Manipur on Saturday celebrated Patriots’ Day 2022 with great patriotic spirit and paid rich homage to the martyrs and freedom fighters of the 1891 Anglo-Manipur War. The Patriots' Day is being observed in remembrance of the supreme sacrifices made by the Manipuri patriots in defending the sovereignty and integrity of the state.
Apart from Bir Tikendrajit and Thangal General who were hanged on this day, August 13, 1891, people of the state also celebrated other heroes of the 1891 Anglo-Manipur War, including Niranjan Subedar, Pukhrambam Kajao and Chirai Naga Mayangkhang.
Governor La Ganesan, Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren, his council of ministers, MLAs and government officials paid rich tributes to the martyrs at Kangla.
A wreath laying ceremony was held at Kangla Uttra. Later, the officials proceeded at Shaheed Minar, Pheidabing, where Bir Tikendrajit and Thangal General were hanged by the British and offered tributes.
Floral tributes were also paid to Maharaj Kullachandra and 22 other freedom fighters who were exiled to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, while a contingent of the Manipur Rifles also offered guard of honour.
Chief Minister N Biren led the ministers, MLAs and officials in paying floral tributes to Bir Tikendrajit at his resting ground at Hicham Yaicham Pat. The team also paid homage to Thangal General at Thangal temple.
Meanwhile, speaking as a chief guest during the main function held at BT Park, Governor La Ganesan categorically stated that Manipur is "second to none" in exhibiting the spirit of patriotism.
The governor said that as India kicks off the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign, Manipur is also seen soaked in the fervour of the 75th year of India's Independence as well. He noted that the freedom fighters and martyrs valued freedom and independence more than their lives. He appealed to the people to follow the footsteps of the forefathers and strive for the growth of the nation.
In his presidential address, N Biren extolled the heroes of Anglo-Manipur War of 1891 and exhorted the people not to forget the lesson taught by this day.
He recounted how the divisive ploy of the British created disunity within the royal family and subsequently took Manipur into their hands. He appealed to the people to shed the ideas of differences based on one's community, religion or race.
Biren further urged the people to stay away from those spewing hatred in vested interests and rather strive towards 'One Manipur, One India' to instill peace and harmony. He also appealed to the people to have strong feelings of nationalism and take part in nation building.
The state Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also observed the day at ‘Hicham Yaicham Pat’ at Moirangkhom, Imphal West on Saturday. State BJP president A Sharda Devi along with party members marched from state BJP office, Nityaipat Chuthek, Imphal to ‘Hicham Yaicham Pat’. They paid floral tributes at the tombs of Tikendrajit and Thangal General at ‘Hicham Yaicham Pat’.
(Thangal General statue at Wangkhei-Nongmeibung-New Checkon tri-junction, Imphal, Manipur on August 13, 2022. PHOTO: IFP)
To mark the day, several Civil Society Organisation (CSOs) also observed the Patriots’ Day at different places.
Justice Committee on Anglo-Manipur War 1891 Martyrs and Freedom Fighters remembered the brave soldiers who died defending Manipur at the Manipur Press Club. The committee paid tribute to five hanged martyrs, unsung and known freedom fighters who fought bravely for the protection of sovereignty of Kangleipak (Manipur) with the British Forces of three columns.
Speaking to the media, chief consultant of the justice committee, H Ibotombi Khuman, said that the government celebrates this day to remember only Tikendrajit and Thangal General. However, the justice committee remembers those who were exiled to Andaman Island after the war, such as Chongtham Mia who was never allowed to come back to Manipur and died in Tripura.
He added that there were five other soldiers who also were hanged after the war. He highlighted that around 400 were martyred in this war at battle sites such as Machin Manao Ching, Thoubal Athokpam, Laimaton Ching and Mayangkhang.
The function was attended by the relatives of some of the patriots who were martyred as the presidium members.
Apunba Manipur Matam Ishei Kanglup (AMMIK) also observed the Patriots’ Day at Ima Keithel, Thangal Keithel Market. Artists of AMMIK paid floral tribute to the portrait of the heroes of the battle Bir Tikendrajit and Thangal General.
Many singers from AMMIK, song writers, music composers and selected volunteers of AMSU district branches and units were also present at the observation.
Joint Student’s Co-ordination Committee of AMSU, MSF, KSA, SUK also observed the day at Imphal College multipurpose hall.
Floral tributes were paid to the martyrs as a part of the observance.
