New Delhi, Aug 14: Patriots Day was celebrated yesterday in the National Capital Delhi by the Government of Manipur as well as by different Manipuri communities.

The official function was organized at Manipur Bhawan, Sadar Patel Marg here in the morning by offering floral tributes to the photographs of Bir Tikendrajit and Thangal General and a two minute silence was observed to pay respect to those patriots who fought against the Britishers and sacrifice their lives for the cause of Manipur.

FCS, Forest and Law Minister Th Debendra Singh, Lok Sabha MP Dr T Meinya, and the president of the Manipur State Congress Committee Gaikhangam were the dignitaries of the function.

M Lakshmikumar Singh, Deputy Resident Commissioner, Manipur Bhawan said that the State functions would be organized here in more befitting manners in future.

The installation of the statue of Bir Tikendrajit at Bir Tikendrajit Bhawan, Bir Tikendrajit Marg, Chanakyapuri and the statue of Rajarshi Bhagyachandra at Manipur Bhawan, Sadar Patel Marg here is on progress.

An Engineer from the State PWD is supervising the installation work, he further stated.

Patriots Day was also celebrated at Hanuman Road near Connaught Place here in the evening under the auspices of the Manipur Diaspora Association.

Rajya Sabha MP and former Chief Minister Rishang Keishing, Lok Sabha MP Dr T Meinya and the president of the association RK Brajachand were the chief guest, the guest of honour and the president respectively.

Speaking at the occasion, Rishang Keishing said that great patriots like Bir Tikendrajit, Thangal General had sacrificed for Manipur and it was their sacrifice that had brought integrity of the tiny State of Manipur.

He further stated there was no difference among various communities in Manipur.

He cited the example of similarity of language between Manipuri and Tangkhul like Sham (Hair), Mit (Eye) etc.

He expressed that unity would bring development and prosperity to the people.

Rishang Keishing also suggested that the State Government organise the day on a bigger scale at Bir Tikendrajit Bhawan in future inviting all different communities of Manipur living in the national capital.

Lok Sabha MP Dr T Meinya also stressed, "We are a small community.

We should not be separated from each other.

By forgetting the past we should march ahead for the development of the whole community living in Manipur".

The president of the Association RK Brajachand said the Manipuri Diaspora Association was set up on the January 1 this year and the celebration would be organized on a bigger scale from next year.

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