Befitting tributes paid, memorial of exiled martyrs inaugurated
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 13 2021: The state on Friday observed Patriots' Day in memory of those heroes, who sacrificed their lives in the Anglo-Manipuri War, 1891 .

Governor of Manipur Ganga Prasad Chaurasia and chief minister N Biren led others in paying floral tributes at Kangla Utra and Shaheed Minar, Bir Tikendrajit Park.

A contingent of Manipur Rifles sounded the last post and offered gun salutes to the martyrs.

The CM, cabinet ministers, MLAs and others also offered floral tributes at Heecham Yaichampat, Yaiskul, where Bir Tikendrajit was cremated and at Thangal General Temple Complex, Palace Compound.

On the occasion, Governor Chaurasia inaugurated a memorial complex dedicated to the exiled martyrs of the Anglo-Manipuri War 1891 at Bir Tikendrajit Park.

The names of those unsung heroes, who fought valiantly against the mighty British forces and later exiled to Andaman and Nicobar Islands are engraved on the memorial stone unveiled on Friday.

Later, artistes of Roop Raag performed the first rendition of the state song of Manipur "Sana Leibak Manipur" written by renowned lyricist late B Jayantakumar Sharma and composed by Aribam Syam Sharma.

It may be mentioned that the state cabinet decided to adopt "Sana Leibak Manipur" by Roop Raag as the state song of Manipur recently.

While talking to media persons, the Governor reminded the public that they should not forget the supreme sacrifices made by the heroes who fought valiantly against British colonialism.

"On this occasion, let us pledge to work towards inclusive development and welfare of the people," he said and called upon the public to work for fulfilling the aspirations of Prime Minister Narendra Modi such as Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India), Make in India initiative among others.

Chief Minister N Biren said that the Memorial Complex is a tribute to all those unsung heroes, who were exiled to Andaman and Nicobar islands after the AngloManipuri war of l891."We must not forget those exiled martyrs who made the supreme sacrifices for protecting the sovereignty of our motherland.

This day reminds us of the courage and selfless sacrifices made by our forefathers who fought the mighty British forces despite knowing that they would be defeated," he said.

"Even though we speak different languages and follow different religions, there is a strong sense of oneness and unity among the communities living in the state.

There would be development only when there is peace.

Let us imbibe the feeling of nationalism and patriotism to uphold unity and integrity of the Nation", he added.

It may be mentioned here that the observance began with 'Prabhat Phery' commencing from DIPR Office, Keishampat at 4 am.

Patriotic songs were played at various locations of Imphal East and Imphal West districts to instil the spirit of patriotism among the public.

District administrations of all districts of the state also observed Patriots' Day at their respective District Headquarters.

Joint Students' Coordinating Committee (JSCC) also observed the day at AMSU HQ office located inside DM University campus where members of the constituent student bodies offered floral tributes to the patriots.

Speaking at the event, JSCC convener Dhanakumar Ningthouja emphasised on understanding the courage and sacrifices made by the forefathers and follow their ideologies in order to bring a strong society.

Meanwhile, BJP Manipur Pradesh observed Patriots' Day at the party's office here and paid rich tributes to the brave forefathers who made supreme sacrifices while trying to protect the sovereignty of Manipur.

BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra, BJP Manipur Pradesh president A Sharda, and general secretary (organisation) Abhay Giri led the participants in offering floral tributes to the portraits of the martyrs.

They also went to Heecham Yaicham Pat and offered tributes at the memorial site of Bir Tikendrajit.

Meanwhile, Patriotic Writers' Forum, Manipur Assam and Tripura observed the day on virtual mode.

Participants also recited poems on the occasion.

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