Patriots' Day greetings
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 12 2021:
Governor Ganga Prasad, Chief Minister N Biren Singh, Speaker Yumnam Khemchand, IPR Minister Th Biswajit and Agriculture Minister O Lukhoi have extended greetings on the occasion of Patriots' Day.
In his message, the new Governor stated that 13th day of August every year is observed as 'Patriots' Day' in the State in memory of those who laid down their lives in the Anglo-Manipuri War which took place towards the end of the 19th century.
It was on this day in 1891 that the British hanged State's brave forefathers including Bir Tikendrajit for resisting their colonial design.
The brave souls made the supreme sacrifice for the love of freedom of motherland, he noted.
Many of the warriors who survived the war.
for the freedom were also banished for life from Manipur.
All of them embraced death or prison willingly rather than lose freedom, the Governor said and added that the day marked the turning point in the history of the State and will remain a great historical significance.
"I am privileged to join the people of Manipur in observing the 'Patriots' Day' and wish the observations in the State and outside the State all success," he added.
The Chief Minister also noted that 'Patriots' Day' remind all of the supreme and selfless sacrifices made by hundreds of soldiers fighting against the mighty British while defending the sovereignty of Manipur.
"Let us pay our respects to our forefathers remembering their highest act of patriotism," he said.
In his message, Speaker Y Khemchand stated that the forefathers deserve heartiest respect and honour.
Manipur, though a tiny State put up a fight against the mighty British instead of surrendering which was indeed the bravest thing to do, the Speaker noted .
While recalling the brave sacrifices of the forefathers of the State including Bir Tikendrajit, Thangal General, Chirai Naga, Pukhrambam Kajao, Niranjan Subedar and host of other martyrs for the cause of the freedom of Manipur, Works Minister Th Biswajit called on all to stand united for peace and development and bear the same indomitable and unconquerable spirit in fight against all odds.
Agriculture Minister, O Lukhoi also paid tributes to the State's patriots who laid down their lives resisting the British colonial designs in 1891 on the occasion.
He also urged all to uphold the spirit of unity.