Mayangkhang pays homage to its son
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Senapati, August 13 2014 : Far away from the madding crowd and the hustle and bustle of Imphal city, Patriots' Day 2014 was also observed at General Thangal Ecological Park in Mayangkhang village under Senapati district today to pay homage to the crowned prince Tikendrajit and Thangal General who were publicly hanged to death by the British on this day in 1891 at Pheidabung, Imphal on alleged charge of waging war against the British empire after the Anglo-Manipur war of 1891 .

Organised jointly by the district administration of Senapati and Thangal Union, the solemn occasion was attended by Deputy Commissioner of Senapati district Jacinth Lazarus as chief guest, Additional Deputy Commissioner DK Thangboi as guest of honour and Executive Officer, Autonomous District Council (ADC), Senapati Rang Peter as functional president.

Mayangkhang pays homage to its son at General Thangal Ecological Park in Mayangkhang village

Apart from gun salute by a contingent of Senapati police personnel and placing of floral wreaths at the status of Thangal General installed in the park, patriotic songs were also sung to mark the occasion. The significance of this observance function at Mayangkhang village was that Thangal General and Chirai Thangal, another Manipuri hero, who was also hanged to death by the British, were claimed to be originally from this part of the State.

In this regard, Dr Chand Thangmi, Member of the Organising Committee, while delivering the key note address, said General Thangal was from Thangal Surung village and he was the son of Saraingamba and Angkhala, and Charai Thangal was from Mayangkhang village and he was the son of Khaba Thangal and Theibui.

At a young age, Thangal General, who was originally known as Lungthoubu Thangal, was taken to Sana Konung and he was subsequently adopted by one Kshetrimayum family who had no child.

Lungthoubu Thangal, was also known as Awang Hao, Thangal Major and later on as Thangal General.

The title of General was given to him by the then political agent Sir James Johnsone in 1885 after he was promoted to the post by Maharaja Chandrakirti Singh, Dr Chand Thangmi informed the gathering.

He went on to say that in remembrance of Thangal General's invaluable service, 'General Thangal Ecological Park' has been constructed and maintained at Mayangkhang.

However, the said ecological park needs some improvements.

Drawing the attention of the Government of Manipur, he urged for blacktopping of the approach road from the National Highway to the Park along with construction of side drainage, electrification of the community hall, installation of solar light, erecting statues of Bir Tikendrajit and Charai Thangal, beautification of the park, construction of a guest house and ensuring provision for providing safe drinking water.

Speaking as chief guest of the function, Jacinth Lazarus called upon the youths to remember the heroism of Bir Tikendrajit, General Thangal, Paona Brajabashi and many others who sacrificed their life to safeguard the independence of the motherland during the Anglo-Manipur war of 1891 .

She also called for love and understanding among all the different groups of people living in Manipur for taking the State towards the direction of peace and development.