Patriots' Day observed across Manipur and beyond with tributes, service and unity calls
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 13 2026:
The 135th Patriots' Day was observed across Manipur and in other States on Thursday with solemn tributes to the martyrs of the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891, alongside cultural programmes, competitions and social service initiatives.
RIMS Remembers Fallen Heroes
The Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal, observed the day at Jubilee Hall with due solemnity.
The programme began with floral tributes to the patriots in remembrance of their valour and sacrifice.
Director Prof G Sunil Kumar Sharma expressed pride in the participation of students, doctors, nurses and staff, and urged everyone to serve Manipur with dedication beyond routine duties.
He highlighted RIMS's progress in emergency and trauma care and expressed confidence in its continued growth.
Medical Superintendent Prof N Sanjib Singh said patriotism lies in sincere professional service.
Students presented patriotic songs, poems and narration.
Community Observances Outside Manipur
Bengaluru: The Karnataka Meitei Association observed Patriots' Day under the theme "Honouring the Patriots, Renewing Our Commitment Towards a Peaceful and United Manipur".
Chief guest Irom Chanu Sharmila and Manipur Government Liaison Officer Rajesh AM, attended.
People from Meitei, Meitei Pangal, Tangkhul, Rongmei, Anal, Zeliangrong, Mao, Poumai, Tarao and other communities joined.
KMA president Subhas Takhellambam said the gathering reflected Manipur's diversity and stressed that lasting peace requires peaceful coexistence.
Shillong: The 135th Patriots' Day was observed at Manipur Rajbari, Red Land, Laitumkhrah.
The programme was jointly organised by the Manipur Elders' Consortium Shillong, Shillong Manipuri Students' Union, Manipuri Sahitya Parishad Meghalaya, Meghalaya Manipuri Women's Association, and Ibudhou Pakhangba Thougal Lup.
It included floral tribute, the State Anthem of Manipur, patriotic songs by SMSU, and a Leipung Phamba discussion moderated by MECS convenor Munish Ningthoujam.
Speakers Dr Amrik Singh Pahwa and Dr Rosy Yumnam reflected on the war's significance.
Meritorious students and sportspersons were felicitated.
Political and Local Programmes
Sagolband AC MLA RK Imo Singh observed the day at Bijoy Govinda SYDA Club.
He paid homage to the patriots and interacted with elders and well-wishers, emphasizing unity, dignity and community welfare.
He reaffirmed his commitment to work as per people's wishes.
The Maichou Ningshing Lup and Lairembi Shintha Lup jointly observed the 'Thawan-gi Nongma Panba' ceremony and Patriotic Day at Khurai Ahongpung with floral tributes to Bir Tikendrajit and General Thangal.
The Peoples' Democratic Alliance, Khurai Block Committee, Huyen Lallong Manipur Thang-Ta Cultural Association, Irilbung, Salairen Cultural Research Institution, Singjamei, Patriotic Writers Forum Manipur, and Ratankumar Memorial School, Kwakeithel also marked the 135th Patriots' Day with tribute functions.
Competitions and Social Service
BJP Khurai Mandal and Susindro Foundation held the 2nd State Level Open Patriotic Song Competition at Khurai Popular High School ground.
Over 70 contestants participated.
Cash prizes of Rs 50,000, Rs 30,000 and Rs 20,000 were awarded for the top three positions.
Khurai AC MLA L Susindro, Lamlai AC MLA Kh Ibomcha and BJP Khurai Mandal president L.Kananbala attended.
At Imphal Public Hr Sec School, Canchipur, the day was observed at the Multipurpose Hall with song and recitation competitions.
The Founder Principal, teachers and students paid floral tribute to the heroes of 1891.The Lions Club of Imphal observed the day at its Service Centre in Sangaiprou with floral tributes.
Later, along with Lions Club of Imphal Valley, North, Northern Hemisphere and Valley Nextgen, it organised a blood donation camp at RIMS Blood Bank in collaboration with RDO College of Nursing and Homeland Security.
Around 80 units were donated by 65 Bn CRPF personnel, NCC cadets, students and members.
Prime Clubs, in collaboration with Shija Blood Centre & Transfusion Services, and Taret Foods with Helping Hands Manipur, also organised blood donation camps.
Altogether 110 volunteers donated blood.
The Manipur State Shumang Leela Council staged 'Mareibak Ningba Koireng' at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen.
Art and Culture Minister Kh Loken and Lamshang AC MLA S Rajen attended.
LJP (RV) Stand
Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) Manipur on Thursday demanded that "not an inch" of Manipur's land be ceded or altered, and said the matter will be raised with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Speaking at the party office in Keishampat during the 135th Patriots' Day observance, LJP (RV) Manipur president Kh Dipu said National President and Union Minister Chirag Paswan gave the assurance at the party's National Executive meeting in New Delhi on August 10.Dipu added the party will field only tested, peoplecentric candidates and will not induct former defectors.
Though LJP (RV) supports BJP at the Centre, there is no alliance with BJP in Manipur.
The day's observances reflected collective remembrance of sacrifice and a renewed call for unity, peace and service across communities.
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