Imphal, August 13: Manipuri people today paid befitting tributes the martyrs like Bir Tikendrajit, General Thangal, Paona Brajabashi, Charai Thangal and other unknown Manipuri soldiers who laid down their lives for the sake of protecting the sovereignty and integrity of Manipur during the Anglo-Manipur war, 1891.Apart from offering floral tributes to the martyrs, various programmes were organised to mark the occasion both inside and outside the State where there is Manipuri settlement.

In collaboration with various social organisations, United People's Front (UPF), Manipur organised observance function of the Patriots' Day at parts of the State.

These include Matai Community Hall, Luwangshangbam; Lairenkabi Community cum Dramatic Hall, Kheba Bazar (Moirangkampu); National Children School, Khongman Zone-IV; Hiyanglam Community Hall; Mayanglangjing Community Hall; Mayang Imphal Thongkhong; Phoubakchao Jr High School ground; Chaobok Arapti Jr High School; TMK English School, Thoubal Leishangthem; Kakching Khunou Athletic and Cultural Organisation ground; Tentha Thongkhong Keithel; Little Star English School, Thoubal Kiyam Siphai; Nongmaikhong Jr High School, Khuman Mandop, Moirang; Ithai Jr High School; Ningthoukhong Community Hall; Toubul Govt High School and Sangeet Natak Mandir, Nambol.

Recitation and song competition were organised at the occasion.

MAFYF also joined hands with various other local clubs and social organisations in organising the Patriots' Day observance at Andro High School, Thiyam Konjil High School, Lamboikhul UJB ground; SYDA ground (Sagolband), Iroisemba Community Hall, Khamnam Leirak Community Hall.

Recent Hr Sec School (Sagoltongba), Wangoi Bazar, Suranjoy English Academy (Mekola) and Charangpat High School.

All Manipur Students' Union (AMSU) observed the 116th Patriots' Day at its Head office located inside DM College Campus here and paid rich tributes to the martyrs.

The observance function commenced with hoisting of the flag of the student body at halfmast by its former president S Budhi, offering floral tributes to martyrs and observing two minutes silence as mark of respect to the departed souls.

Presided over by AMSU president Khamba Laishram, the observance function was also attended by former presidents of AMSU namely L Saratchandra, M Abhiram, RK Itocha and Y Priyokumar, president of Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO) Pummintang Simte and president of Kharam Students' Union, Manipur R Ashan Kharam as guests of honour.

All those who spoke at the occasion, recounted the events leading to the 1891 Anglo-Manipuri war and subsequent execution of all those who opposed to British rule in Manipur.

It is because of the sacrifices made by them (martyrs) that the present generation is able to lead a dignified life, they said, while cautioning the people against forces of disintegration.

Democratic Students' Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) also observed the Patriots' Day by organising a function at Little Master English Higher Secondary School, Samurou.

Apart from offering floral tributes to the martyrs, a recitation competition for school students on the theme of patriotism was orga nised.

The function was attended by Dean of Students' Welfare of Manipur University Prof W Nabakumar, DESAM president K Chinglenkhomba Meetei and principal of Little Master English Higher Secondary School as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.

Eastern Central Youth Association, Shikhong organised a on the spot poetry writing competition to mark the occasion.

Student Union of Ananda Singh Higher Secondary Academy organised poetry recitation and song competition at the occasion.

Under the sponsorship of UPF, Rising Knowledge Club, Khoyathong also observed Patriots' Day at its premises along with organising a recitation competition.

Polem Shashikumar Singh and Sagolsem Indrakumar were functional president and chief guest of the observance function which was also attended by Dr L Dularba Sharma, RK Jayantakumar Singh, Aribam Jiwanlata Devi, Soram Surangini Devi, RK Sanajaoba Singh, Naorem Gobardhan Singh and Ningthoujam Khollo as guests of honour.

In connection with the Patriots' Day observance as well as an activities of the ongoing 15 days residential detoxification camp being organised by You and I Network at SIYWO Club, Ningthemcha Karong, Mongsangei, a recitation competition for the campers under the theme of 'Remembrance of the past heroes'.

Awakening Society of Manipur (ASOM) observed the Patriots' day as 1st Self Awa kening Day at Hotel Excellency here with retired Col K Achou Singh, ASOM president Biren Ching Phanjoubam and Advocate Th Kesho Singh as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.

Many resource persons spoke at the occasion.

The Manipur State Bharat Scouts and Guides organised a blood donation camp at JN Hospital Porompat.

In all 40 volunteers donated their blood.

Tree plantation, blood donation and marathon marked the 116th Patriots' Day observance organised by United Clubs Organisation (UCO) at Star Volunteers Corps (SVC), Heirangoithong Maibam Leikai.

MLA Bijoy Koijam and UCO president Maibam Yaiskul Singh graced the occasion as chief guest and president respectively.

NCP, Manipur Pradesh; Manipur Pradesh Mahila Congress Committee; Bahujan Samaj Party; Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha, Manipur Pradesh; All Manipur Students Guardians' Organisation (AMSGO); Public Health Engineering Department Contractors' Association, Manipur; LMS Law College Students' Union; New Public Higher Secondary School, Khangabok; Yengkhom Leirak Development Club, Sagolband; Konthoujam Makha Junior High School; Writers' Union, Manipur; All Manipur College Teachers' Association; The Meetei Society, Churachandpur; All Manipur Medical Students' Association; Pourabi Yaipha Naharol Kanglup; Apunba Manipur Kanba Ima Lup; The Khagempali Huidrom Leikai Youth and Social Club; Malem Nganba Lup, Hiyanglam; All Manipur Tammi-Chingmi Apunba Nupi Lup, Universal Friendship Organisation, Kyamgei Branch also reportedly observed the Patriots' Day by organising various programmes.

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