Rich tributes paid to martyrs on Patriot's Day
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, August 13 2019: Remembering the supreme sacrifice of the brave sons of Manipur, who laid down their lives on the gallows for the cause of motherland, Patriot's Day, 2019 was observed across the State today.

The State observance began with 'Prabhat Phery' commencing from DIPR office, Moirangkhom at 2.30 am and culminating at Hicham Yaicham Pat, Moirangkhom at 4.30 am.

Patriotic songs were played imbibing the sense patriotism and martyrdom at various locations of Imphal East and Imphal West District.

At Hicham Yaicham Pat, Moirangkhom, Chief Minister N Biren Singh led the wreath-laying ceremony.

Deputy Chief Minister Y Joykumar and Cabinet Ministers L Jayantakumar, Karam Shyam, Th Shyamkumar, Th Radheshyam along with several MLAs, top police and civil officials and the family members of the patriots also paid their respects during the ceremony.

Rich tributes paid to martyrs on Patriot's Day

Floral tributes were also paid at the complex of Thangal General Temple, Palace Compound, led by the Chief Minister along with his Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, top police and civil officials and the people.

In the afternoon, Governor Dr Najma Heptulla along with Chief Minister N Biren and his Cabinet Ministers laid wreaths to the martyrs at Kangla Uttra as part of the observation.

After the wreath laying ceremony at Kangla, the Chief Minister along with his associates proceeded on foot from Kangla, Western Gate towards Shaheed Minar.

At Shaheed Minar, floral tributes were paid led by the Governor followed by Guard of Honour/General Salute by the contingents of Manipur Rifles.

Floral tributes were also paid by the public to the brave martyrs.

The main observance of Patriot's Day, 2019 was held at BT Park with Governor Dr Najma Heptulla as the chief guest and Chief Minister N Biren Singh as the president.

In her address, the Governor said that August 13 is of great historical significance for Manipur as it was on this fateful day in 1891 that the brave prince of Manipur, Bir Tikendrajit and General Thangal were hanged at this very spot in Imphal by the British before thousands of Manipuris for revolting against them.

On the same day, Niranjan Subedar, Kajao and Chirai Naga were hung to death inside Manipur jail.

She said the Manipuri freedom fighters sent on exile are equally patriots as those who fought in India's freedom struggle and recorded in the Memorial for the detenues at Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

The Central Government has been apprised by the State Government to engrave the names of the exiled patriots in the memorial to give their rightful place as well, she added.

Stating that history has taught that disunity brings downfall, the Governor said that the administration and the population must go hand in hand to ensure that divisive forces do not have an upper hand and that peace is the hallmark of this State.

She also said that the people must resolve to safeguard the age old values of love, peace, tolerance and mutual understanding.

While delivering the presidential speech, N Biren Singh stated that today, the State Government is observing Patriot's Day as a mark of respect and reverence to the brave forefathers because, inspite of knowing that they will be defeated, they fought bravely in the Anglo Manipuri war of 1891 against the mighty British.

In the beginning of this year, the Government already installed statues of Nara Singh and Heerachandra at Samadhi Complex of Maharaj Gambhir Singh at Langthabal, Imphal West.

Considering the importance of their contribution and the then unknown soldiers, in driving out the Awas from Manipur (after the seven years devastation of 1819-26), the State Government took that step, he added.

Let's try to learn the lesson that disunity among us brings downfall and advocate for peaceful coexistence, Biren said.

Referring to the case of Ningthoujam Babysana, the Chief Minister said that the Government understands the sentiment of the people.

He said that it is a very serious and sensitive case and appealed to all to keep trust in both the Government and its agencies.

Biren claimed that the authorities are working tirelessly to solve the case and added that the State Government did everything in connection with the case, including meeting the JAC and conducting post mortem as per the demands of the JAC as well as taking up all necessary procedures for handing over the case to the CBI for investigation.

After the report of the first post mortem was opposed, even the rules were relaxed and another post mortem was conducted and that too in the presence of some representatives of the JAC and with video coverage, he said.

He further explained that handing over a case to the CBI is no small task and narrated the incident of Pravish Chanam in which after continued pressure by the JAC which was formed in connection with the incident, the case was taken up by the CBI after a long time.

The State Government has written to all those concerned to ensure that Babysana' s case is handled by the CBI, he assured, reminding that a four member SIT (led by an Additional SP and including a woman police officer as well) was constituted to appease the demands of the people.

The State Government is strictly monitoring Babysana's case, Biren said, claiming that the investigation of the SIT is being conducted under his direct supervision and no once can interfere in this regard.

The SIT report will be submitted to the Home Minister and the DGP, he added.

Instead of imposing bandhs and blockades, the Chief Minister appealed to the JAC and the people to suggest necessary steps to be taken up, to the Government.

He then urged the JAC and the people to agitate and protest if and only when the Government has totally neglected their demands.