IMPHAL, Aug 12: The Governor of Manipur has extended his best wishes to the people of Manipur on the occasion of `™Patriots`™ Day`™, 2015.
In his message, the Governor has said that the 13th day of August every year is observed as the `Patriots`™ Day`™ in the State in memory of those who laid down their lives in the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891.
`It was on this day, 124 years ago that the British hanged our brave forefathers including Bir Tikendrajit for resisting their colonial design. These brave souls made the supreme sacrifice for the love of freedom of their motherland. Many of our forefathers who fought for the freedom of their motherland were also banished for life from Manipur. All of them embraced death or prison willingly rather than lose freedom. This day will remain of great historical significance to the people of Manipur as it changed the course of history of the State.`
He further said that this day also reminded the people of Manipur that we only succeed when we stand and work together as starkly evident from the British craft of `divide and rule`™ which they effectively used to their advantage. While observing the `Patriots`™ Day`™, the Governor has requested the people to take a pledge to stand as one against all challenges to the freedom and integrity of our country rising above caste, creed or religion.
The Governor once again expressed his privilege joining the people of Manipur in observing the `Patriots`™ Day`™ and also wished the observations in the State and also outside the State all success, it said.