Fitting homage paid on Patriots' Day
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 13 2015: Commemorating the sacrifices made by Thangal General, Bir Tikendrajit and others in their struggle against the British imperialism.

Patriots'Day was observed today all over Manipur and beyond.

The main function was held at Pheidabung.

BT Park where Chief Minister Okram Ibobi led the gathering in offering floral tributes to the martyrs.

Chief Minister O Ibobi, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam.

Council of Ministers, Parliamentary Secretaries, MLAs.

high ranking civil and police officials including the Chief Secretary and DGP paid floral tributes to the martyrs.

A contingent of Manipur Rifles gave the guard of honour before a formal observance programme was held at BT Park.

The Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister were the chief guest and president respectively.

Opening song was played by the artistes of Shri Shri Bal Mukunda Dev Government Music College.

Addressing the gathering.

Chief Minister O Ibobi stated that the State Government has been observing a State function on Patriots' Day since 1970. During the series of battles fought in 1891 against the much superior British forces in terms of both manpower and fire power, the Manipuris showed before the whole world how much they valued their National freedom.

The State has been observing August 13 as Patriots' Day to commemorate the day when General Thangal and Bir Tikendrajit were hanged to death on the charge of waging war against the British Empress.

fbobi stated, "In addition to offering tributes to our brave patriots, the Patriots' Day is the most opportune moment to dedicate ourselves to the cause of the Nation" .

Urging people to be united, he stated that people should give up all inclinations of separatism.

Rather all must work collectively for the development of the Nation.

Deputy Chief Minister, Gaikhangam stated that the forefathers have taught the people to be fearless and courageous in times of external incursions.

He urged all concerned to emulate the forefathers and like them, people of the State must stand firm as one.

Stressing that some elements are posing threats to the territorial and emotional integrity, Gaikhangam said that time has come for the people to shed differences and once again pledge to work as one unit to face such threats.

Gaikhangam urged the people to stop fighting among themselves as it will only give opportunities to other elements ready to break the age-old bond of brotherhood.

The Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister also led others in offering floral tributes at Hicham Yaichampat, Yaiskul Janmasthan, where Bir Tikendrajit was cremated after he was hung to death along with Thangal General at Mapal Kangjeibung on August 13, 1891 .

A contingent of Manipur Rifles sounded the last post and offered gun salutes to pay homage to the martyr.

Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker Th Lokeshwar, Education Minister M Okendro, Social Welfare Minister AK Mirabai, Commerce and Industries Minister Govindas Konthoujam, Works Minister Kh Ratankumar, PHE Minister I Hemochandra, IFC Minister Ngamthang Haokip, MLAs O Landhoni, Y Surchandra, Karam Shyam, Yamthong Haokip, T Mangibabu and top Government officials also offered floral tributes at the memorial site.

Later, the gathering led by Chief Minister Okram Ibobi went to Thangal General's memorial at Palace compound and offered flowers and paid homage to the martyr.

Patriots' Day observation was also held in different districts of the State.

In Churachandpur district, as part of the observation, a blood donation camp was held at Churachandpur district hospital with DC Lunminthang Haokip as the chief guest.

17 people mostly the volunteers of Nehru Yuva Kendra, Churachandpur donated blood at the camp.

Later, the DC inaugurated a newly constructed toilet complex of the hospital.

In Tamenglong district, the day was observed at the office chamber of DC M Luikham.

Civil and police officials, who took part in the observation, observed a two-minute silence to pay homage to the martyrs.

They also offered floral tributes at the portraits of the martyrs.

In Bishnupur district, the day was observed at district headquarters Mini Secretariat with DC Bobby Waikhom as the chief guest.

Apart from offering general salute by a contingent of Manipur police, the gathering offered floral tributes to martyrs.

DC Robert Kshetrimayum attended the Patriots' Day observation as chief guest in Chandel.

A contingent of 8th Battalion Manipur Rifles offered general salute to martyrs.

In Senapati district, the day was observed at General Thangal Ecological Park with DC Jacintha Lazarus as the chief guest.

General salute and floral tributes were offered to martyrs at the function.

Patriots' day observation was also held at DC office complex, Thoubal.

DC K Ranjit, SP Radhashyam and Additional DC Ksh Lemba attended the function as chief guest, guest of honour and president respectively.

Manipur People's Party (MPP) also observed the day at the party office with its president N Sovakiran and advisor Dr L Chandramani as presidium members.

Workers and leaders from different blocks and districts attended the function.

All Manipur Progressive Farmers' Association (AMPFA) also observed the day.

Meanwhile, Protection and Preservation Committee, Manipur (PPCM) observed Patriots' Day at Lamyanba Shanglen today.

PPCM convenor Elangbam Johnson and PPCM executive members Kh Chingkhei Luwang, Sunil Karam and Nameirakpam Chingkheinganbi attended the function as presidium members.

Speaking at the occasion, Elangbam Johnson said that non-locals comprised only 12 per cent of the total population of the State in 1951 .

However, this has increased to 30 per cent now posing serious threat to indigenous people, he said.

He also questioned why the Government is unable to implement an Act which can safeguard the indigenous people.

Sunil Karam said that indigenous people would become extinct in the State if a regulation is not implemented on time before introduction of train services.

Saying that Constitution of India was enacted according to the need of the people, Sunil Karam opined that nothing is wrong in demqnding that a legislation be enforced which can effectively protect the indigenous people of Manipur.

Mekola Youth Association also observed Patriots' Day at their office today.

People offered floral tributes at the portraits of Bir Tikendrajit and Thangal General.

Meanwhile, a large number of womenfolk today offered flowers and lit candles at different martyrs' memorials as part of Patriots' Day observation jointly organised by AMKIL, Nupi Samaj and All Manipur Tammi-Chingmi Apunba Lup.

The womenfolk gathered at Wahengbam Leikai area and proceeded towards BT road holding banners, torches and placards.

They took a U-tum from the traffic island located at the western gate of Kangla and entered BT Park to offer floral tributes and lit candles at Shahid Minar.

From there, they proceeded towards Wahengbam Leikai, Keishampat and Keishamthong to reach Hicham Yaichampat at Moirangkhom.

After they paid homage to Bir Tikendrajit there, they went to Thangal General memorial at Palace compound and offered flowers and candles.

Union of Social Uplifitment, Public Theatre Artistes Association, Azad English School, KIMACS, Huyen Lallong Manipur Thang-Ta Cultural Association, Aam Admi Party-Manipur, Janata Dal (United) Manipur State, Manipuri Literary Society, Patriotic Writers' Forum, Manipur, United Youth Organisation, Loumi Sinmi Apunba Lup and Royal Academy of Law, Oinam also observed the day.

Irabot Celebration Committee, Irengbam also observed the day at Irengbam community hall.

Kungfu and kick boxing players who have won medals in the recently held National competitions were feted at the function.

The day was also observed at Congress Bhavan wherein Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, Ministers, MLAs and MPs led others in offering floral tributes to martyrs.

All Assam Manipuri Students Union, Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, Assam and other Meitei bodies jointly observed the day at Hojai GI New Market.

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