Political parties, civil organisations observe Patriots' Day
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 13 2025: In remembrance of the day Bir Tikendrajit and Thangal General were hanged, various organisations and political parties across the state observed Patriots' Day on Wednesday.

The 134th Patriots' Day observance organised by Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) was held at Congress Bhawan, here.

As a mark of respect, MPCC members, led by president K Meghachandra, offered floral tributes to the portraits of Bir Tikendrajit and Thangal General.

In his address, Meghachandra recalled that the two were hanged for resisting British colonial rule and stressed the need to make the present generation aware about the sacrifices made by Manipuri forefathers for the motherland.

Political parties, civil organisations observe Patriots' Day

"We must instil this spirit of sacrifice in the youth and present generation.

This is the primary reason for observing Patriots' Day," he added.

Reflecting on the state budget discussed in Parliament, as Manipur is currently under President's Rule, Meghachandra contended that the budget did not include any special package for the rehabilitation of those affected by the crisis since May 3, 2023.He expressed regret that no provisions had been made for the state's development, which is urgently needed during this period of President's Rule.

He also criticised the imposition of the same GST rates on people living in both the hills and the plains, saying it would create serious problems for a small state like Manipur by placing an unbearable tax burden on its people.

Meghachandra also stated that with President's Rule imposed in the state, the elected representatives have no power, allowing the Centre to act entirely at its own discretion.

He said that, as a result, democracy holds no meaning in the state, as President's Rule has been prolonged for a considerable period.

He further asserted that its imposition is against the wishes of the people.

The event was also attended by Congress Working Committee member Gaikhangam, general secretaries and other members of MPCC.

Patriots' Day was also observed under the aegis of BJP Patsoi Mandal at Tera Bazar, where floral tributes were offered to the portraits of Bir Tikendrajit and Thangal General.

Speaking at the event, MLA S Kunjakishwar emphasised that along with observing Patriots' Day, there is a need for unity to make Manipur a peaceful and dignified state.

Manipur People's Party (MPP) also observed Patriots' Day at imoinu Shanglen, Lamboi Khongnangkhong where representatives of various CSOs and women's organisations participated along with the members of MPP on Wednesday.

As part of the programme, floral tributes were offered to the portraits of Bir Tikendrajit, Paona Brajabashi, and Thangal General, who laid down their lives for the motherland.

The state song "Sana Leibak Manipur" was also sung, with attendees standing in respect.

The function was attended by MPP president S Brojen, MU History department retired professor Dr N Joykumar, DMU professor Dr Syed Ahmed, Tangkhul Sanalong former president Grace Thumra Shatsang, KAMA Manipur president Atongpi Kamei, social worker Yengkhom Sanjeep, COCOMI convenor Khuraijam Athouba, CCSK president Jeetendra Ningomba, HERICOUN president Y Surjitkumar Khuman, UCM former president Sunil Karam and members of various CSOs.

Speakers at the event stressed that Manipur is not the land of the Meeteis alone and that lasting peace and development can be achieved only when all communities residing in the state live in harmony.

They also underscored the need to strengthen regional political parties.

Peace and Integrity Committee, Kyamgei (PICK) and All Kyamgei Nupi Chaokhat Thourang Lup (AKNCTL) jointly organised Patriots' Day at Ibudhou Khagemba Macha Ibungo Laibung, Kyamge which was attended by students of Kyamgei Tonjao School, Kyamgei Ideal High School, Premier English Academy and RM School.

The Roadside Vendors Welfare Association, Khwairamband Ima Keithel, also observed Patriots' Day at the Temporary Market, where floral tributes were offered to the portraits of the martyrs.

Thangjing Sindam Shanglen Relief Camp Committee and volunteers of Imagi Meira under the sponsorship of Ngangom Mamta Devi of Keishampat Leimajam Leikai organised the Patriots' Day at the relief camp.

As part of the function, a Patriotic Song and poem recitation competition was organised for students of class I to VIII.

In remembrance of the brave sons of Manipur who chose death over surrendering sovereignty of the motherland to the British and laid down their lives, many observed 134th Patriots' Day by paying tribute to the martyrs.

All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation along with Thangmeiband United Clubs' Organisation observed Patriots' Day at the Martyrs' Memorial located stop Thangmeiband Cheiraoching; Anglo-Manipuri War 1891 Martyrs & Freedom Fighters of Kangleipak (Manipur) at DM College of Teacher Education jubilee hall; Joint Students' Coordination Committee at Manipuri Students' Federation (MSF) office, Kwakeithel; Federal Students' Organisation, Kangleipak at Bright Career Academy School, Umathel; Ethno Heritage Council (HERICOUN) at its office; Socialist Students' Union of Manipur (SSUM) at Tamukhong playground; Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) Manipur at Manipur University, NIELIT Imphal, Government Polytechnic College, NIT Manipur, HIT Manipur, and Central Agricultural University, Imphal; United Youth Organisation at Singjamei Wangma Bheigyabati Leikai community hall; Kanglei Sheishaklon Shindamshang (KSS), Kanglei Nat Cultural Organisation, Cultural Foundation of Performing Arts and Social Welfare and Cultural Development Organisation (SWACO) at SWACO performing space, Charangpat Mayai Leikai; Sana Leibak Manipur Hakchang Shajel Thang-Ta Shindam Shanglen at Nambol; Huiyen Lallong Manipur Thang Ta Cultural Association at Irilbung Mandap; Khongjom War Memorial Development Committee at Khongjom War Memorial; Waikhom Mani Girls College, Thoubal Okram at the college seminar hall; 134th Patriots' Day Organising Committee, Jiribam at Ningshingkhul Bio-diversity Park community hall; Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Bhagyachandra Sakha Haraorou at Rajshree Bhagyachandra Skill Development Centre, Haraorou; and Patriotic Writer's Forum (PAWF), Manipur at State Central Library, Imphal auditorium hall.

Floral tributes were paid to the heroes namely Bir Tikendrajit, Thangal General, Paona Brajabashi and undocumented martyrs who laid down their lives for the land.

SSUM as a part of the observance unveiled the bust of Chingkham Lamyanba, who sacrificed his lives to defend the land from narco-terrorists during the ongoing conflict.

Similarly, Development and Protection United Voluntary Organisation, Nambol and Manipur Semgat Sagat Lup, Sainik School, Imphal, Tekcham Sports & Cultural Organisation (TSCO) Tekcham also observed the day by paying floral tributes.

Punminnaba Group Khangabok organised a mini marathon on the theme 'Run for Unity & Patriotism' as a part of the observance of Patriots' Day.

Meanwhile, Lions Club of Imphal, Lions Club of imphal Valley, Lions Club of North, Lions Club of Imphal Northern Hemisphere, Lions Club of Imphal Valley Nextgen and Indian Red Cross Society, Imphal West District Branch and Apunba Ireipakki Maheiroi Sinpanglup (AIMS) observed 134th Patriots' Day by organising flood donation camp.

Lions Club of Canchipur Greater observed Patriots' Day by planting tree saplings.

National Medicos Organisation, Seva Bharati and Bharat Vikas Parishad Manipur Prant jointly organised one-day health camp at Keirao Bitra Awang Leikai community hall to commemorate Patriots' Day 2025 .