A state level open debate competition on the topic 'Ngashi Eikhoigi Manipur (Kangleipak) Khunai Asida Ireipak Ningbagi Wakhal Mami Samlaklibasi Mahei Tambagi Kanglon Soibadagini' was also organised.
The border town Moreh also witnessed the observation at Eastern Shine School Auditorium hall on Saturday, our Moreh correspondent added.
The observation was jointly organised by Meetei Council Moreh, All Community Development Organisation Moreh, Kha Nongpok Apunba Nupi Lup Moreh, Nupi Khunai Chaokhat Lamjing Lup Moreh and All Manipur Students Union (AMSU), Tengnoupal district Committee. Leaders from various CSOs, students and meira paibis attended the observation.
A two-minute silence observation and paying of floral tribute to the martyrs marked the occasion.
The Federal Students’ Organisation, Kangleipak (FESOK) observed that Day at its head office located at Kakwa, Imphal West.
The observation was jointly organised by ‘Khasil’, ‘Ulom’ and ‘Kanglei Pana’ of the student’s body.
A release issued by secretary publicity, FESOK, Sanasam Prity Devi, stated that during the observation president of Khasil, Maibam Sunil; president of Ulom, Yumlembam Anil, president of Kanglei Pana, Maibam Abe and advisor of FESOK, Trongbam Prenchand Singh attended the function as dais members.
FESOK members paid floral tributes to Tikendrajit and Thangal General who were hanged at Pheidabung, Moirangkhom, Imphal West on August 13, 1891. A one-minute silence was also observed as a mark of respect, it stated.
Lions Club of Imphal Valley (LCIV) also observed the same at the premises of its club in Imphal.
Members of the LCIV paid floral tribute to the martyrs of Manipur who sacrificed their lives for the sovereignty and integrity of Manipur. Moreover, a one-minute silence was also observed as a mark of respect.
Lions Club of Manipur viz, Lions Club of Imphal Valley; Lions Club of Imphal; Lions Club of Imphal North; Lions Club of Imphal Northern Hemisphere along with Red Cross Society Manipur State branch and Imphal West district branch jointly organised a one day voluntarily blood donation camp at department of Transfusion Medicine, RIMS, Lamphel, Imphal, to mark the occasion.
District governor, district 322D of Lions Clubs International, W Gopimohon, along with other district cabinet members were present during the occasion. Altogether, 29 units of blood were donated by volunteers from different sections of the community, it added.
The Patriots' Day was also observed at Manipur Press Club in Imphal by the Patriotic Writers Forum (PAWF) Manipur.
It was attended by proprietor of Birla Enterprises Birla Salam as chief guest, patron members of PAWF W Hemabati and K Dilip as guests of honour and was presided by PAWF president N Khamba Luwang.
Patriots Day was also observed in Chandel District Headquarters on Saturday in the presence of deputy commissioner Chandel, Mayanglambam Rajkumar, SP Chandel Pandey Hemant M, and commandant 8MR T Thongzapao.
The function started with the laying of wreaths and floral tributes followed by Gun salutes and a two-minutes silence in the memories of the departed heroes of Manipur's last war of Independence, 1891.
Function floral tributes were also paid by all the DLOs, officials, and members of different communities of the district.
The Day was observed in Kangpokpi in a function organised by the District Administration Kangpokpi at the DC Office Complex.
Floral tributes were paid by the officials led by Deputy Commissioner Kengoo Zuringla to mark respect and reverence to the forefathers who made supreme and selfless sacrifice for the freedom and sovereignty of our motherland against the mighty British.
District administration, Bishnupur also observed the dya at the Conference Hall of DC Office in Bishnupur. Deputy commissioner Lourembam Bikram led the wreath laying ceremony and paid rich floral tributes at the portraits of Bir Tikendrajit and Thangal General.
District Information Office, DIPR also carried out ‘Prabhat Pheri’ at various locations of the district on Saturday. Patriotic songs were played through loudspeakers to rekindle the sense of patriotism among the people.
ADM Bishnupur H Bobby Sharma, DLOs and several district administration staff also paid their tributes in the observation.
District Administration, Kakching observed the Patriots’ Day today at Open Hall, near NIC Conference Hall, Kakching. The function was attended by deputy commissioner, Kakching Somorjit Salam, SP Kakching Shrey Vats, and ADM A Adahrii Maheo as dignitaries. Addl SPs, SDOs, SDCs, DLOs and staff of DC office Kakching also attended the function.
