August 13
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 10 2011:
The co-ordination committee of KCP, KYKL, PREPAK, PREPAK (PRO), RPF, UNLF and UPPK has appealed to all for observing Patriots' Day on August 13 and remember the sacrifices made by the forefathers for the independence of Mani-pur.
In a statement, the co-ordination committee remin- ded that the Anglo-Mani-puri war of 1891 was a war fought between the mighty British empire, where the sun was said to never set, and the tiny sovereign State Manipur, whose population at that time was just around 10 lakh.
The brave Manipuri forefathers knew what the outcome of the war would be, yet they went ahead and sacrificed their lives saying it is better to live independently for one day than to remain enslave lifelong.
After the defeat of Mani-pur in the war, the British executed Jubaraj Tikendra-jit, Thangal General and some other people at Mapal Kangjeibung on August 13, 1891 .
The public have been allowed to witness the execution to discourage any possible revolt against the colonial ruler in future.
But contrary to that, the people of Manipur been observing August 13 every year as Patriots' Day and none has been able to drive away the spirit of freedom from the hearts and minds of the people, the statement said.
It is the bouden duty of every Manipuri to remember their brave forefathers who did not hesitate from sacrificing their for the cause of liberation of Mani-pur, the statement added.