Patriotic fervour overflows on Patriots' Day
Governor calls for rededicated task of nation building
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, August 13 2010: Patriots' Day was widely observed in the state today to commemorate the sacrifice of the great heroes of the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891 that marked the beginning of British rule in Manipur.

Rich homage was paid to the "great heroes" by offering floral tributes at Hicham Yaicham Pat, Thangal Temple, Kangla Fort and the Saheed Minar at BT Park.

The state level commemoration function was held at BT Park in the afternoon.

Governor Gurbachan Jagat and Chief Minister, O Ibobi graced the function as chief guest and guest of honour respectively which was conducted amid tight security.

Ministers, MLAs, former Chief Ministers of Manipur, top officials of civil and security establishments attended the function.

overnor Gurbachan Jagat, Chief Minister O Ibobi, Chairman, PDA, Dr Kh Loken attending Patriots' Day celebration at BT Park, Imphal

Even though it was a public function, only invitation card holders were allowed to take part in the function.

Manipur has been observing August 13 every year as Patriots Day to remember the heroes of Anglo-Manipur war of 1891, fought between the army of Manipur and the invading British army.

Prince Tikendrajit and Thangal General were hanged at Pheijaleitong (now BT Park Sahid Minar) by the British on the charge of waging war against the British Empire.

State Governor and chief minister led the gathering in offering floral tributes to the martyrs of the state.

Addressing the occasion as chief guest, Governor Gurbachan Jagat called on the people of the state to rededicate the task of building a strong and prosperous nation in the true spirit of patriotism and selfless service.

"When we pay sincere homage and show our gratitude to these great martyrs, we should resolve to stand together firmly, shoulder to shoulder, and face all threats, internal and external, however strong they may be, for an all round development of the society," he said.

Jagat also said that like those in the rest of the country, citizens of Manipur are also enjoying freedom and all that it brings in the aftermath.

However, in his observation, he said the educated youth of present day Manipur and India as a whole are apparently self-centred and motivated to work only for their own gains.

"This needs to be changed into a better way of life so that they work hard earnestly in a sacrificing spirit and selfless attitude for upliftment of the society with a mental framework of love and brotherhood among themselves," he said.

The chief guest called upon all take the responsibility to preserve and promote the age-old values of love of peace, tolerance, brotherhood and mutual understanding and to work hard to bring an accelerated development in all fields in the state.

Chief Minister, O Ibobi while speaking as president of the function recounted the supreme scarified made by both known and unknown heroes and appealed to the youth of today to follow their footpath and strengthen the unity and integrity of the state.

"Now, we are within an independent nation, India and to protect the sovereignty of the nation and try to bring forward the nation will be the only true tribute to our brave forefathers", he stated.

On the occasion, names of the awardees of Chief Minister's Police Medal for Gallantry were also announced.

They are SI, P Dinesh of Imphal West Police Commando, Havildar L Premjit and constable A Langamba attached with the Imphal West Commando Unit and SI L Hemchand of CID (SB) attached with Thoubal Police Commando Unit.

The conferment of Chief Minister's Police Medal for Outstanding Devotion to Duty to rifleman S Jiban of 2nd was also announced.

Apart from state level functions, the government also organized district level functions to mark the occasion.

Many civil organizations and schools also observed the day.

Many other political parties, students' bodies and civil organisation observed the day at various places of the state.