Series of battles testament of courage of Manipuris: Ganesan
Sacrifices of our forefathers should be made known to younger generation: Minister Th Biswajit
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, August 13 2022: Even though Manipur lost in the Anglo-Manipuri War and came under British rule, the series of battles fought in 1891 showed the courage of Manipuris as they fought against the strongest power on the world at that time, thus, showing that freedom is more important than their own lives.

This was stated by Governor La Ganesan while addressing the gathering at the Patriots' Day observance held at BT Park, here on Saturday.

Governor La Ganesan, who attended as chief guest, said that many freedom fighters were killed while 22 leaders including Maharaja Kulachandra were exiled for life and five including Yuvaraj Tikendra jit and Thangal General were hanged to death after the end of Anglo-Manipuri War.

He continued that the present generation commemorates the supreme sacrifices made by all those, both known and unknown, for the cause of.

freedom of Manipur.

"When we look back in history, it is clear that the British entered the fray because of the disunity among the princes of Manipur and we cannot change history but we can always learn from history that disunity among ourselves will bring downfall to our nation," he added.

The Governor further said that it was the sacrifices made by innumerable people of India including from Manipur that we attained independence on August 15,1947.Manipur was merged to the Union of India on October 15, 1949 and since then Manipur remains an important part of the country.

As the nation is celebrating the 75th year of independence as Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, all should celebrate the Independence Day with full enthusiasm, he said, adding that the country is witnessing a strong sense of patriotism among the youth.

Our hard-won independence must be protected at all costs and we should strive to bring up our nation as a leader among the countries of the world, he added.

In his address, chief minister N Biren Singh said that we should remember the supreme sacrifices made by forefathers for defending freedom against the mighty British in the 1891 Anglo-Manipuri War and present generation should respect the patriotism and sacrificial spirit of forefathers who fought against the British defying all odds for the sake of their motherland.

Yuvaraj Tikendrajit and Thangal General and many other leaders fought till their last breath for the sake of freedom, he said, adding that it is time to make India a powerful nation and all should work for nation building.

He also said that we should respect each other and work together to make a stronger state.

All should work for unity and any divisive or sectarian forces should be neglected, he added.

Governor Ganesan and chief minister Biren led the gathering in paying tribute to the Manipuri martyrs including Yuvaraj Tikendrajit, Thangal General, Pukhrambam Kajao, Niranjan Subedar and Chirai Naga at the Martyrs' Memorial (Samadhi) at Kangla Uttra and memorial of war heroes de ported to Andaman & Nicobar (Kalapani) at Bir Tikendrajit Park in Imphal.

Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly Th Satyabrata Singh, cabinet ministers, MLAs, chief secretary, DGP, senior officers and students attended the event.

A gun salute was also given by a contingent of Manipur Rifles at Shaheed Minar by firing three rounds as a mark of respect to the departed leaders.

Shumang Leela Council also observed 131st Patriots' Day at its office located at Palace compound here on Saturday.

Speaking at the observance, power minister Thongam Biswajit pointed out that along with the celebration of 75 years of India's independence, homage was paid to the freedom fighters of Manipur also.

While stating that numerous patriots were bom in Manipur, he stressed the need to remember their sacrifices for the motherland.

Making the younger generation to know about the sacrifices made by the ancestors for the motherland will surely ignite patriotism in their hearts, he opined.

A book penned by Manipur Shumang Leela Council life time president Ph Gunachandra titled "Mareibak ningba Koirengsana' was released and Shumang Leela 'Mareibak Ningba Koirengsana' showcased as a part of the observance.

The observance was also attended by social welfare minister Heikham Dingo among others.

Meanwhile, DM College of Teacher Education observed Patriots' Day at its hall and conducted patriotic song, recitation and extempore speech competitions.

DMTE principal Dr Rk Lokendra led the teaching and non-teaching staff in paying floral tributes to the martyrs.

Similarly, 131st Patriots' Day Celebration Committee, Manja, Karbi Anglong observed the day at Manipur Basti open hall located at Manja, Karbi Anglong in Assam.

The observance was attended by UCM vice president YK Dhiren, JCILPS co-convenor W Second, AMKIL president Lourembam Nganbi and advisor Khangembam Anandi among others.

An audio CD of patriotic song written by Niranjan Usham was also released on the occasion .

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