Misplaced Patriotism
- Hueiyen Lanpao Editorial :: August 14, 2012 -

For every Manipuri true to his blood, August 13 is not just an important day in the annual calendar but a sacred day washed and sacrosanct by the blood of their forefathers.

It was on this day in 1891 when two heroes of Manipur, the then crown prince Tikendrajit and Thangal General were hanged to death at Pheidabung by the British on alleged charge of waging war against the British Empire after the erstwhile independent kingdom was defeated in a decisive battle at Khongjom on April 23, 1891.

The grit, valour and patriotism of the Manipuri people were such that Manipur was the last territory that the British could capture in the whole of Asia.

Keeping alive this spirit of patriotism and the sacrifices made by Tikendrajit, Thangal General and thousands of other brave Manipuri soldiers who laid down their lives in a bid to protect the independence and sovereignty of Manipur, August 13 is being observed every year as Patriots' Day.

The main commemorative event is organized under the aegis of the State administration wherein the Governor and the Chief Minister led other Council of Ministers, MLAs and government officials in laying floral wreaths and paying tributes to the martyrs at their memorials.

Unfortunately, a solemn occasion like the observance of Patriots' Day and remembrance of the supreme sacrifices made by the forefathers of Manipuri people is increasingly becoming a farcical show of dumb charade.

With our so called elected public leaders and their security apparatus throwing their weight around to shoo away the public from coming closer to the place of the observance, even from a mile apart, along with enforcing traffic rules out of the blue; the commemorative event held under the aegis of state administration is devoid of public participation year after year.

So, what is the point of observing Patriots' Day when our elected leaders are so allergic to the presence of common people who have anointed them as their representatives? What is even more funnier in the observance of Patriots' day over the years is the endless talks of these so called elected leaders on the bravery and courage of forefathers of Manipuri people from behind the shield of security ring.

On the other hand, the confused Manipuri people are lapping up the occasion as some sort of festivity to be celebrated and are trooping out in the evening to click photographs in front of the elaborately decorated Kangla Gate or the lighting arrangement on the road side trees and traffic islands.

Our brave forefathers must be definitely stirring in their graves when Patriots' Day arrives every year.