Manipur Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya on Monday extended heartiest greetings and best wishes to the people of the State on the occasion of Patriots’ Day, 2024.
The Governor, in his message, stated that the auspicious occasion reminds of 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, he stated.
‘The historic day also jogs our memory that if we do not live and work together we stand to lose’, he asserted. The Governor called upon the people to 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 and wished the observations all across the State and outside the State a grand success.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister N Biren Singh also joined the people of Manipur in paying homage to the fallen heroes on the auspicious occasion of Patriots’ Day.
In his message, N Biren said 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.
He asserted that the day recognizes the supreme sacrifices of our heroes, including Yuvraj Tikendrajit Singh, Thangal General, Chairai Thangal, Pukhrambam Kajao and the hundreds of soldiers who laid down their lives valiantly defending sovereignty of our motherland.
He lamented that the indigenous people have lived together peacefully for ages, but today divisive and communal forces are threatening to erode the fabric of our society.
‘History teaches us that when we are united, we are formidable. When we are divided, we are vulnerable. We must be vigilant against those who seek to divide us and proactive in building a society where every community feels valued and included. Let this day be a reminder of our shared values and a call to action for a united and prosperous future’, he stated.
He reminded that the forefathers valued freedom and sovereignty of their motherland more than their own lives. He further urged the present generation to reflect on such values that guide their actions and adopt a collective stance against any divisive force in the state.
