Manipur observes Patriot's Day 2015
Let Us Be United To Safeguard Territorial Boundary Of Manipur: Chief Minister
Source: Hueiyen News Service / NNN

Imphal, August 13 2015: Patriots Day was widely observed with great enthusiasm on Thursday in memory of brave Manipuri martyrs who were hanged to death on August 13, 1891.The State observation began at 8 am with Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, Speaker Th Lokeshwar Singh, Council of Ministers, MLAs and others paying rich floral tributes to the portraits of Bir Tikendrajit and Thangal General at Hicham Yaicham Pat.

A contingent of Manipur Rifles gave gun salute to the martyrs.

The VIPs headed towards the Thangal General Temple complex at 8.30 am and paid floral tributes there too.

The grand formal function of the State Government's observation of the 124th Patriots' Day was held at 4 pm at Bir Tikendrajit Park where Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister walked upto the Kangla Uttra and laid wreaths to the martyr.

Manipur observes Patriot's Day 2015

Here also, they paid floral tributes at Shaheed Minar, also known as Pheidabung, where the two martyrs were hanged.

The martyrs were honoured with gun salute by a contingent of Manipur Rifles and a patriotic song by the artistes of Government Music College.

Speaking at the function, Chief Minister O Ibobi, who was the Chief Guest said, "The observation of Patriots' Day started since 1970, reminded us of the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891 and the bravery shown by the Manipuri patriots in the war.

After occupying almost the whole of India, the mighty British Empire entered Manipur on the pretext of extending mercantile.

They tried to hold Tikendrajit a captive since he posed a big threat to the ploy of the Britishers.

Finally, on the order of Queen Victoria, Tikendrajit and Thangal General were hanged at Pheidabung on August 13" .

Stressing on the need of 'unity' to keep any kind of external forces at bay, Ibobi also said, "British could not have occupied Manipur if our rulers were unified at that time.

Similarly, we all should promote unity and harmony since our state is constantly under many external threats these days" .

Manipur observes Patriot's Day 2015

Gracing the function as President, Gaikhangam said, "Manipur was once an independent kingdom with more than 2000 years of history.

After British annexed Manipur, patriots led by Bir Tikendrajit and Thangal General shown their love of the land by bravely sacrificing their lives.

The present generation should get inspired from them and we should imbibe their spirit of patriotism.

We should move aside our differences and should decide collectively on the external forces that is threatening our integrity" .

The Patriot's Day was also observed in various other places by several groups and organisations.

Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) observed the day at Congress Bhawan, Imphal.

MPCC president Gaikhangam, Chief Minister Ibobi, Ministers, MLAs, party members and workers paid floral tributes to the portraits of Bir Tikendrajit and Thangal General.

Also, the day was observed by BJP Manipur Pradesh at its office at Nityaipat Chuthek, Imphal.

The function was attended by state president Th Chaoba, office bearers and party workers.

Similar observations were organised at RIMS, JNIMS, Lions Club Imphal, District Administrations of all the districts in Manipur while various civil organisations, clubs and meira paibee associations also observed the day.