Imphal, August 13, 2009: Rich homage was given to the "great heroes" of Anglo-Manipur War of 1891 on the occasion of the Patriots' Day by the people of the state today.

Offering of floral tributes at the Saheed Minar at BT Park was led by state Governor, Gurbachan Jagat and Chief Minister, O Ibobi.

The glittering main state level function was held at BT Park amids extraordinarily tight security arrangement with the offering of floral tributes to the heroes of the last war of independence of Manipur.

Even though it was a public function, no one without invitation card was allowed to enter the venue of the function apparently to prevent any untoward incident that might disturb the function.

Manipur has been observing Patriots' Day on August 13 every year to remember the heroic sacrifice made by the courageous sons of the soil during the Anglo-Manipur war of 1891, the last war of independence fought between the warriors of the then princely state of Manipur and the invading mighty colonial troops of British.

Prince Tikendrajit and Thangal General were hanged at Pheidapung, now known as BT Park where the Sahid Minar, a joined triple-pillar, had been erected, along with Niranjan Subedar, Kajao and Chirai Thangal on this day in 1891 by the British on the charge of waging war against the British empire.

Speaking on the occasion as chief guest, Governor Gurbachan Jagat called on the people of the state to rededicate to the task of building a strong and prosperous nation in the true spirit of patriotism and selfless service.

"When we pay sincere homage and gratitude to the great martyrs of Manipur and India, we should also resolve to stand together, shoulder to shoulder, and face all threats, internal and external, however strong they may be, for the unity and integrity of our country," he said.

The Governor also appealed to the people of the state to be responsible and work hard for bringing high speed development in all fields in the state, realising that Manipur is lagging behind other states. Chief Minister, O Ibobi while speaking as president of the function recounted that the state government has been observing the day since 1970 as Patriots' Day to pay respect to the supreme scarified made by both known and unknown heroes.

With the supreme sacrifice made by the brave sons of the yore, people of the state can lead a life with pride, he said stressing the importance of the day and affirmed that today�s generation should protect the freedom being enjoyed today.

He also recalled the defeat of Manipur in the hands of the British owing to disunity among the princes of the then Manipur kingdom that led to the loss of independence, and appealed to the people of the state to rededicate to not to lose independence again in the hands of the enemy.

The state level function began from early morning with the paying of homage at Hicham Yaicham Pat, at Yaiskul Janmasthan, where the funeral of Tikendrajit was performed, led by Chief Minister, O Ibobi at 8 am. The last post salute was also given to pay respect to the brave son by a contingent of 1st Bn Manipur Rifles.

The Chief Minister, along with his cabinet ministers, government officials, also paid floral tributes at the Thangal Temple located at Palace compound which was followed by paying of floral tributes at Kangla fort with Governor Gurbachan Jagat in the lead and followed by Chief Minister, O Ibobi, his cabinet ministers and top officials of police and civil administration.

Later, the dignitaries proceeded upto BT Park on foot to participate in the main function held there.

Apart from state level function, the government also organised district level functions to mark the occasion.

Many civil organisations and schools also observed the day.

Patriots� Day was observed in other districts of the state too.

In Thoubal district the observance function was held at the counting hall of DC Office Complex, Thoubal district headquarters.

Sacred verses of various religion books were read out apart from offering floral tribute to the statue of Bir Tikendrajit and Thangal General.

In Bishnupur district the main observance function was held at the Bishnupur Mini Stadium ground.

The function was graced by Bishnupur DC, K Panmei as the chief guest.

Several district level officers and police officers have joined the people in paying floral tribute to the patriots.

A contingent of the Manipur Police has also paid gun salute to the patriots.

In Chandel district, the Patriots� Day was observed at the DC Office Complex of Chandel district headquarters.

The occasion was graced by DC of Chandel Devesh Dewal as the chief guest.

Offering floral tribute to the patriots, observance of two minute silence as a token of respect to the patriots, and gun salute by 8th MR contingent marked the observance function.

The Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) has also observed Patriots� Day at Congress Bhawan today.

The gathering was led by Chief Minister O Ibobi and MPCC President Gaikhangam in paying floral tribute to the Patriots.

The occasion was also graced by Speaker of Manipur Assembly S Budhichandra, Congress MLAs, Ministers and MPCC office bearers.

The Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha, Manipur Pradesh has also observed Patriots� Day at its office located at Nityapat Chuthek.

The function was attended by various BJP leaders of the state. Patriots� Day was also observed in Assam today under the aegis of Apunba Poramlen Marup, Manipur.

The observance function was held at Hojai in collaboration with the Chumthang Club, Amtola, a statement informed.

As usual, State government today observed the Patriots� Day celebration at the Manipur Tikendrajit House, Chanakyapuri here this morning.

Three photographs of Paona Brajabasi, Bir Tikendrajit and Thangal General were decorated at the base of the statue of the Bir Tikendrajit where the large number of Manipuris from NCR region paid their homage to the departed souls of the great patriots of Manipur who fought against the Britishers and sacrificed their lives for the cause of their motherland Manipur.

Manipur Education Minister Langpoklakpam Jayantakumar led the VVIPs and public while paying floral tributes to the great patriots.

Two minutes silence was also observed as to mark respect to the departed souls.

Manipur Tribal Welfare Minister D.D.Thaisii, MLA Thangminglien, Principal resident commissioner P.K.Singh, Commissioner W.L.Hangsing, Manipur Education Director M.Harekrishna were among those who paid floral tributes to the martyrs.

The 13th August is a red-letter day in the history of Manipur.

On this fateful day in 1891, the two Great Patriots, namely Bir Tikendrajit and Thangal General were hanged in broad day light by the British in the presence of thousands of men and women at Pheidapung, Imphal Pologround, as these two heroes defended the Freedom of Manipur against the British.

Subedar Niranjan, Kajao Singh Jamadar alias Pukhramba Phingang and Charai Thangal of Mayangkhang were also hanged till death on June 8, May 25 and October 15 in the same year inside the Imphal jail on similar charge of waging war against the Empress on India , the British Crown.

But, it was the British who interfered into the internal affairs of the independent Kingdom Manipur and invaded.

The death sentences passed on to the Regent Kulachandra and Angousana .The Governor General however commuted the death sentence passed on the Maharaja and the Prince Angousana but were sent in exile for life to Kalapani (Andaman) along 20 martyrs for waging war against the British Empress.

The British action in Manipur culminating in the occupation of the Kingdom and the execution of Tikendrajit and 80 years old General Thangal created a great sensation in Bengal .

Barrister Monomohon Ghosh fought like a lion in the case against Tikendrajit and Kulachandra.

The people of Bengal in particular had great sympathy for the unfortunate Princes of Manipur who were the victims of the British conspiracy.

The stand taken by Tikendrajit and his martyrdom continued to be a source of inspiration to the revolutionaries of India �s freedom movement.

Fortunately, the Government of free India , as suggested by Shri Arun Chandra Guha, had included the portrait of "Bir Tikendrajit" in the National Portrait Gallery inside the House of the People in New Delhi.

To mark respect to the supreme sacrifices made by not only these two heroes but also by many other heroes of Manipur in 1891, 13th August of every year is observed as "Patriots� Day" by the State Government of Manipur and Manipuris across the world.

Comment