Patriots’ Day was observed across Manipur, both by the government and CSOs, in memory of the great souls, Thangal General and Bir Tikendrajit Singh, who sacrificed their lives in the Anglo Manipuri war of 1891 against the mighty British imperialism.
SENAPATI
The District Administration, Senapati observed the Patriots’ Day on Sunday at DC Conference Hall, Senapati with the theme “Remembering the fallen Heroes of Anglo Manipur War”.
Speaking at the occasion, Senapti deputy commissioner Mamoni Doley stated that Patriots Day is also commemorated all across the country due to the effort and sacrifice made by Thangal General and Bir Tikendrajit Singh against the colonial authority. In remembrances of the heroes, she appealed to the gathering to renew vows of defending the country and protecting the sovereignty and integrity of the Nation.
Shivanand Surve, Superintendent of Police, Senapati, said that the two heroes have shown enough skill and courage against the mighty British Empire while trying to liberate people. He also said about 10 security personnel have lost their lives in the ongoing crisis while trying to maintain peace and save the integrity of the state. He also appealed to the gathering to take a vow in taking up the task with capacity and maintain peace among people and community.
The Senapati DC led the lighting of candles and floral tributes in paying homage to the images of Thangal General and Bir Tikendrajit Singh and followed by SP, Senapati then DLO’s. The Programme was attended by ADSP, SDO’s, DLO’s and its staff.
BISHNUPUR DISTRICT
The District Administration Bishnupur also observed the Patriots’ Day, 2023 at the Conference Hall, DC Office, Bishnupur where DC, Bishnupur District Lourembam Bikram, said that the state is facing an unprecedented crisis and it affects the law-and-order situation, displaced so many people and more than 8000 inmates are taking shelter in different relief camps of the Bishnupur District.
The DC further said that not only going to the battlefield and fighting valiantly but showing a sense of nationalism and sacrifice at our own level by anybody is the need of the hour. He appreciated Police forces for their contribution to safeguard the lives as well as the property of people and also district administration staff during this crisis period.
The programme began with wreath laying and floral tribute to the photos of Thangal General and Bir Tikendrajit.
KAMJONG DISTRICT
The District Administration, Kamjong, observed Patriots’ Day at its Camp Office in 2nd MR Complex, Imphal East. The observance, which was led by Deputy Commissioner, Kamjong, was attended by several District Level Officers, police personnel and other officers and staff of District Administration, Kamjong.
Floral tributes were paid to Bir Tikendrajit and General Thangal, who were martyred in the hands of the British during the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891. Patriots’ Day has been observed in remembrance of fallen heroes of Manipur, who were killed in the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891.
In his speech, deputy commissioner, Kamjong, Rangnamei Rang Peter, said that it is for the valour, patriotism and sacrifice of Bir Tikendrajit, General Thangal and other freedom-fighters of Manipur that we could enjoy the taste of freedom and sovereignty today.
"We should always remember the selfless sacrifice of our fallen heroes and remain indebted to them. We should always put forth the sense of patriotism and love of our motherland while performing our duty, only then we could build up a developed nation," the Deputy Commissioner added.
TAMENGLONG DISTRICT
The District Administration Tamenglong observed Patriots’ Day in memory of heroes who laid down their lives for the protection of Manipur’s independence.
Tamenglong Deputy Commissioner Dr L Angshim Dangshawa, along with the district level officers, paid a floral tribute and observed a minute of silence as a mark of respect at the Conference Hall, Mini Secretariat, Tamenglong headquarter.
During the programme, the deputy commissioner said, “All of us should not forget the extreme sacrifice made by these brave forefathers. We should strive to forge ahead for development, keeping their sacrifices in view”.
And as usual, the 2nd Edition of the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' will also be celebrated in Tamenglong district.
The Deputy Commissioner has instructed all the SDOs, DLOs and the government departments to celebrate the 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' by hoisting a national flag at their respective offices to show our patriotism and also an embodiment of our commitment to nation-building.
AWALAKACO
All Wangjing, Lamding, Kairembikhok Club Organisation (AWALAKACO), general secretary Thongam Rojen said that current war between the Meiteis and Kuki Narco Terrorists is far more destructive than Anglo-Manipur War, an armed conflict between the British Empire and the Kingdom of Manipur 132 years ago.
Speaking at the 132nd Patriot’s Day observance organised by AWALAKACO at Wangjing Ningthou Masaigol, Rojen said that the Meiteis will be on the verge of extinction if the Meitei community fail to unite among themselves in the present violence and expressed the need to flush out all the Kukis from our land.
AWALAKACO advisor Laishram Subash said that observing patriot’s day every year teaches us that our ancestors wanted us to be independent. “We must flush out all the Kuki Narco-Terrorist, immigrants from Myanmar, who have been trying to break the territorial integrity of the state”, he added.
Sanaleibak newspaper, editor Hemantakumar Ningombam and Ningthouja Lancha spoke on the observance of Patriots’ Day in the state during the programme.
More than 20 thousand people attended the observance and paid floral tributes to the freedom fighters. Renowned persons Tongbram Babulal, Khundrakpam Maniton and Laimujam Manao from Wangjing, Lamding attended the programme as presidium members.
PATRIOTIC WRITERS FORUM MANIPUR
Patriotic Writers Forum Manipur observed the Patriots’ Day commemorating the supreme sacrifices of Bir Tikendrajit, Thangal General and heroes of the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891 at the auditorium of Radio Nongin in Ganbhir Singh shopping arcade, Imphal on Sunday.
Forum President Naoroibam Khamba Luwang, patron member Wanhengbam Hemabati, president of Leimarol Khorjeikol (Leikol), Kshetrimayum Subadani, forum secretary Rakesh Naorem, renowned film-maker cum forum founder secretary OC Meira and others were present at the event, it said in a release.
Patriotic poems were also read out during the event which was live-streamed on Radio Nongin, it mentioned. Attendees also paid floral tributes to the portrait of Bir Tikendrajit, Thangal General on the occasion, it added.
CADA
Coalition against Drugs and Alcohol (CADA) also organised Patriots’ Day event at its head office in Pureiromba Khongnang Makong, Palace Compound on Sunday, wherein CADA head office president Hijam Priyokumar led the attendees in paying tributes to the martyrs, a release said.
Members of CADA district committee and units attended the event, it stated in a press release. It urged the upcoming youths to remember the sacrifices made by the forefathers and follow their noble ideals. Attendees also held discussions pertaining to the prevailing situation in the state and called upon everyone to set aside their religious and cultural differences and stand in unity to protect the state’s integrity, it added.
AMACSU, HLMTTCA
All Manipur Arts and Culture Students’ Union (AMACSU) along with Huyen Lanlong Manipur Thang ta Cultural Association (HLMTTCA) Irilbung also observed Patriots’ Day at HLMTTCA Hall, as per a release.
Padmashree K Sanathoiba Sharma, CWAF Chairman, Budha Chingtham, AMACSU and HLMTTCA members, instructors, staff, students and artists took part in the event. Floral tributes were also offered to the portrait of the martyrs, it added.
