Imphal, August 13: Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh and his Council of Ministers joined the people in paying rich tribute to the Prince of the then sovereign Manipur Bir Tikendra-jit and Thangal General to commemorate their supreme sacrifice in safeguarding the independence of Manipur kingdom against the strong British force of the colonial era.

The main State organised function of the observance was held at Bir Tikendrajit Park, BT Road in the evening even as reports of celebrating the occasion at district headquarters trickled in.

At Hicham Yaichampat, Yaiskul the CM and his Ministerial colleagues joined the people in offering floral tribute at the memorial tomb of Bir Tikendrajit.

The Chief Minister along with the Ministers and MLAs reached the memorial site at exactly 8 am amidst the Manipur Rifles band party's rendition of patriotic number to honour the departed souls who laid down their lives opposing the mighty British soldiers of the 19th century.

Top officials of the State also took part in offering floral tribute at the memorial "site followed by a contingent of 1st MR formally marking the end of the observance with a general salute.

After the Yaiskul event the Chief Minister along with his Ministerial colleagues and MLAs went to the Palace Compound memorial site of Thangal General about half an hour later to pay their respect.

As observed annually several organizations throughout the State organized memorial programme to remember the martyrs of Manipur.

In Tamenglong, Chandel, Bishnupur and Thou-bal district headquarters where district level officials attended along with the people speeches were marked recalling the exemplary contribution of the departed soldiers of the then sovereign Manipur to oppose British invasion.

Highlighting the brave and supreme sacrifices made by these leaders the upcoming generation were urged to follow in their forefathers� footsteps to serve for the people.

As the observance was held in the backdrop of intense agitation to demand withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958 from Manipur speakers at different observation locations highlighted security forces' excesses and stressed on discarding black laws being promulgated in Manipur.

Speeches, debate and symposium competitions, staging plays and offering of floral tribute were the main highlight of the observance.

As part of the observation members of Cheiraoching Semgat Marup accompanied by several number of morning joggers and sportspersons offered converged at the Cheiraoching hill top where besides offering floral tribute to the brave sons of Manipur also prayed for the weight-lifters N Kunjarani Devi and Th Sanamacha Chanu to excel at the Athens Olympics.

Members of Manipur Intellectual Forum observed the day with a memorial service at Sahid Minar (formerly Lamlen Pheidabung) in BT Road where Bir Tikendrajit (also known as Yuvaraj Koireng) and Thangal General were hanged by the British ruler for revolting against the British empire.

At Khoyathong local women body members organized memorial service, offered floral tribute and recalled the sacrifices of the departed leaders and soldiers while at Yaiskul Police Lane Manipur Dramatic Union also observed the day.

Akhil Bharatiya Vidharthi Parishad, Charhajare Unit (Senapati district) celebrated Patriots' Day at Charhajare where sacrifices of Bir Tikendrajit, Thangal General and Subedar Niranjan Chhetri during the last freedom struggle of Manipur in 1891 were remembered and rich floral tributes paid.

Party leaders and workers of Bharatiya Janata party Manipur Pradesh, Paradise Club (Wangkhei).

Slopeland Public School (Khongjom), Kangleipak Loinasilon Apunba Marup (RIMS Road), Youth and Students Welfare Club (Sabungkhok), Manipur People's Party, Federal Party of Manipur, Youth Council Manipur (Kongjeng Leikai) and Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee observed the day at their respective office campus with offering of floral tributes to the heroes of the then independent Manipur as the main highlight.

Manipuri Literary Society observed the day with a kavi samelan based on theme of 'removal of AFSPA' besides offering floral tributes.

Members of BJP Mahila Morcha, Kangleipak Chanura Lamjing Lup (Hiyanglam Unit), Socio-Economic and Cultural Organisation Manipur, Social Amity, Integrity and Prosperity Organisation (Heikakmapal Awang Leikai), Meira Paibi Welfare Association Kangleipak (Maklang bazar), Lions Club of Imphal, All Manipur Tammi-Chingmi Apunba Nupi Lup and Huyen Lallong Manipur Thang-Ta Cultural Assn (Irlbung) also observed Patriots' Day at their respective office premises.

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