IMPHAL, Aug 13: Patriot’s Day observation which reminds the supreme sacrifices made by the martyrs in defending the sovereignty of Manipur has been observed across the State and beyond today.
The main function was held at Bir Tikendrajit Park, where Bir Tikendrajit and Thangal General were hung to death publicly on this day in 1891.
Governor V Shanmuganathan and Chief Minister Okram Ibobi attended the observation as chief guest and president respectively.
The function began with an impressive guard of honour and general salute offered by a contingent of Manipur Rifles and a patriotic song presented by the teachers and students of Balmukunda Dev Government Music College.
The Governor while speaking at the occasion urged the masses to remember the sacrifices made by the martyrs atleast for a moment during their day-to-day life daily.
He remembered that valiant Manipuri soldiers faced the much superior British army although they knew that they would suffer defeat in April 1891.
22 gallant sons of the soil including Maharaja Kullachandra were exiled to Kalapani while Bir Tikendrajit, Thangal General, Chirai Naga, Niranjan Subedar and Pukhrambam Kajao were hung to death, he said.
The Governor said that the stories of these martyrs must be narrated to young students by adding it in the school syllabus.
Those who can think of fellow citizens of the country as their brothers and sisters and ever ready to be martyred for the sovereignty of the country are patriots, he said.
In his speech, Okram Ibobi said that Manipur could not have been conquered by the British forces had the princes of the kingdom faced them unitedly.
Ibobi urged the people to learn lessons from the history and stand united for the State and country.
After British Government unsuccessfully tried to nab Bir Tikendrajit, who was a threat to their venture of expanding colonies, irate Manipuris executed five British officials at Kangla.
As a revenge, British forces advanced towards Kangla/Imphal from three directions, Ibobi said.
Although, Manipuri soldiers knew that they would fall at the hands of the much superior British force, they fought gallantly till their last drop of their blood, Ibobi said.
On April 27, 1891, British army entered Kangla and conquered Manipur, he said.
Without any fair trial, Bir Tikendrajit and Thangal General were hung to death on the charge of waging war against the Queen of England on August 13, 1891, he said.
Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker Th Lokeshwar, Ministers, MLAs, Chief Secretary O Nabakishore, DGP LM Khaute and other top officials of different Departments were also present at the occasion.
Earlier in the morning at 8, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker Th Lokeshwar, Ministers, MLAs and top officials of police and Government Departments offered floral tributes at Hicham Yaichampat, Moirangkhom, where Bir Tikendrajit was cremated.
A contingent of Manipur Rifles sounded the last post and offered three gun salutes to the martyrs.
The dignitaries then went to Thangal General complex, Palace compound and offered floral tributes there as well.
Later in the evening at 3.30, Governor V Shanmuganathan and Chief Minister Okram Ibobi led others in laying wreaths in front of Kangla Uttra Shanglen.
From there, all the dignitaries went to Bir Tikendrajit Park on foot to attend the main function of Patriot’s Day that commenced from 4 pm.
BJP Manipur Pradesh also observed Patriots’ Day at its office located at Nityaipat Chuthek.
Speaking at the programme, MLA Kh Joykishan stated “ideals of our past leaders and martyrs should be discussed to ascertain if we are heading in the right direction or not.
“We all should have a feeling of patriotism, remember the sacrifices of the martyrs and work collectively to achieve a society envisioned by them,” MLA Joykishan said.
“We can learn from the past that lack of unity among the Kings and our leaders was the main reason for Manipur coming under the British rule. Therefore, it is necessary for today’s leaders to join as one so as to fight against all odds victoriously,” the MLA added.
The programme which was organised by Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha was also attended by Thounaojam Chaoba, Chairman, State Election Management Committee and M Asnikumar, general secretary, BJP Manipur Pradesh.
Manipur State Shumang Leela Council also organised a programme to observe Patriot’s Day at Iroisemba Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound.
Manipur Literary Society, Imphal, The Imphal College Students’ Union and Khundrakpam Kendra Youth Organisation also observed Patriot’s Day.
The Communist Party of India, Manipur State Council also observed Patriots’ Day today at its office at Irawat Bhawan complex, Rupmahal Tank with Dr Nara, State secretary, L Sotinkumar, deputy secretary, L Iboyaima, A Lala and S Yaima as presidium members.
Manipur People’s Party observed the Patriots’ Day today at its office with party president N Sovakiran along with party members by paying floral tributes and observing two minute silence as a mark of respect to the departed heroes.
Sainik School, Imphal observed Patriots’ Day at Manekshaw auditorium of the school with great zeal and enthusiasm today.
