Fitting homage paid on Patriots' Day all over ; CM trumps values of patriotism
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 13 2013: Led by the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister, Manipur today paid fitting tributes to the martyrs and patriots of the 1891 Anglo-Manipur War.

People paid floral tributes to the martyrs at Sahid Minar, erected within Bir Tikendrajit Park, once known as Pheidapung in memory of Bir Tikendrajit and Thangal General where they were hung to death.

The anniversary function was attended by Chief Minister O Ibobi, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, Speaker Th Lokeshore, Cabinet Ministers, high ranking civil and police officials.

A team of Manipur Rifles gave the guard of honour and gun salute to the martyrs.

Speaking at the occasion, Chief Minister O Ibobi recalled that Manipuri people valued freedom to such an extent they could lay down their lives to protect freedom of the country.

"Patriots' Day is a continuous reminder that we too should be patriotic like our forefathers and should have the spirit of sacrificing our lives for the cause of the nation, if the need arises", Ibobi stated.

Patriots Day observed at Imphal

In their efforts to colonise Manipur, British rulers devised a number of strategies to arrest prince Tikendrajit but all went in vain.

Finally, British forces attacked the palace in the night causing fatal casualties to many people including women and children.

For their criminal act of attacking the palace and killing a number of people, five British officers were sentenced to death.

This led to the Anglo-Manipur War in April 1891 .

After the end of the war, Tikendrajit and Thangal General were hung to death on the charge of waging war against the British empire without conducting a proper trial.

Claiming that Manipuri people are now citizens of free India, Ibobi called upon all the people to take a collective pledge to protect sovereignty of the country just as the forefathers did.

Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam said that August 13 is a sacred date.

"We should observe Patriots' Day by swearing collectively that we would sacrifice for the common good and cause of the Nation", Gaikhangam exhorted.

"We should honour the courage of our forefathers who fought valiantly against the British forces knowing full well that they did not stand any chance of winning the war.

We should respect and uphold their ideals, and every community should understand that Manipur belongs to each and every one of us", he stated.

"Patriots' Day teaches us two lessons.

One is the indomitable spirit and valour of our forefathers and second, disunity among princes and royal families led to British conquest of Manipur", Gaikhangam added.

Observing that the new trend in which each community thinks and works for their own interests is not a positive sign, Gaikhangam asserted that such attitude unfailingly puts national or collective interests to the backburner.

Seeking cooperation towards the Government's efforts to bring development in both the hills and valley uniformly, the Deputy Chief Minister appealed to all concerned to stop abduction and extortion from officers who go for their duty to the hill districts.

It is the people who stand to lose if the officers decide not to go to hill districts for fear of their lives.

He further advocated non-violence for restoring peace and development.

The function culminated with the presentation of closing song by artistes of Sree Sree Mukunda Dev Government Music College and playing of the National Anthem by Manipur Rifles band party.