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N Biren Singh paying tributes at the Bir Tikendrajit Park in Imphal on Mon. Aug. 13.[/caption]
Our Correspondent
Imphal, Aug. 13: Patriots’ Day in memory of those heroes, who sacrificed their lives in the Anglo-Manipur War, 1981 was widely observed in various places with the main function in Imphal on Monday. Manipur Governor Dr Najma Heptulla and Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh attended the main observation at Bir
Tikendrajit Park, where Prince Bir Tikendrajit and Thangal General were hung to death publicly on Aug. 13, 1891 on the charge of waging war against the British, following Manipur’s defeat to the British forces. Since then, the day is observed as the Patriots’ Day every year.
The day’s main function began with wreath laying ceremony at the Saheed Minar where Governor Dr Heptulla led others in paying floral tributes to the martyrs. A contingent of Manipur Rifles offered guard of honour and general salute and observed two minutes silence as a mark of respect to those martyrs.
Speaking on the occasion, Governor Dr Heptulla said,” we should never forget the selfless sacrifice of the freedom fighters of Manipur who fiercely fought the mighty British Empire.” She appealed to all the communities to shun violence and hatred among themselves and bring about an atmosphere of love and mutual understanding so that Manipur can move forward in the pace of development.
In his speech state Chief Minister N Biren Singh said that the government will stand for the people, unity and territorial integrity of the state at any cost. Mentioning about the present unrest of the Manipur University, he said that the officials from the Ministry of HRD will be arriving here in Imphal shortly and believe that the issue would be solved in next 3-4 days.
As a mark of respect, the state cabinet had decided to officially name the JNIMS road as Pukhrambam Kajao Road and Lamphel to Shija Hospital Road as Chirai Naga Road, he added.
Earlier in the morning, Chief Minister 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 Temple Complex, Palace Compound and offered floral tributes to the portrait of Thangal General.
Bharatiya Janata Party Manipur Pradesh, Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee I, Manipur People’s Party, one of the oldest political party in the North East India, also observed the day at their respective party offices in Imphal.
The day was also observed at the ecological park at Mayangkhang in Senapati district. The district authorities of Bishnupur, Chandel, Kangpokpi, and Thoubal also observed the historic day holding floral tribute ceremonies at their respective areas.
