Imphal, December 20: The 153rd birth anniversary of Bir Tikendrajit, who stood firmly against the invading British troops, would be observed for three consecutive days starting on December 29 at Bir Tikendrajit Memorial complex, Lamdeng Khunou.

Governor Dr SS Sidhu and Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh will be the chief guest and president of the inaugural function of the birth anniversary observance.

To be organised jointly by Celebration Committee, 153rd Birth Anniversary of Bir Tikendrajit and Bir Tikendrajit Memorial Trust, the event would be held under the theme of 'Accept the challenges to live with human dignity and freedom'.

Addressing a press conference in this connection at BT Ningshingkon today, Celebration Committee convenor Y Nabachandra said the event is being organised not just to remember and pay respect to the patriotic prince, but also to provide a platform where the present generation can come together to discuss and work out means to realise the dreams and aspirations nurtured by Bir Tikendrajit during his lifetime.

Detailing on establishment of Bir Tikendrajit Ningshingkon and the programmes of the anniversary observance, Celebration Committee chairman and Managing Trustee of BT Memorial Trust RK Ranendrajit said that after Bir Tikendrajit was hanged to death by the British on August 13, 1891, all his children and relatives were deported to Sylhet.

After returning from exile, the then Government granted 50 paris of land ( 50 hectares) to Kunjamala, wife of Tikendrajit.

It is on some portion of this land that the living memorial complex has been set up by the trust, he informed.

On the first day of the three-day long anniversary observance, a public procession would be taken out in the morning of December 29 from Hicham Yaichampat, where the mortal remains of the patriot was laid to rest.

The procession would pass through Kangla and come out at Pheidabung, (BT Park) where floral tributes would be paid before proceeding to BT Ningshingkon at Lamdeng Khunou where the main function will be held, he disclosed.

Respecting the sentiments of the Athouba, Sagol Kangjei players of all the Panas, Horse riders, Thang-Ta players, youth and 153 Meira paibis (to symbolise the 153rd birth anniversary) among others would take part in the procession, he said.

Apart from rendition of devotional and patriotic songs, customary rites and rituals would also be performed at Hicham Yaichampat, Kangla, Pheidabung and at Lamdeng Khunou Ningshingkon, he added.

Governor Dr SS Sidhu and Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh would attend the main function to be held at Lamdeng Khunou as chief guest and president respectively.

Besides the Council of Ministers and other dignitaries who would grace the occasion, he said.

Titular king of Manipur Leishemba Sanajaoba and Works Minister Th Debendra would be chief guest and president of the function to be held inside Kangla, he informed.

To make the event a grand success, efforts are being made to get the required permits from the top officials concerned of the Government, he said, adding that gifts and presents would also be presented to many dignitaries and experts who have made a name for themselves in various fields.

On the second day of the anniversary observance, there would be an academic session on four different burning issues, he informed, adding that the Governor and the Chief Minister are being contacted to allow either the GOC of the Army or the State DGP to speak on the topic of 'Law intensity, conflict situation and peace process in Manipur'.

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