Newmai News Network
Imphal | August 13
Remembering the "supreme sacrifice of the brave sons of Manipur", who laid down their lives on the gallows for the "cause of motherland", Patriots’ Day, 2019 was observed on August 13 across Manipur, according to a DIPR report.
The state level programme began with ‘Prabhat Phery’ commencing from DIPR Office, Moirangkhom and culminated at Hicham Yaicham Pat, Moirangkhom.
"Patriotic songs" were played imbibing the sense "patriotism and martyrdom" at various locations of Imphal East and Imphal West district, the report added.
At Hicham Yaicham Pat, Moirangkhom, Chief Minister N Biren Singh led the wreath-laying ceremony. Deputy Chief Minister Y Joykumar and cabinet ministers L Jayantakumar, Karam Shyam, Th Shyamkumar, Th Radheshyam along with several MLAs, top police and civil officials and the family members of the patriots also paid their respects during the ceremony. Floral tributes were also paid at the complex of Thangal General Temple, Palace Compound led by the Chief Minister along with his cabinet ministers, MLAs, top police and civil officials and people of the State.
In the afternoon, Governor Dr Najma Heptulla along with Chief Minister and his cabinet ministers laid wreaths to the martyrs at Kangla Uttra as part of the observation.
After the wreath laying ceremony at Kangla, Singh along with his associates proceeded on foot from Kangla, Western Gate towards Shaheed Minar.
At Shaheed Minar, floral tributes were paid led by Governor Dr Najma Heptulla followed by guard of honour/general salute by the contingents of Manipur Rifles.
The main observance of Patriots’ Day, 2019 was held at BT Park with the Governor as the chief guest and Chief Minister as the president.
In her address, Governor Dr Heptulla said that August 13 is of great historical significance for the State of Manipur as it was on this fateful day in 1891 that the brave prince of Manipur, Bir Tikendrajit and General Thangal were hanged at this very spot in Imphal by the British before thousands of Manipuris for revolting against them.
On the same day, Niranjan Subedar, Kajao and Chirai Naga were hanged till death inside the Manipur jail, the Governor said.
She then said the Manipuri freedom fighters sent on exile are equally patriots as those who fought in India’s freedom struggle and recorded in the Memorial for the detenues at Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The Central Government has been apprised by the State Government to engrave the names of the exile patriots also in the Memorial to give their rightful place.
Stating that history has taught that disunity brings downfall, Dr Heptulla said that the administration and the population must go hand in hand to ensure that divisive forces do not have an upper hand and that peace is the hallmark of this State. She also said we must resolve to safeguard our age old values of love, peace, tolerance and mutual understanding.
Singh in his speech stated that today, Government of Manipur was observing the Patriots’ Day as a “mark of respect and reverence to our forefathers.” Because, in spite of knowing that they will be defeated, “our fore fathers fought bravely the Anglo Manipuri war of 1891 against the mighty British,” Singh stated.
