Fitting tributes paid to martyrs
Govt with people will fight divisive forces : Biren
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, August 13 2023: Chief Minister N Biren has stated that the Government and the people are and will be fighting against all divisive forces which are challenging the integrity of Manipur.

As a part of the Patriots' Day 2023 observation, Chief Minister N Biren, Ministers, MLAs, the Chief Secretary, the DGP, top ranking civil and police officials paid rich tributes to the memorial tomb of Bir Tikendrajit at Hicham Yaicham Pat, Yaiskul.

The dignitaries led by the Chief Minister then went to Palace Compound and paid floral tributes at Thangal Temple.

There a contingent of 2nd Manipur Rifles gave general salute and gun salute to Thangal General.

Fitting tributes paid to martyrs

Chief Minister N Biren, Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker Th Satyabrata, Ministers, Th Biswajit, Y Khemchand, Govindas Konthoujam, Dr Sapam Ranjan, L Susindro, H Dingo, Khasim Vashum, MLAs Sorokhaibam Rajen, Th Shyamkumar, Dr Y Radheshyam, K Robindro, Thangjam Arun, Kh Ibomcha, Thongam Shanti, Kh Loken, I Nalini, S Kebi, Sapam Kunjakeswor (Keba), Dr Usham Deben, M Rameshwar, Chief Secretary, DGP, top ranking civil and police officials took part in paying floral tributes to the patriots.

Responding to queries raised by media persons at Palace Compound, N Biren said that the Patriots Day is observed every year so as to pay homage and tributes to the brave patriots who challenged the mighty British empire for challenging the sovereignty of Manipur.

"The Patriots Day reminds us of the indomitable spirit and lofty ideals of the Manipuri heroes who sacrificed their lives for the motherland," Biren said.

He asserted that the present generation needs to follow the footsteps of those brave heroes.

He also called upon all the people to take a collective pledge to stand firm and fight all forces inimical to the interest of Manipur.

On being enquired when the current violence will end and peace will return in the State, the Chief Minister stated that the Government and the people have been fighting hard against all divisive forces determined to break up Manipur.

The State is gradually returning to peace and normalcy and all sections of people have been working hard to restore complete peace and normalcy in the State, Biren said.

He also sought people's support to all endeavours towards restoration of peace and normalcy in the State.

Later in the day, Governor Anusuiya Uikey and Chief Minister N Biren Singh led the people in paying floral tribute and laying of wreaths at Kangla Uttra and Shaheed Minar at Bir Tikendrajit Park.

The Governor also led the people in paying floral tributes at the Memorial Stone of exiled Martyrs of 1981 War heroes.

Speaking at the State level Patriots' Day observation held at Pheida Pung, BT Park, Governor Anusuiya Uikey said, "This day reminds us of the heroic deeds of the Manipuris at the fronts of the Anglo-Manipuri war of 1891, which showed the world that the Manipuris were brave enough to challenge the mighty British Empire, make sacrifices and show indomitable courage to defend their motherland" .

It was on this day in 1891 Bir Tikendrajit and General Thangal were hanged publicly by the British at Pheida Pung in Imphal in front of thousands of Manipuris.

"We got freedom because of the tireless efforts and sacrifices of our forefathers.

This day is an opportunity for us to make our future generations aware of the sacrifice and of our forefathers", she said.

"In addition to paying tributes to the heroic forefathers of Manipur, we must reiterate our pledge to work with dedication for our motherland", she added.

Reiterating that development should be accelerated for the prosperity and welfare of Manipur, the Governor said that it is the duty of every citizen to make the State and country strong and prosperous.

Expressing concern about the unrest in Manipur, the Governor appealed to all the citizens to give up violence and hatred among themselves and create an atmosphere of love and mutual understanding and brotherhood so that peace and tranquillity can be restored in Manipur.

She also urged everyone to protect the age old values of love, peace, tolerance and mutual understanding.

Chief Minister N Biren said that the Patriots' Day (August 13) is significant in the history of Manipur as it was on this day in 1891 Bir Tikendrajit, General Thangal, Niranjan Subedar, Pukhrambam Kajao and Chirai Naga laid down their lives in defending the sovereignty of Manipur.

"This day reminds us of the courage, dedication, determination and sacrificial spirit of the leaders in defending the sovereignty of Manipur despite having known that they were fighting against the mighty Britishers", Biren said.

"The stand of Maharaja Kulachandra against the British is worth remembering and as the descendents of those bravehearts, we all should follow their footprints so that commitment and dedication will be the striving force towards building a strong Nation", he continued.

To instill a sense of patriotism and nationalism in the younger generations, extra-curricular activities like debating competition, drama etc should be organized on this day from next year, he said.

Expressing his deepest shock over the unfortunate incidents leading to the loss of many valuable lives in the State in the past three months, the Chief Minister said, violence will not bring any solution and therefore all should stop violence.

He said, in-fighting amongst the communities will not solve anything and all issues can be resolved through Constitutional means.

It is in this direction that the State Government is working and under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, the State Government is tirelessly working to solve the ongoing crisis, Biren added.

BJP Manipur Pradesh also observed the 132nd Patriots' Day at their Nityaipat Chuthek office.

Led by BJP Manipur Pradesh president A Sharda, many leaders and members of the party paid floral tributes to the photographs of Bir Tikendrajit and Thangal General.