Patriots' Day greetings pour in
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 12 2023:
Governor Anusuiya Uikey and Chief Minister N Biren led in greeting the people on the occasion of Patriots' Day.
In her greeting, the Governor appealed to all to stand and fight as one against all those who challenge the freedom and integrity of the Nation irrespective of caste, creed, religion and other differences.
"The occasion reminds us of our heroic forefathers like Bir Tikendrajit, Thangal General, Chirai Naga, Pukhrambam Kajao, Niranjan Subedar and a host of martyrs who made the supreme sacrifice for the cause and freedom of their motherland," she said.
Anusuiya Uikey further stated that there were many others who were banished for life from Manipur who believed in the freedom of their Nation and challenged the might of the British Empire in 1891 by embracing death and prison rather than to live without freedom.
"This historic day also jogs our memory that if we don't live and work together we stand to lose," the Governor added.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh, while conveying his greetings, said that the present generation of Manipuris should rise above all differences and stand as one against forces which wish to disintegrate the State.
Saying that 'our forefathers' valued freedom and sovereignty of their motherland more than their own lives, the Chief Minister reiterated that the present generations should reflect on the thoughts and deeds of 'our forefathers' and stand united against forces who wish to break apart Manipur.
He then appealed to one and all to pay their respect to 'our forefathers' who showed highest acts of patriotism on this occasion.
"Let their memory guide us in facing various divisive forces acting from within and outside," he prayed and paid his homage to the fallen heroes on the occasion of Patriots' Day.
Health Minister Dr S Ranjan also extended his greeting on the occasion and made an earnest appeal to every Manipuri to work together to bring peace and normalcy in the State.
Paying his tributes to the brave heroes of Manipur who laid down their lives in defending the sovereignty of Manipur, the Minister said that Patriots' Day is observed on 13th August every year in remembrance of the brave sons of Manipur who chose death over surrendering the sovereignty of 'our motherland' to the British despite knowing that defeat was inevitable.
"Let us all resolve to stand together as one rising above all differences against divisive forces both from outside and within and also work together towards bringing peace and harmony in the State", he further appealed.