Fitting tributes paid to patriots on Patriots Day
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 13, 2012: Patriots' Day 2012 was observed today all over the State to pay respect to the patriots who laid down their lives in defending the State from British invasion in the Anglo-Manipuri War 1891. Chief Minister O Ibobi led gatherings in paying floral tributes to the patriots at Hicham Yaichampat (Moirangkhom) and Thangal General Temple complex, Palace Compound this morning at 8. Among others, the wreath laying ceremony was attended by Home Minister Gaikhangam, Education Minister M Okendro, Industries Minister Konthoujam Govindas, PHED Minister I Hemochandra, PWD Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar, MLA O Landhoni and other MLAs and high ranking officials of the Government.

Later in the day, a State function was held at BT Park where the Governor led the gathering in paying homage to the Patriots who laid down their lives in defending their motherland.

Chief Minister O Ibobi and his Council of Ministers, MLAs and State Government officials joined in offering homage to the brave sons of Manipur.

Offering of gun salute to the martyrs by Manipur Rifles personnel and rendition of the National Anthem marked the Patriots' Day observance function.

Speaking at the occasion, Governor Gurbachan Jagat said that August 13 is a reminder of the heroic acts of Manipuris, both known and unknown, on different war fronts of the Anglo-Manipur War 1891 that showed to the world that Manipuris had the indomitable and unconquerable spirit to challenge the then world's mightiest power, the British for the sake of their motherland.

Patriots' Day 2012 observed

They also demonstrated that freedom can neither be traded nor conceded at any cost and under any circumstances, instead they finally sacrificed their lives for the cause of the freedom of the motherland, the Governor observed while adding that their lives would always inspire the people of Manipur with the sense of self-sacrifice, patriotism and bravery.

Recalling that the freedom of Manipur was lost in 1891 mainly due to the disunity, dissension, and dissenting attitude among the then Princes of Manipur, Gurbachan Jagat said it is a fact of history that foreign powers always take advantage of prevailing disunity and factionalism in other countries in order to subjugate them.

Stating that Manipur has been faced with a number of problems like ethnic and social tension, extortions, abduction for ransom, senseless killing due to inter-group rivalries and violence against women, imposing bandh and blockades, Governor Gurbachan called on the people to extend cooperation to the Government in order to maintain peace and harmony in the State in the interest of the common men, who suffer the most due to the prevailing problems.

Paying sincere homage to the heroic forefathers, the Governor called on the people to take responsibility to preserve and promote the age-old values of love for peace, tolerance, brotherhood and mutual understanding and strive hard for bringing about accelerated development in all fields in the State.

The Day was also observed by the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee at the Congress Bhavan located at BT Road.

MPCC (I) President and State Home Minister, Gaikhangam led the members in paying homage to the martyrs.

The MPCC President also inaugurated a four-day disaster management training for Congress workers today.

Manipur People's Party (MPP) also observed Patriots' Day at its office near Mapal Kangjeibung.

The observance function was graced by MPP President Sanasam Umananda, vice-president H Manisana, adviser Dr L Chandramani and various other MPP functionaries and members took part in the observance programme.

In Senapati, Patriots' Day was observed at Thangal General Ecological Park, Mayang Khang.

The observance programme was graced by RD and PR Minister, Francis Ngajokpa; IFCD Minister Ngamthang Haokip and MLA of Chingai AC, Preshaw Shimray as the chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.

The function was also attended by DC of Senapati, PK Jha; Senapati SP Pushpanjali and various other district level officers.

Offering of floral tribute and rendition of patriotic songs marked the function at Thangal General Ecological Park, Mayang Khang.

In Chandel, the Day was observed at DC office Complex, which was graced by Chandel DC Th Chitaranjan.

Paying of floral tributes to the patriots and gun salute by personnel of 8th MR marked the observance.

District level officers have attended the function.

In Thoubal, the Day was observed at DC Complex which was graced by Wangkhem AC MLA, Keisham Meghachandra and DC of Thoubal K Radhakumar as the chief guest and president respectively.

Various DLOs of Thoubal attended the programme.

A blood donation cum awareness programme was also held in connection with the occasion.

Meanwhile, Patriots' Day was also observed by Social Welfare Club, Mayang Imphal at Mayang Imphal Keithel Shanglen.

The occasion was attended by Works Minister, Dr Kh Ratankumar; Agriculture Minister,Md Nasir; MLA of Wanoi AC, Oinam Lukhoi; Chairperson of Mayang Imphal Municipal Council, Th Rajmohon and Founder member of Social Welfare Club, Mayang Imphal, Ksh Moirangthem as the chief guest, guests of honour and president respectively.

Offering of floral tribute to the portraits of Thangal General and Bir Tikendrajit, torch rally, and a debating competition marked the observance programme.

The Day was also observed at Community Recreation Centre cum Library, Ningomthong where paying floral tribute to the portraits of Thangal General and Bir Tikendrajit was the main event of the observance programme.

At Lamyanba Shanglen, Patriots' Day was observed under the aegis of All Manipur Recognised Private Schools' Welfare Association.

Association of Voluntary Blood Donors, Manipur has also organised a one-day blood donation camp in connection with the Patriots' Day obervance at the premises of District Hospital, Thoubal.

Lions and Lioness Clubs of Imphal, in collaboration with IGAR (S) and IHBT, RIMS Hospital, organised a voluntary blood donation awareness and blood donation campaign at Lions Eye Hospital, Sangaiprou in connection with the Patriots' Day.

The awareness campaign was graced by Brig Navneet Kumar of 9 Sector AR under IGAR (S); Medical Superintendent of JNIMS, Dr W Gopimohon and President of Lions Club of Imphal, AK Sharma.

Fitting tribute was offered to the statue of Thangal General at Konung Mamang Traffic Island and Hicham Yaichampat under the aegis of Apunba Manipur Kanba Ima Lup.

A state level debating competition was held in connection with Patriots' Day at Hotel Imphal by Protection and Preservation Committee, Manipur.

The Patriots' Day Organising Committee, Manipur University has organised the Day at the varsity's Court Room which was graced by VC of MU, Prof HNK Sarma and Dean of Students' Welfare, Prof Th Ratankumar.

CBSE Schools' Monitoring Cell has organised a function to mark the Day at Khuman Lampak.

Rising Knowledge Club, Khoyathong has also observed the Patriots' Day at its premises in Khoyathong.