Unity call rings out on Patriots' Day
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Imphal, August 13 2024:
The State commemorated the Patriots' Day with Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya and Chief Minister N Biren Singh leading other dignitaries including Ministers, MLAs and high-ranking officials in paying floral tribute to Anglo-Manipur War heroes.
The observation started with floral tributes at Hicham Yaicham Pat, Moirangkhom and Thangal Temple, Palace Compound in the morning.
Later in the afternoon, the Governor and the Chief Minister along with other dignitaries attended a wreath laying ceremony at Kangla Uttra.
The programme continued with floral tributes at Shaheed Minar, where the Governor and the Chief Minister, accompanied by Ministers, MLAs and senior Government officials, honoured the brave souls who laid down their lives in defence of the State's sovereignty.
A guard of honour was presented by a contingent of Manipur Rifles.
Floral tribute was also offered at the Memorial Stone of the exiled martyrs of the 1891 War.
In his address, Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya underscored the importance of Patriot's Day as a catalyst for unity and pride among the people of Manipur.
He stressed the importance of education and awareness in upholding the values of patriotism and resilience passed down by the forebears.
"The day reminds us of the heroic acts of the people of Manipur on various battle fronts of the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891, which showed the world that the people of Manipur had the indomitable courage to challenge the mighty British Empire for the freedom of the motherland", the Governor said.
"As we honour these heroes today, we must also pledge to cultivate a generation that cherishes peace, integrity, and progress", he added.
He called upon everyone to join the State in paying tributes to the courageous sons of Manipur who made the ultimate sacrifice by laying down their lives for their motherland.
Delivering his speech as president of the programme, Chief Minister N Biren Singh maintained that there is nothing else more important than the motherland.
He appealed to the people of the State to unite and work collectively to bring peace and development in the State, keeping aside all differences.
The Chief Minister continued that Manipur, as a peaceful State, was once moving towards development at a faster pace.
However, after the unprecedented conflict, many people had been facing hardship, forcing many to stay in relief camps and many people had lost their lives, he added.
He further stated that the Central Government under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi had been providing assistance to the State for those affected by the conflict.
N Biren recalled that Manipur, which was an independent kingdom, came under British rule on 27th April, 1891 after the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891.He continued that the British accused Maharaja Kulachandra, Yubaraj Tikendrajit and others of waging war against Queen Victoria and on 13 th of August, 1891 Yubaraj Tikendrajit and Thangal General were hung to death.
While Niranjan Subedar, Kajao and Chirai Naga were hanged to death inside the then Manipur Jail located in Kangla on different dates, Maharaja Kulachandra and 21 others were deported to Kalapani.
"As we pay homage to our forefathers for their sacrifices, everyone should move forward with new hope and put our efforts together to end the present conflict through peaceful means", Biren said.
Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly, Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, Security Advisor to the Government of Manipur, Director General of Police, high ranking civil and police officials and students attended the programme, among others.
Speaking to the media after offering floral tributes to the patriots at Hicham Yaicham Pat, Chief Minister N Biren stated that all the people need to come together and fight the forces challenging the integrity of Manipur and defend the State from such challenges.
"Out brave forefathers fought valiantly against the enemies howsoever strong they were and protected the integrity of Manipur", Biren said.
"We have been living together since ages.
All the civil society organisations, politicians and the public must leave aside all personnel interests and learn a lesson on the Patriots' Day to protect the integrity of Manipur.
Everyone needs to adopt a principle of 'unity first', he said.
"We inherited a united Manipur and have been living together because our brave forefathers protected the integrity of Manipur with their lives", Biren said.
Comment
