Imphal: Manipur observed Patriots’ Day Sunday. On this day, August 13, 1891, Bir Tikendrajit and General Thangal were hanged publicly at Feida Pung by the British for waging war against the empire. The day is considered as a red-letter day in the history of Manipur and is annually observed as “Patriots’ Day”.
On the same day, Niranjan Subedar, Pukhrambam Kajao and Chirai Naga were hanged to death inside the Manipur jail. The British deported Maharaj Kulachandra and 21 others to Kalapani, the present-day Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Governor of Manipur Anusuiya Uikey and Chief Minister N. Biren Singh led the people in paying floral tribute/ laying of wreath to the Samadhi at Kangla Uttra and Shaheed Minar at Bir Tikendrajit Park in Imphal this evening. Governor also led the people to pay floral tribute at the Memorial Stone of exiled Martyrs of 1981 War heroes. The Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly, Ministers, MLAs, Chief Secretary, Security Advisor, DGP and officers and officials also paid tributes to the martyrs.
Speaking at the State level observation function as Chief Guest, the Governor said, this day reminds us of the heroic deeds of the Manipuris on the fronts of the Anglo-Manipuri war of 1891, which showed the world that the Manipuris were brave enough to challenge the mighty British Empire, make sacrifices and show indomitable courage to defend their motherland.
She said the day is considered an important day in the history of Manipur because it was on this day in 1891 that Bir Tikendrajit and General Thangal were hanged publicly by the British at Feida Pung in Imphal in front of thousands of Manipuris. We got freedom because of the tireless efforts and sacrifices of our forefathers. This day is an opportunity for us to make our future generations aware of the sacrifice, penance and sacrifices of our forefathers. She said, while paying tributes to the heroic forefathers of Manipur, we must reiterate our pledge to work with dedication for our motherland.
Reiterating that development should be accelerated for the prosperity and welfare of Manipur, the Governor said, as citizens of this country, it is our utmost duty to make the State and country strong and prosperous. Expressing concern about the unrest in Manipur, Governor continued that the State is passing through a period of unrest and violent incidents arising out of the ethnic conflict over the last three months.
She said the spirit of mutual brotherhood and cooperation has decreased, and human values have faded, which need to be restored. Governor appealed to all the citizens to give up violence and hatred among themselves and create an atmosphere of love and mutual understanding and brotherhood so that peace and tranquillity can be restored in Manipur. She also urged to protect the aged old values of love, peace, tolerance and mutual understanding.
Speaking at the observation function as President, Chief Minister said, the Day is significant in the history of Manipur as it was on this day in 1891, Bir Tikendrajit, General Thangal, Niranjan Subedar, Pukhrambam Kajao and Chirai Naga laid down their lives in defending the sovereignty of Manipur. This day reminds us of the courage, dedication, determination and sacrificial spirit of the leaders in defending the sovereignty of Manipur despite having known that they were fighting against the mighty Britishers.
The stand of Maharaja Kulachandra against the British is worth remembering and as the descendants of those bravehearts, we all should follow their footprints so that commitment and dedication will be the striving force towards building a strong nation. He said, to instil a sense of patriotism and nationalism in the younger generations, extra-curricular activities like debating competitions, drama etc. on this day should be organized next year.
Expressing his deepest shock at the unfortunate incidents leading to the loss of many valuable lives in the State in the past three months, the Chief Minister said, violence will not bring any solution and therefore all should stop the violence.
He said, in-fighting amongst the communities will not solve any issue and all issues can be resolved through constitutional means. It is in this direction that the State government is working and under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, the state government is tirelessly working to solve the ongoing crisis. He appealed to the people to cooperate with the government in bringing peace and tranquillity to the State of Manipur.
Earlier, in the day, the Chief Minister led the people to pay tribute to the departed leaders at Hicham Yaicham Pat and Samadhi of Thangal General at Konung Mamang in Imphal.
