Sanayaima calls for unity against divisive forces
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, August 13 2024:
Former UNLF chairman RK Sanayaima has called for unity against forces threatening the integrity and identity of Manipur while paying tribute to the heroes who sacrificed their lives in the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891 .
He was speaking during the Patriots' Day observance held at the Youth Welfare Organisation (YWO) community hall in Singjamei Thokchom Leikai on Tuesday.
The event, jointly organised by Patriots' Day Observation Committee, Manipur, and Youth Welfare Organisation, began with the participants marching up to Heecham Yaicham Pat at Yaiskul and offering floral tributes at the memorial of Bir Tikendrajit to honour the bravehearts who fought for defending Manipur's sovereignty against the British forces.
In his speech, Sanayaima reflected on the historical significance of Patriots' Day, noting that the Pan Manipur Youth League began observing the day in 1961, marking 55 years of commemoration.
He emphasised that the observance is not only about paying tributes to the martyrs but also about remembering the supreme sacrifices made by the forefathers in defending Manipur's sovereignty.
Sanayaima highlighted that the day serves as a reminder of the countless martyrs who laid down their lives on multiple battlefronts.
He said that while the British may have won on the battlefield, they failed to defeat the nationalism and valour of the people of Manipur.
He stressed the importance of upholding the sense of patriotism and courage, even in the face of defeat, and urged the people of Manipur to recognise the day as one of the most important and meaningful in the state's history.
Sanayaima also observed that public participation in Patriots' Day observances had dwindled over the years.
However, he expressed optimism as more organisations and educational institutions are now observing the day with a renewed sense of purpose.
He called for widespread observance of Patriots' Day to instil sense of patriotism among the people, especially the younger generation, for abetter future.
Addressing the current situation, Sanayaima urged every son and daughter of Manipur to remember the sacrifices made by their forefathers and to take a united stand against forces challenging the unity, integrity, and identity of Manipur.
The event also featured speeches by Senior Citizen Forum president Thokchom Ibopishak, social scientist Dr Dhanabir Laishram, and Kabui Samiti Manipur president DL Kabui, highlighting various aspects of the historic day and the sacrifices made by the martyrs.
At the same time, College of Agriculture, CAU Imphal, observed Patriots' Day at its Iroisemba campus.
The college also organised a Tiranga rally as part of the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign.
Manipur State Shumang Leela Council (MSSLC) also marked the day with a ceremony at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound.
The event included floral tributes to the portraits of the patriots, followed by a Shumang Leela performance titled "Mareipak Ningba Koirengsana,'' presented by MSSLC artistes.
AMKIL, Nupi Samaj, and Tammi Chingmi Apunba Meira Paibi Lup also jointly organised Patriots' Day at the Wahengbam Leikai community hall.
The event included a torch rally till BT Park, where Meira Paibi members offered floral tributes at Shaheed Minar.
The rally continued to Heecham Yaicham Pat in Yaiskul and Thangal General Temple at Palace Compound, paying homage to the martyrs at these memorial sites.
Patriots' Day observances were also held at various locations across the state.
Kamakhya Pemton College.
Hiyangthang, organised the event at their college campus, while RSS Imphal Nagar held their event at Seva Bharati Baudhik Hall, Nagamapal.
ABVP Manipur conducted observances at multiple locations, including CIPET and Government Polytechnic.
RIMS Imphal marked the day at the institute's new examination hall, and the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) of United College, Chandel, hosted their event at the college's science seminar hall.
Ideal Club, Sagolband Tera Keithel, under the aegis of Patsoi MLA Sapam Kunjakesh-war, observed the day at their club.
Additionally, Eight Star United Clubs' Organisation (ESUCO) organised a ceremony at Sunshine Club, Korsantabi community hall.
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