Imphal, August 13: The State Government today observed the 116th Patriots' Day and paid befitting tributes to all the martyrs who laid down their lives for the sake of mother land.

Speaking at the occasion, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh exhorted the present generation to cherish and protect the legacy of 'freedom' left behind by the departed martyrs.

The Patriots' Day observance commenced in the morning along with paying homage and offering floral tributes at Hicham Yaicham Pat, Moirangkhom where the mortal remains of Bir Tikendrajit was laid to rest as well as at the memorial of Thangal General located in Palace Compound by the Chief Minister, his Council of Ministers, MLAs and top officials of Civil and Police.

Manipur Rifles and IRB personnel sounded the bugle and offered gun salutes at the occasion.

The family members of the martyrs also offered floral tributes at their memorials.

In the afternoon, the Chief Minister led his Council of Ministers, MLAs and other Government officials in offering floral tributes at Kangla and later attended the main observance function held at Bir Tikendrajit Park.

Besides floral tributes, Manipur Rifles personnel also offered gun salute to the martyrs at the occasion.

In his address as chief guest of the function, Ibobi said freedom was very dear to the hearts of the martyrs and they did not hesitate even for a second in laying down their lives.

So it should be responsibility of the present generation to keep alive the spirit of freedom left behind as a legacy by the departed martyrs.

Health Minister Ph Parijat who presided over the function said the Anglo-Manipuri war that took place 116 years ago was the direct fallout of the divide and rule policy played by the Britishers among the Manipuri royals.

Today, just like the Britishers, some anti-social elements have also been trying to drive a wedge among the hill and the valley people of Manipur and disturb the territorial integrity of the State.

So people should stay alert and join hands to defeat such disintegrating forces, he said.

The Patriots' Day is being observed every year in remembrance of all those who laid down their lives for the cause of protecting the sovereignty and integrity of Manipur.

It was on this day in 1891 that Bir Tikendrajit and Thangal General were executed by the British on alleged charge of waging a war against the British crown.

The 116th Patriots' Day observation was also organised in other districts of the State.

At Senapati district, the function was held at Thangal General Ecological Park located in Mayangkhang village.

Tribal Development Minister DD Thaisii , who was the chief guest of the function led the people in offering floral tributes to the statue of Thangal General installed there amidst general salute and reverse of arms by a contingent of Senapati district police.

Addressing the function organised by the Senapati district administration in association with Thangal General and NIUCAMO, Thaisii said the present generation should imbibe the spirit of patriotism and sacrifice of the martyrs and use them for the betterment of the society.

Deputy Commissioner of Senapati district Dr Prem Singh was president of the function which was also attended by MLA Awangbou Newmai, president of NPO Senapati Alew Patrick, NIUCAMO advisor N Rajendro and new editor of ISTV K Madhumangol as guests of honour.

Many district level officers and Assam Rifles officers were also present at the occasion.

In Churachandpur district, the Patriots' Day was observed by organising at the office complex of District Information Officer.

Editor of Mizo daily Lalshinglien was chief guest of the observance function marked by offering of floral tributes to the martyrs by the district level officers.

The Patriots' Day observance was also held at Chandel district headquarters with Deputy Commissioner of the District Norbert Disinang as chief guest.

The chief guest led the Commandant of 8 Manipur Rifles, SDPO, District level officers, employees and the public in paying floral tributes to the photographs of the martyrs.

Speaking at the occasion, Disinang said the sacrifices made by the martyrs should not be forgotten and we can be successful in any field if we work together along with the feeling of oneness.

He also appealed to the people for support and co-operation with the Government in taking up developmental works.

SDO Chandel GB Sharma and principal of United College, Chandel Oliver were also among those who spoke at the occasion.

In Thoubal district, the Patriots' Day observance function was organised by the district administration at the counting hall located inside the DC office complex with DC RK Dinesh Singh, IAS as chief guest and CMO Thoubal Ksh Manglem Singh as functional president.

Top civil and police officials of the district were among other many people who participated in the observance function.

The observance function commenced with offering of floral tributes to the photographs of the martyrs and performing rites reading out scriptures of various religions.

Speaking at the occasion, the chief guest exhorted the youths to stay alert and take up the responsibility of protecting the integrity of the State.

The functional president said we should remembered the sacrifices made by out forefathers for the protection of the integrity of the State.

In Bishnupur district, the Patriots' Day was also observed under the aegis if the district administration.

The observance function held at the Mini Secretariat complex of Bishnupur was attended by Deputy Commissioner of the district Aleng AS Shimray as chief guest.

In his address, Shimray observed that after our forefathers laid down their lives for the protection of the State, now it is the duty of the present generation to work towards betterment of the society.

If there is no unity and love among the people, there is no point in organising such observance functions.

Earlier, a contingent of the State police offered arm reverse salute and the congregation observed two minutes silence as mark of respect to the martyrs.

Many civil and police officers, other district level officials and public leaders attended the function.

Comment