Patriots' Day observed statewide
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, August 13, 2012: In remembrance of the supreme sacrifices made by brave sons of Manipur for the cause of their motherland at the gallows on August 13, 1891, Patriots' Day was observed today.

The main observance function was organized by the State Government at Bir Tikendrajit Park here.

But the number of general public attending the observance was almost nil on account of strict security measures put in place.

Prior to the main observance function at Bir Tikendrajit Park, an official team led by Chief Minister O Ibobi paid floral tributes at the final resting site of Bir Tikendrajit at Hicham Yaicham Pat, Yaiskul at around 8 am.

A contingent of Manipur Rifles also offered general salute and played last post there.

Later, at around 8:30 am, the team led by the Chief Minister proceeded towards the complex of Thangal General Temple, which is located at Palace Compound and paid floral tributes there as well.

Another contingent of Manipur Rifles also paid general salute and played last post at the occasion.

In the evening at around 3:30 pm, the Chief Minister accompanied by other Ministers, MLAs and government officials went to historic Kangla Uttra Shanglen and laid floral wreaths to the Martyrs.

From there, the team proceeded on foot via the Western gate of Kangla and paid floral tributes at Shaheed Minar along with the Governor, Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, Commissioners, DGP and top officials of Para Military forces.

A contingent of Manipur Rifles offered general salute and played last post.

Speaking at the formal function, Governor Gurbachan Jagat informed that "13th August reminds us of the heroic acts of Manipuris-both known and unknown, in different war fronts of the Anglo-Manipuri War, 1891, that showed the world that Manipuris had the indomitable and unconquerable spirit to challenge the then mightiest world power, the British, for the sake of their motherland".

He further informed that Manipur has been facing a lot of problems for quite a long time.

In some ways or the other, the problems are unique but in many ways are common to large parts of the country.

Ethnic and social tensions, extortions from public, businessman, government employees, senseless killings and violence against civilians and women continue to be a matter of serious concern.

The ultimate sufferers of all these are the common people.

Such practices should be avoided in the interest of the common people.

The Governor also appealed to "stand together firmly, shoulder to shoulder, and face all the threats, internal and external, however strong they may be, to the unity and integrity of the country".

The Chief Minister, who was also present on the occasion, stated that with the observance of Patriots Day we should remind ourselves of the sense of patriotism and sacrifice which is still there in all of us.

Patriots' Day observance was also organized under the joint aegis of All Manipur Recognised Private Schools Welfare Association, Imphal and All Manipur Students Guardians Organisation at Lamyanba Shanglen, Palace Compound today.

The function was graced by Education Minister Moirangthem Okendro; Memcha Chanu, President of All Manipur Recognised Private Schools Welfare Association, Imphal and N Chaoba, President of All Manipur Students Guardians Organisation as Chief Guest, President and Guest of Honour respectively.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister M Okendro informed that the life stories of the martyrs' who sacrificed their lives for the sake of the state will be included in the school syllabus very soon.

He also stated that "It is very disheartening to see that Khongjom Day and the Patriots' Day, though observed in the state every year in remembrance of the sacrifices made by the martyrs' of the state while fighting against the mighty British Empire, is slowly losing its significance of late".

He, however, appreciated the initiative of All Manipur Recognised Private Schools Welfare Association, Imphal and All Manipur Students Guardians Organisation for observing the event.

He further informed that that Patriots' Day is being declared as a State holiday and observed at as a state function every year.

From next year, the state government has decided to organize the function in all the educational institutions, both government and private, of the state.

The state government is also all set to name the roads and bridges after the various martyr's of the state and installed statues of them at different locations of the state.

Manipur People's party (MPP) has also observed the occasion at its office today.

S Umananda, President of MPP, who presided over the function, said that we all need to follow the path of our forefathers and inculcate their ideas.

Former Deputy Chief Minister, Dr L Chandramani, who was also present on the occasion, said that August 13, which is observed as Patriots' Day will always be remembered in the history of Manipur.

The function was also attended by M Maniton, General Secretary, MPP and H Mangisana, Vice President, MPP as Presidium members.

The Patriots' Day observation was also organized by Janata Dal (United), Manipur State Unit at its office at Babupara today.

As a part of the function, M Tombi, President, Janata Dal (United) led the party members in offering floral tributes to the photos of the martyrs.

On the other hand, Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee organized the Patriots' Day observation at Congress Bhawan today.

MPCC President Gaikhangam led the Congress workers and members in paying floral tributes to the martyrs.

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