Valour of forefathers recalled as state observes Patriots Day
Source: Chronicle News Service /DIPR

Imphal, August 13 2023: Governor Anusuiya Uikey and Chief Minister N Biren Singh led the people of Manipur in observing Patriots' Day on Sunday by offering floral tributes/laying of wreaths to the Samadhi at Kangla Uttra and Shaheed Minar at Bir Tikendrajit Park here on Sunday evening.

The Governor also led the people in offering floral tributes at the Memorial Stone of exiled Martyrs of 1981 War heroes.

The speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly, ministers, MLAs, chief secretary, security advisor, DGP, officers and officials also paid tributes to the martyrs.

On this day, August 13, 1891, Bir Tikendrajit and General Thangal were hanged publicly at Pheida Pung by the British for waging war against the empire.

The day is considered as a red-letter day in the history of Manipur and is annually observed as "Patriots' Day".

On the same day, Niranjan Subedar, Pukhrambam Kajao and Chirai Naga were hanged to death inside the Manipur jail.

The British deported Maharaj Kulachandra and 21 others to Kalapani, the present-day Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Speaking as the chief guest of the state-level observance, Governor Anusuiya said that the day reminds us of the heroic deeds of Manipuris on the fronts of the Anglo-Manipuri war of 1891, which showed the world that the Manipuris were brave enough to challenge the mighty British Empire, make sacrifices and show indomitable courage to defend their motherland.

She continued that the day is considered an important day in the history of Manipur because it was on this day in 1891 when Bir Tikendrajit and General Thangal were hanged publicly by the British at Pheida Pung in Imphal in front of thousands of Manipuris.

"We got freedom because of the tireless efforts and sacrifices of our forefathers.

This day is an opportunity for us to make aware our future generations the sacrifice, penance and sacrifices of our forefather," she said, adding that we must reiterate our pledge to work with dedication for our motherland while paying tributes to the heroic forefathers of Manipur.

Reiterating that development should be accelerated for the prosperity and welfare of Manipur, the governor stated that as citizens of this country, it is our utmost duty to make the state and country strong and prosperous.

Expressing concern about the present unrest in Manipur, she said that the state is passing through a period of unrest and violent incidents, arising out of the ethnic conflict for the last three months.

She observed that the spirit of mutual brotherhood and co-operation has decreased, human values have faded, which need to be restored.

She then appealed to all the citizens to give up violence and hatred among themselves and create an atmosphere of love and mutual understanding and brotherhood so that peace and tranquillity can be restored in Manipur.

She also urged to protect the aged old values of love, peace, tolerance and mutual understanding.

Presiding over the observance, Chief Minister N Biren said that the day is significant in the history of Manipur as it was on this day in 1891 that Bir Tikendrajit, General Thangal, Niranjan Subedar, Pukhrambam Kajao and Chirai Naga laid down their lives in defending the sovereignty of Manipur.

This day reminds us the courage, dedication, determination and sacrificial spirit of the leaders in defending the sovereignty of Manipur despite having known that they were fighting against the mighty British.

The stand of Maharaja Kulachandra against the British is also worth remembering and as the descendants of those brave hearts, we all should follow their footprints so that commitment and dedication will be the striving force towards building a strong nation.

He went on to say said that to instil the sense of patriotism and nationalism in the younger generations, extra-curricular activities like debating competition, drama, etc., on this day shall be organised from next year.

Expressing his deepest shock over the unfortunate incidents, leading to the loss of many valuable lives in the state in the past three months; Biren said that violence will not bring any solution and therefore, all should stop violence.

He continued that in-fighting amongst the communities will not solve any issue and all issues can be resolved through constitutional means.

It is in this direction that state government is working and under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah.

The state government is tirelessly working to solve the on-going crisis, he stated, while appealing to the people to co-operate the government in bringing peace and tranquillity in Manipur.

Earlier in the day, the chief minister led the people in paying tribute to the departed leaders at Hicham Yaicham Pat, Yaiskul Janmasthan and Samadhi of Thangal General at Konung Mamang in Imphal, wherein contingents of 1MR and 2MR gave gun salutes respectively.

KAMJONG: District Administration Kamjong also observed Patriots' Day at its Camp Office located within the 2nd MR Complex, Imphal East on Sunday.

During the observance, which was led by DC Kamjong Rangnamei Rang Peter, and attended by several District Level Officers (DLOs), police personnel and other officers and staff of the District Administration, floral tributes were paid to the portraits of Bir Tikendrajit and General Thangal.

CHANDEL: District Administration Chandel observed the Patriots' Day, 2023 at the DC Office, Chandel on Sunday.

THOUBAL: District Administration Thoubal also observed 132nd Patriots Day at the Election Counting hall of Thoubal district on Sunday.

DC Thoubal Ahanthem Subhash and SP Thoubal led the observance by offering floral tributes to the portraits of Bir Tikendrajit and General Thangal.

The observance was also attended by 3IRB CO S Hemanta, ADM Thoubal B Lokeswor Sharma, top civil and uniform officials of the district along with DLOs of various departments.

BISHNUPUR: District Administration Bishnupur observed the Patriots' Day, 2023 at the Conference Hall, DC Office, Bishnupur on Sunday, with wreath laying and offering of floral tribute to the photos of Thangal General and Bir Tikendrajit.

The observance was attended by DC Bishnupur Lourembam Bikram, IAS along with Oinam AC ex-MLA L Radhakishore Singh, ADC/ADM Bishnupur Hanjabam Bobby Sharma (MCS), Bishnupur Municipal Council (caretaker) chairperson L Maniyaima Singh, DLOs and staff of the District Administration.

As part of the Patriots' Day observation, District Information Office (DIO), Bishnupur played patriotic songs on Sunday morning.

A Voluntary blood donation awareness campaign cum blood donation organised jointly by Thoubal District Police and Association for Voluntary Blood Donors Manipur Thoubal Branch, under the sponsorship of State Blood Cell of National Health Mission, Manipur under the guidance of DC Thoubal was also held at Blood Centre and Transfusion Unit of District Hospital, Thoubal.

The blood donation camp was organised under the theme of "Give blood to our patriots" and certificates of appreciation were distributed to the blood donors.

Many of the donors were volunteers of Khangabok Relief Camp.

KAKCHING District Administration Kakching also observed Patriots' Day at the office complex of DC Kakching on Sunday.

As part of the observance, DC Kakching Somorjit Salam led ADM Kakching Moirangthem Kapajit, SDO/BDO Kakching Okram Sandhya-rani, SDO Waikhong Takhellambam Milikan and many others in offering floral tributes to the portraits of Birthday Tikendrajit and Thangal General.

Comment