IMPHAL, August 13: The Protection and Preservation Committee, Manipur (PPCM) and All Manipur Recognised Private Schools’ Welfare Association, Manipur observed Patriots’ Day at the Gandhi Memorial Hall and Lamyanba Shanglen respectively today.
Speaking on the occasion of the Patriots’ Day at Lamyanba Shanglen, Senior Citizen for Society, Manipur general secretary L Sadananda Singh said that the courage shown by martyrs of the state to get freedom from the British Empire was remarkable and must be honoured.
Expressing that the Anglo-Manipuri War fought in the year 1891 was one of the significant wars waged against the British Empire, he said the war to get freedom from the British Empire was fought collectively cutting across all communities.
The day is not commemorated only in remembrance of Thangal General and Bir Tikendrajit but also to remember those brave souls who laid down their lives to get freedom from the British Empire, he said opining that it is a must for the present generation to pass on the awareness of this landmark historical event to the next generation of the State.
Continuing that various wars have been fought in various places of the world for freedom, he said it was because freedom is the most important thing for any individual to live their lives with dignity.
It is a question worth asking whether the people of the State enjoy real freedom or not, he said adding that under the cover of AFSPA, the armed forces have plundered the liberty of ordinary lives even though India is a democratic country.
He further said that there is only political democracy in the State but not in its entirety as a spirit of freedom.
During the observance of the Patriots’ Day in both the places, floral tributes were paid to the portraits of the martyrs.
In connection with the Patriots’ Day, the Manipur State Shumang Leela Council (MSSLC) performed a Shumang Leela titled Mareibak Ningba Koirengsana at Iboyaima Sumang Leela Sanglen.
Speaking at the function, MSSLC president Ph Gunachandra Sharma said that Shumang Leela has the ability to educate and inform the public in a major way.
