Manipur today observed Patriots’ Day in memory of those who sacrificed their lives during the 1891 Anglo-Manipur War. The main function was held at Bir Tikendrajit Park, where Bir Tikendrajit and Thangal General were hung to death publicly on this day in the year 1891. Governor of Manipur, Dr. Najma Heptulla and Chief Minister Shri N. Biren Singh attended the observation as Chief Guest and President respectively. Cabinet Ministers, Parliamentary Secretaries, MLAs, Chief Secretary, DGP, top civil and police officials and students of various schools attended the function.
The function began with wreath laying ceremony at the Saheed Minar where Governor led others in paying floral tributes to the martyrs. A contingent of Manipur Rifles offered with an impressive guard of honour and general salute and observed two minutes silence as a mark of respect to those martyrs. Prior to the function, Governor of Manipur, Dr. Najma Heptulla and Chief Minister Shri N. Biren Singh led others in laying wreaths in front of Kangla Uttra Shanglen. From there, all the dignitaries went to Bir Tikendrajit Park on foot to attend the main function of Patriot’s Day.
Speaking as the Chief Guest of the function, Governor of Manipur Dr. Najma Heptulla said, “We should take pledge to shun all violence and should work together for development and to make Manipur a top State of the country.” She said that Manipur has over the years been facing a series of problems and we are all aware of these problems. We have to tackle these issues and solve them together otherwise we will continue to dither on the road to development. She mentioned that bandh culture and calling of bandhs, economic, blockades etc. even for minor incidents has harmed the pace of development in the State and such acts need to be avoided. We should amicably resolve all our differences to make our State strong rather than harping on our differences, she added.
Governor stressed that history tells us that foreign powers always took advantage of the disunity and factionalism prevailing in other countries to subjugate them. She further said that on this occasion, we should not forget the sacrifices made by all those who sacrificed their precious lives for the cause of freedom of their motherland by showing indomitable and unconquerable spirit. Later, Governor appealed to the people of the State to safeguard our old values of love, peace, tolerance and mutual understanding among various communities living in the State.
Earlier this morning, Chief Minister Shri N. Biren Singh along with Cabinet Ministers, MLAs and top civil and police officials offered floral tributes at Hicham Yaichampat, Moirangkhom, where Bir Tikendrajit was cremated. A contingent of Manipur Rifles sounded the last post and offered gun salutes to the martyrs. The dignitaries also went to Thangal General complex, Palace compound and offered floral tributes there as well.
It may be mentioned that all the District Administrations also observed the Patriots’ Day at their respective District Headquarters.
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