Day was also observed at Southern Youth Educational Social Sporting and Development Association (SYESSDA) Liwa Pukhri Achouba Mapal, Imphal West where poetry recitation and patriotic song competition were the main highlights.

After the defeat of Manipuri forces at at the battle of Khongjom on April 23, 1891, British took over the palace and later minor Churachand was put on the gadi.