Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey, Chief Minister N Biren Singh, IPR Minister S Ranjan and MAHUD Minister Y Khemchand have extended greetings on the occasion of Patriots' Day which falls on August 13.
In her message, the governor stated that "the occasion reminds us of our heroic forefathers like Bir Tikendrajit, Thangal General, Chirai Naga, Pukhrambam Kajao, Niranjan Subedar and a host of other martyrs who made supreme and selfless sacrifice for the cause of the freedom of their motherland. They, along with many others who were banished for life from Manipur, believed in the freedom of their nation and challenged the might of the British Empire in 1891 embracing death and prison rather than live without freedom."
“This historic day also jogs our memory that if we do not live and work together, we stand to lose. Let us, while observing the Patriots' Day, pledge to stand and fight as one against all those who challenge the freedom and integrity of the nation, irrespective of caste, creed, religion and other differences”, she added.
CM Biren stated that Patriots' Day is observed every year on August 13 in memory of those who laid down their lives, fighting against the mighty British soldiers, in the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891. On this day, Yuvraj Tikendrajit Singh and Thangal General laid down their lives valiantly in defence of their motherland. The day reminds us of the supreme and selfless sacrifices made by hundreds of soldiers fighting against the British for defending the sovereignty of Manipur, he added.
He said that our forefathers valued freedom and sovereignty of their motherland more than their own lives. The present generation should reflect on their thoughts and deeds and stand as one, rising above all differences, against forces who wish to disintegrate the state.
“I join the people of Manipur in paying homage to our fallen heroes on this auspicious day”, he said.
Dr Sapam Ranjan Singh, minister, Medical, Health and Family Welfare Publicity and Information Manipur also paid his tribute to those brave heroes of Manipur who laid their lives in defending the sovereignty of Manipur on the occasion of Patriots' Day, 2023.
“Patriots Day is observed on 13 August every year in remembrance of those brave sons of Manipur who chose death over surrendering the sovereignty of the motherland to the British and laid down their lives gracefully during the Anglo Manipuri War 1891 despite knowing the defeat was inevitable. This day also reminds us of the selfless and supreme sacrifices made by Yuvraj Tikendrajit and Thangal General for the Kingdom of Manipur,” he stated.
"Let us pay our respects to our forefathers recognizing their highest acts of patriotism and let us also resolve to stand together as one rising above all differences against divisive forces both from outside and within and also work together towards bringing peace and harmony in the state," he added.
‘I lay my humble homage to our great forefathers who fought fearlessly and sacrificed their lives in defending Manipur’s freedom and sovereignty from foreign British invaders," said Rural Development & PR/MAHUD Minister Yumnam Khemchand in his message.
The Minister called upon everyone to bow their heads on the occasion to the forefathers who fought against the British in the 1891 Anglo-Manipuri War. He also appealed to all the people of Manipur to strive for peace in the state.
