Gun salute, floral tributes mark Patriots Day at Thangal General Park
UNC, NPO, NWU, MIC join hands to salute brave souls
Source: The Sangai Express

Senapati, August 13 2024: Traditional gun salute and floral tributes marked the Patriots Day at Thangal General Park, Mayangkhang in Kangpokpi district.

The event was graced by Water Resources and Relief & Disaster Management Minister Awangbow Newmai as the chief guest, RK Philip, president, Thangal Union as functional president, MLA Leishiyo Keishing, UNC president Ng Lorho and NPO president Kuba Peter as guests of honour and Naga Women's Union president Ch Priscilla Thiumai and Maram Thangal Council president A John as special guests.

In his keynote, RK Phillip stated that the day marks the supreme sacrifices made by the two legendary heroes belonging to the Thangal community.

In his paper presentation, M Khangba, general secretary of Thangal Union stated that patriotism became a part of Thangal identity when their forefathers took on the great and mighty British.

The names of Lungthoubu Thangal (popularly known as General Thangal ) and Charai Thangal always evoke a sense of unyielding patriotism and indomitable spirit in the annals of Manipur history.

They were hung to death in the gallows on 13th August, 1891 and 13 th October, 1891 respectively.

Few would recall, but there were two other patriots from Mayangkhang village who were also sentenced and deported to Andaman & Nicobar islands.

They were Chowkami Naga and Go who Naga who aided Charai Thangal during the war of 1891 on the northern front.

These were men of undaunted courage and strength, M Khangba said.

He said that the Patriots' Day held each year on 13th August is a special time to recall, reflect, honour and commemorate the bravery of these heroes.

Though not of noble birth, Thangal General excelled and occupied many important positions and eventually rose to the highest rank in the Manipur army.

The posts held by him included Laiphamlakpa, Nunehanjaba, Commandant of the Tuli Naha Regiment of the Manipur army with the rank of Menjor (major), the highest military rank, Aya Poorel, Minister for Burmese Affairs, a Minister of the Durbar and later a General.

He was both feared and respected by successive British Political Agents in Manipur, the Thangal Union general secretary recounted.

Patriotism doesn't mean only to fight for the liberation of one's motherland from alien rule, but includes true love and honest feeling for fellow men and passionate work for progress of the motherland, he said.

General Thangal truly loved his motherland and dedicated his whole life to protect the freedom of Manipur and for bringing progress to his motherland, he said.

UNC president Ng Lorho in his speech called the day as a proud moment for all people in the State.

He also mentioned that the great heroes were bom and drawn from smaller tribes.

The UNC president prayed that more such patriots, brave and courageous, be bom from the Naga community even in the future.

MLA Leishiyo Keishing too stated that it is a proud moment for all who had left a legacy for all.

Taking serious note of the disunity among people, the MLA urged all to unite and work together for betterment of all in the land.

Speaking as the chief guest, Water Resources Minister Awangbow Newmai stated that even though the Britishers put an end to the lives of those brave patriots, their spirit and deeds live on till date.

Thangal General was known to have had a good relationship with the British Government but not at the cost of Manipur's sovereignty and land.

That's one reason why people still remember and honour such patriots, Awangbow said.

Thangal General could have a thousand ways to escape from hanging but boldly decided to be hanged if his land and sovereignty were to be subjugated, he said.

Awangbow Newmai then questioned the gathering what would be their contribution to the Nation.

While asserting the need to worship such heroes, he asked if the present generation has inherited the spirit of patriotism of those brave heroes.

The event was organised by the Thangal Union together with the United Naga Council (UNC) .

Different CSO leaders including the UNC, ANSAM, NWU, tribe hohos and student leaders apart from the representatives of Thangal tribe attended the programme.

The programme culminated with a folk song competition of the Thangal community.

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