Manipur celebrates Patriots Day

Correspondent IMPHAL, August 13 [dropcap]M[/dropcap]anipur today celebrated Patriots Day to commemorate the 1891 Anglo –Manipuri war during which scores of people sacrificed their lives to safeguard the Independence of the land. State chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh led the observation by paying floral tributes to the departed souls at the historic Hicham Yaicham Pat at Moirangkhom and Thangal General Temple complex at palace compound both located in and around Imphal town this morning. Many cabinet colleagues and top officials of both civil and security forces also attended the first session of paying floral tribute to the memorials of the Martyrs to pay respects to those killed during the war which was followed by the second session of formal Patroits’ day observation function which was held at Bir Tikendrajit Park in the heart of Imphal town after laying wreath to the martyrs at Kangla Uttra inside the Kangla fort.Manipur Governor VK Duggal and Ibobi Singh attended the observation function as chief guest and functional president. The state leaders in their separate speeches on the occasion called upon the people to work in unity for the development of Manipur and asked them to fight against those who stand against the integrity of the country. The Patriots Day celebration was also held in most of the districts and other parts of the region recalling the sacrifice by Thangal General and Yubraj Tiukendrajit. In the national capital,Manipur’s Lok Sabha MPs Dr Thokchom Meinya and Thangso Baite led state officials also observed the Patriots’ Day Celebration today, reports from Delhi said. Former Union Minister of sports and youth affairs Thounaojam Chaoba Singh who is the president of BJP Manipur Pradesh along with other state BJP leaders also attended the observation, according to reports. On August 13, 1981, Prince Bir Tikendrajit and General Thangal were hanged by Britishers in Imphal for fighting against them.