Officers, staff and cadets paid floral tributes to the martyrs in commemoration of their supreme sacrifices and dedication to protect the motherland from the colonial rule of the British, said a press release issued by PIB (DW).
On the occasion, the school Principal Capt (IN) Vinay Tiwari addressed the cadets reminding them of the memorable events of India’s freedom movements against the British that existed in different parts of the country. Educating the young cadets, he stated that each one of them has to imbibe the qualities displayed by the brave patriots. Cadets of SSI, on the occasion, performed a drama entitled ‘Bir Tikendrajit’ depicting the historic events.
The drama was followed by a patriotic song, sung in chorus by 46 cadets of the school.
Inter-house quiz competitions for cadets were also conducted in senior and junior categories, added the press release.
The State Government observed Patriots’ Day at Manipur Tikendrajit House, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, today. State Lok Sabha Members Thokchom Meinya and Thangso Baite along with Manipuries settled in Delhi and inmates and officials of both the Manipuri Bhavans and other dignitaries paid floral tributes to the patriots of the martyrs and observed a two minute silence as a mark of respect to the departed souls.
The day was also observed in different districts of the State. DC Boby Waikhom was the chief guest at the Patriot’s Day observation held at Bishnupur Mini Secretariat complex.
The gathering offered floral tributes to the martyrs while a contingent of Manipur police offered general salute.
Later, a folder published by DIPR was distributed to the gathering.
At the Patriot’s Day observation held at Chandel Mini Secretariat complex, a contingent of Manipur Rifles offered general salute.
DC Robert Kshetrimayum who was the chief guest of the function led the gathering in paying obeisance and offering floral tributes to the martyrs.
In Senapati district as well, district administration observed the day at General Thangal Ecological Park, Mayangkhang.
ADC Chairman ML Markson and DC Jacintha Lazarus attended the function as chief guest and president respectively.
The gathering paid rich floral tributes at the statue of Thangal General.
A Manipur police contingent offered general salute and prayer service of different religions was also held.
District Administration Thoubal observed the 125th Patriot’s Day at the district headquarters’ election counting hall, Thoubal, our correspondent reports.
The observance was attended by Kh Surnalata Devi as chief guest, Deputy Commissioner T Ranjit Singh as president and Additional Magistrate Ksh Lemba Singh and Thoubal police SP K Radheshyam Singh as guests of honour respectively.
In the meantime, District Administration Thoubal, District Health Society Thoubal, Blood bank and Transfusion Unit, District Hospital Thoubal jointly organised a voluntary blood donation camp at District Hospital Thoubal Blood bank and Transfusion Unit on the occasion of Patriot’s Day.
Altogether, 27 people donated blood at the camp today, this correspondent reports.
The Manipur Democratic Peoples Front observed Patriots’ Day at its head office, Lairikyengbam Makha Leikai.
Foundation for Healthy People, Wangjing also observed Patriots’ Day at EEO Lamding Auditorium with Wangjing Tentha MLA P Brojen as the chief guest.
Liberty Theatre, Kakching also observed Patriots’ Day at the auditorium of Library and Information Centre, Kakching with ex MLA Dr U Deben Singh as the chief guest.
Kha Manipur College, Kakching also observed Patriots’ Day with competitions for quiz and patriotic poems.
Langmeidong Higher Secondary School also observed Patriots’ Day with Hiyanglam MLA E Dwijamani Singh as the chief guest.
Langmeidong Dramatic Union also performed drama on Bir Tikendrajit.
Manipuris residing in Silchar today took out a rally as part of the 125th Patriot’s Day.
Organised by Manipur Youth Committee, Udharbond and CSOs, the observance programme was graced by social activist Saikhom Kamlakanta as the chief guest.
Speaking at the occasion, Saikhom Kamlakanta said, “Let us remain as one and continue to defend our identity with pride.”
The programme was also attended by Chitaranjan, president, Manipur Youth Committee, Udharbond, S Pakachand, former president, Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, Assam, Dr Anita Devi, HOD, Department of Manipuri, Jagannath Singh College, Udharbond and Laishram Dhaballo Singh, advisor, Iramdam Gi Mapao. The 125th Patriot’s day was also observed by Manipuri students of various colleges in Silchar. Sambei Youth Club, Pukhao Road, Delta Group of Institutions, Kwakeithel, BJP, Nambol Mandal, Students’ Union of Eastern Ideal High School, Singjamei, Kwakta High School, Bishnupur, Peace and Freedom Academy, Manipur Government Services’ Federation, Apunba Manipur Matam Esei Kanglup Manipur Proletariat People’s Democratic Union, Patriotic Writers’ Forum, Manipur also observed the day.
