Patriots' Day observed in State & beyond
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, August 13 2013: Recalling the day on which two great sons of Manipur namely Bir Tikendrajit and Thangal General sacrificed their lives at the gallows for the sake of their motherland in 1891, the State Government, political parties, social organizations, students' bodies and Manipuri diasporas observed the 122nd Patriots' Day widely in and outside the State today.

The two patriots were hanged to death publicly at the present site of Sahid Minar by the erstwhile British Government on charges of waging war against Queen Victoria of Britain on this day in 1891.Since then, the people of Manipur have been observing the day as "Patriots' Day" every year to honour and pay tribute to the valiant patriots of Manipur.

The main observance of 122nd Patriots' Day was organized by State Government at the foot of Sahid Minar, BT Road.

However, sudden enforcement of traffic rules preventing entry of vehicles from Khuyathong on the northern side, from the traffic island in front of Governor's road on the southern side and from Samu Makhong on the western side created lots of inconveniences to the public.

(Clock-wise) Public offering floral tributes and paying homage to martyred Manipuri soldiers during the Patriots' Day observance held at Bangladesh, New Delhi, Jiribam and Sadu Chiru village

Prior to the main observance, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, other Ministers and MLAs paid floral tribute to Bir Tikendrajit at Hicham Yaichampat at around 8 am.

A contingent of Manipur Rifles played last post and gave gun salute to the patriots.

Commerce and Industries Minister K Govindas, Deputy Speaker Preshow Shimray, MLA Landhoni, MLA T Mangibabu, MLA Surchandra, MLA Lukhoi, MLA E Chand and other VVIPs paid floral tribute at Hicham Yaichampat.

Later at around 8.30 am, Chief Minister Ibobi, other Ministers and MLAs paid tribute to Thangal General at its statue located at Palace Gate.

A contingent of Manipur Rifles also gave gun salute to the patriots.

Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister along with other Ministers and MLAs also paid floral tribute at Kangla in the afternoon at 3.30 pm.

From Kangla, Chief Minister and his team moved towards Sahid Minar on foot to attend the main observance.

Ministers, MLAs, top ranking officials including DGP Y Joykumar paid floral tribute to the patriots at Sahid Minar.

Addressing the gathering of the main observance, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi said that the present generation should value the sacrifices and contributions made by the past generations.

People can honour the patriots only by pledging to protect sovereignty and undertake development works with firm dedication and commitment.

The extreme sacrifice made by the valiant sons of Manipur indeed showed their great sense of patriotism.

Bir Tikendrajit, Thangal General, Pukhrambam Kajao, Niranjan Subedar and others stood bravely at the gallows for the sake of Manipur, Ibobi asserted.

Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam said that people should wholeheartedly join the observance to honour the patriots who had sacrificed their lives for the sake of motherland.

He further appealed to all to build up the sense of brotherhood and oneness among different communities of the State.

Gaikhangam also condemned the abduction of government officials who are working relentlessly for equitable development of both hill and valley regions, and added that there is now an apprehension of development works getting derailed because of such illegal activities.

The Deputy Chief Minister further propagated the ideology of peace and non-violence to the people.

Manipur People's Party (MPP) also observed the Patriots' Day at its office complex near Polo Ground here today with party President N Sovakiran; Dr L Chandramani, ex-Deputy Chief Minister; ex-MLA W Thambal and H Manisana as presidium members.

The observance was marked by offering of floral tributes to the photos of the martyrs.

Speaking on the occasion, Sovakiran stated that the Patriots' Day is not being observed to remember the death of the martyrs on this day but to instill the sense of patriotism which the martyrs possessed and to remember their mental courage and ability.

Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) also observed the day at Congress Bhawan with Chief Minister O Ibobi and Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam leading other Ministers, MLAs and Congress workers in offering floral tributes to the photos of the martyrs.

As a part of the observation, a number of saplings were planted at Hapta Kangjeibung.

All Manipur Recognised Private School's Welfare Association observed Patriots' Day at Lamyanba Shanglen, Palace Compound here today.

