Rich tribute paid to martyrs on Patriots Day
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 13 2011: Like in the past offering of floral tribute, gun salute, speeches of exhortation, patriotic song competitions and blood donation camps marked the Patriots' Day observance held across the State and beyond.

After defeating the poorly-equiped soldiers of the erstwhile sovereign Manipur kingdom in the battle of Khongjom on April 27, 1891 the then powerful British empire hanged to death many warriors of Manipur among whom Yuvraj tikendrajit, Thangal General, Kajao Niranjan Subedar and Chirai Naga were charged of leading the rebellion against the Queen.

While Tikendrajit and Thangal General were hanged to death in the present day Bir Tikendrajit Park on August 13, 1891 without a fair trial, some days later Niranjan Subedar and Chirai Naga also suffered the fate inside the historic Kangla fort.

In honour of the supreme sacrifice made for protecting the sovereign status of Manipur, successive Government of Manipur had been observing August 13 as the Patriots' Day.

The observance function organised by the Government of Manipur, commenced from 8 am today at Yaiskul Hicham Yaichampat memorial park, the place where Bir Tikendrajit was cremated, and followed by offering of floral tribute at the Thangal General memorial site in Palace Compound.

Patriots Day observance held at Kangla (top left), Jiribam (top right) and BT Park (bottom)

the Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh led the people in paying floral tribute at the Hicham Yaicham memorial site.

Many SPF Council of Ministers and top officials also joined the general public in offering floral at the memorial sites.

Apart from floral tribute paid to the martyrs, Manipur Rifles band party played the 'last post' paying homage to the departed souls in addition to gun salute by the soldiers.

Two minutes silence was also observed on the occasion.

The observance continued in the evening with the Chief Minister leading the people in paying obeisance to the martyrs at Kangla and later at BT Park.

The observance at BT Park was held with Governor Gurbachan Jagat and the Chief Minister as the chief guest and president respectively.

Noting that through observance of Patriots Day every year, the people are reminded of the valour and supreme sacrifice made by the warriors of Manipur in the 1891 Khongjom War, the Governor said in addition to the spirited battle fought against the powerful British regime the Manipuri warriors displayed their love and preparedness to lay down their lives for the nation to the entire world.

Stating that it is duty of the citizens to contribute their mite in not only safeguarding the nation but also promote all-round development, he said India being a vast country its development and strength depends on the contribution of each and every State and union territory.

Noting that Manipur at present is passing through a critical stage with violence, abduction for ransom and various forms of agitation effecting the general public, Gurbachan Jagat made a fervent appeal to every responsible citizen for ensuring peace and tranquillity in Manipur.

In his presidential address, O Ibobi Singh said the observance is an opportunity for every citizen of Manipur to not only remember sacrifice made by a number of both known and unknown soldiers in the battle of Khongjom but also to renew pledge for contributing to the nation's growth and development.

Observing that had all the rulers in the princely states of India stood unitedly it would have been impossible for the British empire to conquer India, the Chief Minister gave a clarion call to the people of manipur to shed off parochial outlook and work for protecting integrity of Manipur.

Similar observance functions were also held at Congress Bhavan, while at Kwakeithel Akham Leikai community hall All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO) hosted the event.

All Manipur Students' Union also joined the people in paying tribute to the martyrs at its DM College campus office, as All Manipur Recognised Private Schools' Welfare Association organised the observance at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen.

speakers at the observance function organised by AMUCO cited dissension among the princes of the then independent kingdom of Manipur as the chief factor for the British soldiers invading the princely state subsequently making it one of its colonies.

Recounting supreme sacrifices made by Bir Tikendrajit, Thangal Genera, Paona Brajabashi in the battle for protecting Manipur's independence, they also called upon the people to strive for strengthening the age-old fraternal bond.

Representatives of Poirei Leimarol Apunba Meira Paibi Manipur and All Manipur Women Voluntary Organisation also participated in the event observed as Athoubashinggi Ningshing Numeet.

At AMSU office clarion calls were given by the speakers to strive for emulating the spirit of sacrifice and valour of the forefathers in order to safeguard Manipur from all destructive forces.

Patriots' Day observances were also held at several education institutions as well as in different localities.