Imphal: Manipur commemorated Patriots’ Day, remembering the valiant patriots who laid down their lives in defence of the sovereignty of their motherland. Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla led the people in paying tribute to the heroes of the Anglo-Manipur War, 1891. Chief Minister, Yumnam Khemchand Singh; Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly; Ministers; MLAs; Chief Secretary, Security Advisor; DGP along with senior officers of the civil and uniformed services, also paid homage to the brave warriors.
The programme began with the Governor, accompanied by the Chief Minister and other dignitaries, laying wreaths at Kangla Uttra. A Guard of Honour was accorded by a contingent of the Manipur Rifles. The programme continued with floral tributes at Shaheed Minar, BT Park, where the Governor, accompanied by the Chief Minister, Speaker, Ministers, MLAs and senior government officers, honoured the brave souls who laid down their lives in defence of the State’s sovereignty. A Guard of Honour and gun salute were accorded by contingents of the Manipur Rifles. Floral tributes were also offered at the Memorial Stone commemorating the exiled martyrs of the 1891 War.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Governor said that Patriots’ Day is not merely a remembrance of the past, but an occasion to draw strength and guidance from the sacrifices of those who defended the honour, dignity and sovereignty of Manipur during the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891. Paying homage to Bir Tikendrajit, Thangal General and all the patriots, he said, their courage demonstrated that the true measure of courage lies not in the certainty of victory, but in the willingness to stand firmly for what is right. He stressed that the patriots, despite coming from different backgrounds and carrying different responsibilities, were united by a common commitment to their motherland.
The Governor further said that the best tribute to the patriots is to build a peaceful, prosperous and harmonious Manipur. He called upon the people, particularly the youth, to carry forward the legacy of the patriots through constructive action, understanding and unity, while preserving the State’s rich history, culture and heritage and equipping themselves with education, knowledge, skills and technology. Emphasising that differences must never become greater than the shared identity of being citizens of Manipur and India, he said that diversity should remain a source of strength rather than division. He urged all sections of society to uphold the Constitution, the rule of law, peace and fraternity, and work together to build a Manipur where every child can dream, every young person can find opportunity, every family can live with dignity and every community can live in peace.
During the occasion, the awards for Manipur Chief Minister’s Police Medal for Gallantry and Manipur Chief Minister’s Police Medal for Outstanding Devotion to Duty were also announced.