The observance function was graced by MLA T Mangibabu, who is also the Vice President of MPCC; Ph Landhoni, President of All Manipur Recognised Private School's Welfare Association and Th Iboyaima, President of Irabot Foundation as Chief Guest, President and Guest of Honour respectively.

During the observance floral tributes were paid to the martyrs and students from different schools presented cultural dances and patriotic songs.

Remembering the martyrs who laid down their lives for the sake of their motherlad, Patriots' Day was observed today at Wangkhei Meihoubam Lampak Community Hall under the joint aegis of Lizard Library Wangkhei and Nongpok Leingak Nupi LUp, Wangkhei.

MLA of Yaiskul A/C Elangbam Chand; Naorem Amurei, retired Director of Economics and Statistics Department, Government of Manipur and Loukrakpam Tombi, Councilor of Ward No 20 attended the function as Chief Guest, President and Guest of Honour respectively.

Janata Dal (United) Manipur State; Ethno Heritage Council; Lions Club of Imphal; Institute of Cooperative Management; Huyel Lallong Manipur Thang-Ta Cultural Association; All Manipur Women's Social Reformation & Development Samaj; Apunba Kanglei Sinnaibi Lup; United Youth Organisation; Lainingthouhanba Club Cum Information Centre; Nambol Sabal Leikai Youth Club & Library; Kwakta Govt.High School; SLUCO and others also observed Patriots' Day.

The Patriots Day was also observed by Patriotic Writers' Forum, Manipur at its office complex at New Checkon today.

Delivering the Presidential speech, Prof Jodhachandra Sanasam, President, Patriotic Writers' Forum, Manipur stated that remembering those martyrs' of Manipur who sacrificed their lives for the sake of their motherland is a clear example of showing love for their motherland.

We should not only remember Bir Tikendrajit on the occasion of observing the Patriots' Day but also other patriots of Manipur who fought for saving Manipur from the hands of the British forces and laid down their lives, he added.

The Patriots' Day Observation Committee organised the Patriots' Day Observation cum Patriotic Song, Recitation and Debate competition at the centenary hall of Manipur University today.

The function was graced by Prof Nabachandra, Dean, School of Humanities, Manipur University, Canchipur; Prof RK Hemakumar Singh, Dean, Students Welfare, Manipur University and Prof N Irabanta Singh, Dean, School of Life Sciences, Manipur University as the Chief Guest, President and Guest of Honour respectively.

All Manipur Anti-Drug Association and PHIDAMPHAM, a monthly Meeteilol Journal along with Oriental Youth Organisation, Kongpal People Protection Development Committee, branches of Wangoi CLK Wangoi,Sendam Chirang Khunou Leima Thougal Lup also observed Patriots' Day today.

Patriots' Day was observed today at Regional Institute of Medical Sciences by its Director Prof S.Sekharjit, faculties, staff, students of Dental, Medical and Nursing colleges.

Prof Sekharjit led all those who were present on the occasion in paying floral tributes to the photographs of Bir Tikendrajit, Thangal General and Paona Brajabashi.

RIMS has been observing Patriots' Day every year since he assumed the charge of the Director.

People's Foundation Committee and Heirok Chingdongpok High School observed the Patriots' Day with Pradhan of Heirok GP Th Rameshwar as Chief Guest.

Tangjeng Khunjao Meira Paibee, Tangjeng Welfare Organization, Kakching Youth Development Committee, Kakching Khunou Meira Paibee Welfare Association, Langmeidong Youth Guide Club, Iramdam Maheikol, Bengi Youth Club, Bengi Meira Paibee, Tentha Ikop Iningthou Chaokhat Khongthang Lup, Ideal Youth Club, Moido and Kangla Youth Club, Nongpok Sekmai Meira Paibee, Thoubal District United Women's Development Organization, VCDCCO Khangabok, Lamjao Apunba Meira Paibee and KSSL also observed the Patriots' Day and paid floral tribute to Bir Tikendrajit and Thangal General.

The Patriots' Day was also reportedly observed at Moreh, Hojai (Assam) and Bangladesh.