Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, August 13 2010:
Apart from the state level function, various political parties, students' bodies, and civil organisations also observed "Patriots Day" at various places today.
The Manipur People Party (MPP) observed the day at its office in which leaders of the party and workers paid floral tributes to the war heroes of yesteryears in a formal function at its office premises at the western side of Imphal Polo Ground.
Senior leader of the party, O Joy said that the war for protection of Manipur independence was not fought by the Meitei community alone but by all communities and tribes residing in the state together since time immemorial.
The territorial boundary of Manipur was protected by the blood of all communities and tribes.
It is the bounden duty of the present day generation to protect and safeguard the territory of the state.
Every community, every tribe should take full responsibility to fight against any attempt to break the territorial integrity of the state, he urged.
The National Identity Protection Committee (NIPCO) also observed the 119th Patriot Day at Yaingangpokpi Bazar in association with Youth Progressive Front (YPF) and Youth United Club (YUC).
President of NIPCO, Khupler Kom, chairman of Phaijol village Chongsukung Kharam, former manager of Manipur Rural Bank L Rameshwor and advisor of NIPCO, Y Nabachandra adorned the dais at the observance function.
Speaking as chief guest of the function, Khupler Kom called for keeping behind selfishness of community and tribe and to follow the path taken by the forefathers who sacrificed for the independent of the motherland.
Following the path of Bir Tikendrajit, Thangal General, Paona Barjabarshi and to work for the unity among the different communities residing together in the state and to strengthen the state will be the true tribute to them, he said.
The 119th Patriot Day was also observed by the All Manipur Students' Union (AMSU) in a function at the centenary hall of the DM College of Science.
Founder member of AMSU Leihouthabam Sharatchandra, L Gojendro and the present President Irengbam Jamesbond were chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.
The Indian People's Theatre Association and NG Cultural Academy organised a function at Madanmohon Mandov, Singjamei Thongam Leikai.
President of the Senior Citizen for Society, N Binoy, former minister, Dr M Nara attended as chief guest and president respectively.
To mark the occasion, Imphal Public Higher Secondary School, Singjamei presented gifts to the volunteers of the Kangleipak Economic Development Organisation (KEDO) at a function held at the school premises in Singjamei.
Meanwhile, a torch rally was marched on the streets in Imphal participated by a large number of womenfolk of Apunba Manipur Kanba Ima Lup (AMKIN) and Khwairamband Keithel Nupi Lup.
The rally originated from Khwairamband Bazar converged at BT Park first and paid floral tributes there.
After observing a two minute silence there, the rally proceeded further to the Thangal Temple at the Palace Compound where they lighted candles to pay respects to the heroes of yesteryear.