Manipur lives up to the spirit of Patriots' Day
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 13 2010: Rich tributes were paid to the forefathers who laid down their lives in protecting the sovereignty of the then independent kingdom of Manipur against the British soldiers on the occasion of Patriots' Day today.

In honour of the supreme sacrifices made by the martyrs, the state government had been observing the day as Patriots Day since 1970 .

Floral tributes at the Hicham Yaichampat memorial site in the morning and similar obeisance at the Bir Tikendrajit Park in the evening preceded by laying of wreaths at Kangla Uttra inside Kangla Fort marked the observance which was attended by Governor Gurbachan Jagat, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh and other top ranking civil and security officials.

Roads along the Raj Bhawan lit up with decorative lights for Aug 13 /15 celebrations and Governor paying tributes at BT Park

In his address at BT Park, the Governor reminded that Patriots' Day is being celebrated in a befitting manner to pay homage and tribute to the brave sons of Manipur, who made the supreme sacrifices and willingly went to the gallows for the cause of their motherland 119 years ago.

Recalling events leading to the martyrdom of Bir Tikendrajit, Thangal General, Niranjan Subedar, Kajao and Chirai Naga on August 13, 1891 at the present day BT Park, then known as Pheidabung, the Governor the occasion reminds all of the heroic acts of the Manipuris both known-and unknown, in different war fronts of the Anglo-Manipur War, 1891, that showed to the world that the Manipuris had the indomitable and unconquerable spirit to challenge the then mightiest world power, the British, for the sake of their motherland.

"They also exemplified that freedom can neither be traded away nor conceded at any cost and under any circumstances; instead they finally sacrificed their lives for the cause of the freedom of their motherland.

Their lives will always inspire us with the sense of self sacrifice, patriotism and bravery" .

Pointing out that Manipur's Freedom was lost in 1891 mainly because of the disunity and dissenting attitude among the then princes of Manipur, he also highlighted that it is a lesson of history that foreign powers always take advantage of prevailing disunity and factionalism in other countries in order to rule over them.

"This is what happened over and over again when the British gradually spread their tentacles all across India.

It was only in 1891 that the British could bring Manipur within the ambit of their empire and it was then that Bir Tikendrajit and Thangal General were awarded capital punishment along with Niranjan Subedar, Kajao and Chirai Naga on August 13, 1891 .

"This was also the time when the freedom movement had started gearing up in the whole of the country and a wave of nationalism was sweeping all over the country.

It was this relentless and continuous struggle over the next 60 years which finally brought us out of slavery imposed on us by the British.

Our hard won freedom has always to be protected and preserved by all of us," exhorted the Governor.

Stating that citizens of Manipur along with those of the rest of the country are enjoying the freedom and all that it brings in its aftermath, Gurbachan observed that the educated youths of the present day Manipur and India as a whole are apparently self-centred and motivated to work for their own gains.

"This needs to be changed into a better way of life so that they work hard earnestly in a sacrificing spirit and selfless attitude for upliftment of the society with a mental framework of love and brotherhood among themselves," suggested the Governor while stressing on the need for all to take responsibility to preserve and promote age-old values of love for peace, tolerance, brotherhood and mutual understanding and work hard for bringing about accelerated development in all fields in the State.

On this auspicious occasion, when we pay our sincere homage and show our gratitude to these great martyrs, we should resolve to stand together firmly, shoulder to shoulder, and face all the threats, internal and external, however strong they may be, for all-round development of the society, maintained the Governor in his speech while strongly advocating that every citizen should strive for building a strong and prosperous nation in the true spirit of patriotism and selfless service.

Earlier in the morning, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh led the people in paying homage to the martyrs at Hicham Yaicham Memorial Park.

Floral tributes were also paid at the portrait of Thangal General at Thangal General Temple Complex at Palace Compound.

speaking as the functional president at Kangla Uttra, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh recalling events leading to soldiers of the British empire ultimately invading and seizing Manipur said sacrifices made by Bir Tikendrajit, Thangal General and others would remain etched in the history of Manipur.

He also called upon the people to remain united with the reminder that infighting among the princes of the then sovereign Manipur had been the chief factor for Manipur ultimately losing its independent status.

The opposition Manipur People's Party also observed Patriots' Day at its headoffice where MPP legislature Wing leader O Joy Singh recalled sacrifices made by the forefathers against the British soldiers.

He credited the then Chief Minister (Late) Md Alimuddin for the present day generation to remember heroics of the forefathers and pay homage to them.

Joy informed that it was due to Alimuddin's initiatives in the early 70s that facilitated construction of the present-day BT Park as well as the Khongjom War memorial complex at Khongjom in Thoubal district.

Speaking at the occasion, MLA RK Anand called upon the general public to stay united in foiling divisive agenda of anti-social elements.

He also emphasised on the need for not only protecting the culture and tradition of Manipur, but to contribute their mite in ushering an era of economic and political emancipation.

The MPP legislator also lashed out at organisations that literally hold the people to ransom by resorting to blockade of National highways in pursued of unjustifiable demands.

MPP president Dr Nimaichand Luwang also spoke at the occasion.