Patriots' Day celebration observed state-wide
Governor Gurbachan Jagat appeals people to shun violence
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, August 13 2011: Remembering the heroes of the state who laid down their lives for the sake of their motherland, the state government as well as various civil society organizations observed Patriots Day at different places throughout the state paying floral tributes to the departed souls.

Governor, Gurbachan Jagat and Chief Minister, O Ibobi led the state in paying tributes to Thangal General and Bir Tikendrakit on the 119th Patriots' Day at Bir Tikendrajit Park at Hicham Yaicham Pat, Yaiskul.

Floral tributes and gun salutes were paid to the departed souls.

The CM led team proceeded to the tomb of General Thangal at the Palace Compound to pay floral tributes to the departed soul.

A contingent of Manipur Rifles paid a gun salute as a mark of respect to the martyr.

Later in the evening the Governor and Chief Minister along with other Cabinet Ministers paid floral tributes at Kangla.

From there the Governor and Chief Minister led a team which proceeded on foot towards Shahid Minar at Pheidapung and paid floral tributes to the martyrs.

Another contingent of Manipur Rifles paid a general gun salute as a mark of respect.

The official state function was also held at Pheidapung.

M, O Ibobi, Speaker, Ministers, MLAs and Chief Secretary at Hicham Yaicham Pat

Speaking as the chief guest at the function Governor Gurbachan Jagat appealed to "all communities of Manipur to shun violence and hatred amongst themselves and bring about an atmosphere of love and mutual understanding so that Manipur can move forward on par with other sister-states which have already gone ahead" .

"I am confident that the general people will extend their fullest cooperation in the efforts of the government to maintain peace and harmony in the state", he said.

The Governor who made his appeal during the Patriots Day observation also said.

"Manipur today is passing through a very difficult phase.

Ethnic and social tensions, extortions from the public, businessmen, contractors, government employees and departments, abduction for ransom, senseless killings due to inter group rivalries and violence against civilians continue to be a matter of serious concern.

Again, calling of strikes and bandhs have become a frequent phenomenon.

The ultimate sufferers of all these are the common people" .

He also expressed the need to avoid such unwanted practices in the interest of the common man people.

Patriots' Day is observed on 13th August as a remembrance of the two great patriots Bir Tikendrajit and General Thangal who were hanged by the British for waging war against the British empire.

CM, O Ibobi, while speaking on the occasion, also recalled the heroic actions and the patriotic and courageous fight of the then Manipuri leaders against the mighty British during the 1891 Anglo-Manipuri war.

He said that the patriotism of Tikendrajit, Thangal General and others will serve as a guiding light to the people of the state.

The Chief Minister also appealed to the people to stand united against the perpetrators of disunity in the state and move towards peace and prosperity.

Public attendance however was poor in the day's observation despite the day being a holiday.

The tight security arrangement could have deterred many people from attending the function.