Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on the occasion of the 77th Anniversary of Flag Hoisting Day recalled the invaluable contribution made by freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in liberating India from the colonial rule of the British. He also stressed upon the need to enlarge the INA Memorial Complex at Moirang.
Organised jointly by the state department of Art and Culture, North Eastern Council (NEC) and the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipuri Dance Academy, Imphal, the 77th Anniversary of Flag Hoisting Day was observed on Wednesday at INA Martyr’s Memorial Complex, Moirang.
On this day (April 14) in 1944, the flag of the Indian National Army was hoisted for the first time on Indian soil at Moirang.
During the function, the chief minister unfurled the Indian Tricolor Flag and led the other dignitaries in paying floral tribute to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose inside the complex.
Speaking on the occasion, Biren said India had witnessed differences in ideology and ways used by different leaders during the freedom struggle against the British. However, the contribution made by each one of them was much impactful towards attaining the country’s freedom.
The chief minister said that many Indian leaders had played significant roles in the freedom struggle but unfortunately their contributions are not known to the following generation. He, therefore, expressed his desire that every citizen should pay homage and remember our leaders and their roles in making India a free country. He maintained that every citizen should bear a true spirit of nationalism, without which no person could achieve success in any field.
Biren said the INA Headquarter at Moirang would be well preserved in memory of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and the Tricolor Flag would also be installed in the place to make it a centre of tourist attraction.
He further said that the state government had come to an agreement with the owner and paperwork for purchase of the land where the INA Headquarter once stood was in process. He appealed to the people of Moirang not to raise any objection at the time when the owner would be given an alternative space for his residence by the government. He also stressed on the need to enlarge the current INA Memorial Complex.
Mentioning that love for the motherland and mutual respect are the foundation of a strong nation, he appealed to the public to pay respect to one another’s community and religion and go together towards the path of development of the state.
Chairman, Manipur State Pollution Control Board L Radhakishore, MLA Moirang assembly constituency P Sharatchandra, retired lieutenant general Dr Konsam Himalay and commissioner M Joy attended the function. During the function, cultural dance and songs were performed by different troupes.
