Hill districts join in observing Patriots'Day
Source: Chronicle News Service

Noney/Tmg/Spt, August 13 2023: The 132nd Patriot's Day was observed across districts of the state remembering the brave heroes who sacrificed their lives for the sake of their motherland with offering of floral tributes marking the occasion.

NONEY: For the first time in the history of Noney, Patriots' Day was organised by the district administration at the DC office Complex, Noney, on Sunday.

Rich floral tributes were paid to the photos of brave heroes, Bir Tikendrajit, Thangal General and Paona Brajabasi as a mark of respect.

The function was graced by Nney DC Joseph Pauline Kamson, SP N Madhunimai, Noney ADM Stiff Khapudang and other district level officers and security officers as special dignitaries.

Students and CSO leaders were also present at the event.

Meanwhile, full rehearsal for the 77th Independence Day was held at the DC office complex in presence of Noney DC and SP .

TAMENGLONG: The District Administration of Tamenglong also observed the Patriots' Day in memory of those heroes who laid down their lives for the protection of Manipur's independence.

Tamenglong DC Dr L Ang-shim Dangshawa along with other district level officers paid floral tribute and observed silence for one minute as a mark of respect during the observance held at the conference hall, mini secretariat Tamenglong headquarter.

Speaking at the occasion, Angshim Dangshawa said that all of us should not forget the extreme sacrifices made by the brave forefathers.

We should strive to forge ahead for development, keeping their Sacrifices in view.

August 13 is considered a red-letter day in the history of Manipur as on this fateful day in 1891 the prince of Manipur Bir Tikendrajit and General Thangal were hanged at Pheidapung in Imphal in broad daylight by the British before thousands of Manipuris for revolting against them.

Meanwhile, as usual, the 2nd edition of the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' will also be celebrated in Tamenglong district.

The deputy commissioner of Tamenglong also instructed all the SDOs, DLOs and the government departments to celebrate the 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' by hoisting a national flag at their respective offices to show our patriotism and also as embodiment of our commitment to nation-building.

Despite rain and bad weather condition, the district administration of Tamenglong on Saturday also conducted a full rehearsal for the 77th Indian Independence Day celebration at Mini Stadium, Lower ground in Tamenglong.

SENAPATI: Observing the Patriot's Day, civil society organization leaders under United Naga Council (UNC) paid rich tribute to General Thangal and Charai Thangal at Thangal General Ecological Park, Mayangkhang.

Speaking at the occasion as chief guest, UNC president Ng Lorho said that Patriots' Day is not only an event but a symbol of courage, unity and unyielding pursuit of liberty.

132 years have passed since their martyrdom and yet their legacy continues to live on.

Their dedications and sacrifices continue to live on even after more than a century.

The UNC leader urged all to renew their commitment and uphold the principle that had been set unitedly, to stand against any injustice.

He stated that peace and prosperity shall ensure and political solution for all the Nagas shall be realised soon.

Talking about the prevailing situation, the UNC president stated that the present situation in the state is so uncertain, very complicated and very sensitive and that anything is unpredictable at present, and urged all to stand united and be prepared to face any eventuality.

Lorho also lauded all the Nagas who acted matured during this hard time.

Presided over by Thangal Union president YK Raping, the function was attended by Naga People's Organization president Solomon Arow, Naga Women's Union president Asha Wungnam and All Naga Students Association, Manipur president Luikang Luckson as guests of honour.

Mao Council president Dr S Loli; Paomei Naga Union president Dailord Pao; Maram Union caretaker Thana Gomer; Zeliangrong Union, Senapati Zone president Luikang; Senapati District Women Association president Ng Hannah and Senapati District Students Association president Peter Yonou were also present as special invitees.

Earlier, delivering the keynote address, S Meiduipa said that the state government has been observing Patriots' Day on 13th August every year since 1970 as a mark of respect and reverence to the heroes who sacrificed their lives in the struggle to defend their freedom.

Colonel Johnstone described General Thangal as "Bold and energetic character" who was at the forefront of every major event of Manipur history from 1850-1891 .

History said that it was mainly because of General Thangal for the first time in Manipur that an English School was established in 1885 by Major General Sir James Johnstone, KCSI called as "Johnstone English School" .

Another patriot from the tribe was Charai Thangal, a brave son of Mayangkhang.

During the reign of Kullachandra, Patriot Charai Thangal attacked and killed 2 British officers at Mayangkhang.

Later, he was captured by 150 British soldiers from Mayangkhang village and was hanged to death on 13th October, 1891, he added.

NPO president Solomon Arow while lauding Thangal Union and the state government for constructing 2 statues and the Ecological Park for recreation of all, urged all other tribes to produce similar patriots from other communities too.

He also stated that that story of General Thangal is included in the syllabus for class IX students to study in Poumai literature and further urged the remaining tribes to include such stories in the syllabus.

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