Imphal: Manipur Friday observed Patriots’ Day in memory of those heroes who sacrificed their lives in the Anglo-Manipur War, 1891. Governor of Manipur Ganga Prasad Chaurasia and Chief Minister N. Biren Singh led others in paying floral tributes at Kangla Utra and Shaheed Minar, Bir Tikendrajit Park.
A contingent of Manipur Rifles sounded the last post and offered gun salutes to the martyrs. The Chief Minister, Cabinet Ministers, MLAs and others also paid their floral tributes at Hicham Yaichampat, Moirangkhom, where Bir Tikendrajit was cremated and at Thangal General Temple Complex, Palace Compound.
On the occasion, Governor Chaurasia inaugurated the Memorial Complex dedicated to the exiled martyrs of the Anglo-Manipur War 1891 at Bir Tikendrajit Park. The names of those unsung heroes who fought valiantly against the mighty British forces and later exiled to Andaman and Nicobar Islands are engraved on the Memorial Stone unveiled Friday.
Later, the artistes of Roop Raag performed the first rendition of the State Song of Manipur “Sana Leibak Manipur” written by renowned lyricist late B. Jayantakumar Sharma and composed by Aribam Syam Sharma. It may be mentioned that the State Cabinet had decided to adopt “Sana Leibak Manipur” by Roop Raag as the State song of Manipur recently.
While addressing the media persons, the Governor reminded the people that they should not forget the supreme sacrifices made by our heroes who fought valiantly against British colonialism. On this occasion let us pledge to work towards inclusive development and welfare of the people, he added. He further mentioned that we all must work towards fulfilling the aspirations of Prime Minister Narendra Modi such as Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India), the Make in India initiative etc.
Chief Minister N. Biren Singh said that the Memorial Complex inaugurated Friday is a tribute to all those unsung heroes who were exiled to Andaman and Nicobar islands after the Anglo-Manipur war of 1891. We must not forget those exiled martyrs who made supreme sacrifices for the sovereignty of our motherland. He recalled that this day reminded us of the courage and selfless sacrifices made by our forefathers who fought the mighty British forces despite knowing that they would be defeated.
The Chief Minister stated that even though we speak different languages and dialects and follow different religions, there is a strong sense of oneness and unity among the communities living in the State. He also maintained that there would be developed only when there is peace. Let us imbibe the feeling of nationalism and patriotism to uphold the unity and integrity of the Nation, he added.
It may be mentioned that the observance began with ‘Prabhat Phery’ commencing from DIPR Office, Keishampat at 4:00 am. Patriotic songs, imbibing the sense of patriotism and martyrdom, were played at various locations of Imphal East and Imphal West districts.
It may also be noted that the District Administrations of all districts of Manipur also observed Patriots’ Day at their respective District Headquarters.
