Befitting tribute paid to martyrs on Patriots' Day
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 14 2023:
Manipuri Meitei Association, Bangalore (MMAB) observed the 132nd Patriots' Day on August 13 to remember the supreme sacrifice of the brave sons of Manipur, who laid down their lives on the gallows for the cause of motherland.
In a release, MMAB informed that in the tapestry of modern India's history, the Anglo-Manipur War, 1891 holds immense importance and is often regarded as the second war of independence.
It stated that during this historical event, the British Imperial Army, advancing from three different directions, clashed with the Manipuri Army composed of Meitei, Naga, and various tribal forces.
"The pivotal Battle of Khongjom, one of the fiercest engagements of World War-II, saw the defeat of the Manipuri Army.
Meitei Prince Bir Tikendrajit Singh and Naga General Thangal General were publicly executed, while other brave souls like Paona Brajabashi and many more martyrs fell in action", it added.
MMAB informed that the commemorative event unfolded at the Chowdiah Memorial Hall in Malleswaram, Bengaluru, drawing Manipuris from all walks of life.
The event was kicked off with lamp lighting followed by a welcome speech by MMAB Chief Coordinator Arun Yambem.
At the event, Dr Malem Ningthouja, a historian, eloquently emphasized the significance of the war and the lessons it holds for us today.
He highlighted how the Manipur region came under the dominion of the British Empire and the importance of understanding this history.
Ashang Kasar, a Naga leader, spoke about the need for indigenous communities to stay united and harmonious, following the legacy set by our forefathers.
He stressed on the importance of collective development and adoption of self-sustaining models to counter the current crises in Manipur.
Ashang also urged Meiteis to unite and establish an apex body while urging the diaspora to play a pivotal role in driving development and effecting change on the ground.
Dr Arambam Noni highlighted the paramount role of educators and how some Kuki professors are attempting to distort Manipur's rich history.
He vehemently denounced such actions as severe crimes that must be addressed with the utmost seriousness.
Dr Bimol Akoijam's discourse centered on the importance of drawing lessons from historical defeats, and applying these insights in the contemporary context to build a resilient future.
MMAB president Maj Rajkumar Jhaljit (retired) gave the background of MMAB and role played in supporting impacted people in Manipur, people staying in relief camps, including providing medical assistance and supporting impacted students studying in Karnataka and assisting in getting legal justice to the impacted people.
He also thanked all the members for making the event a grand success.
National anthem was sung by all Manipuri in the packed Hall.
They also displayed banners and raised slogans seeking equal rights and access to natural resources for Meitei in Manipur, stop narco-Terrorist, stop illegal Immigration, Unity and Integration of Manipur and India.
Moreover, Apunba Manipur Matam Ishei Kanglup (AMMIK) along with women vendors celebrated Patriots' Day yesterday at Ima Keithel on the theme, "Remembering the fallen heroes of Anglo-Manipur War" .
During the event, the members of AMMIK and women vendors of Ima Keithel paid rich tributes to Bir Tikendrajit, Thangal General, Paona Brajabashi and other heroes who made the supreme sacrifice for the motherland, said AMMIK in a release.
"Thang-Ta" salute and patriotic songs by artists of AMMIK to honour the martyrs were the other highlights of the event.
Later, the participants also offered floral tributes to the brave heroes who gave their lives to defend the territorial integrity of Manipur during the ongoing conflict.
Similarly, Lions Club of Imphal Greater yesterday observed Patriots' Day by organising a Tree Plantation cum Blood Donation Camp.
Altogether, 57 fruit bearing tree saplings were planted in the drive organised at Lamphel SuperMarket Complex.
The tree plantation drive was conducted under the theme, "Grow A Tree", an Environmental Project of Lions Club International, District 322D.The voluntary blood donation camp was held in association with Blood Transfusion Unit, JNIMS at JNIMS Blood Bank on the theme, "Be a Hero, give Blood" .
During the camp, members of Lions Club including Lion Kh Krishnan Singh, District Chairperson of Lions Club International, District 322D, MBBS students of JNIMS and other voluntary blood donors donated blood wherein 101 units of blood were collected.
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