Mail News Service
Imphal, Aug 13 : Manipur today observed Patriots day and paid rich tributes to those who laid down their lives fighting for their motherland in the Anglo Manipur war of 1891. After the defeat of Manipur by the British Empire in April 1891 the king and many others were exiled and the prince Bir Tikendrajit, General Thangal and three others were hanged to death.
The Prince and the General were hanged at Pheidabung, Imphal on Aug 14, 1891 and the day is observed as Patriots day. The celebrations began at Hicham Yaicham Pat where the Prince was cremated and tributes were given at the statue of Thangal General.
The main function was held at Pheidabung now named as Bir Tikendrajit part attended by Governor, Gurbhachan Jagat, Chief Minister, O Ibobi, ministers, MLAs and senior officials. The city was lighted up as the function concluded by dusk.
Governor, Gurbhachan Jagat said “13th of August reminds us of the heroic acts of Manipuris – both known and unknown, in different war fronts of the Anglo-Manipur War, 1891,that showed to the world that 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. Their sacrifice belongs not only to the History of Manipur but also to the history of all lovers of freedom in India and abroad.”
“ Today, we all are the citizens of Free India. We all are basking in the glow of freedom and all that it brings in its wake. But, we should always remember that India’s freedom was not a present from the Britishers. It was attained after having sacrificed the lives of innumerable Indians in the long freedom struggle. Our hard won freedom has to be protected and preserved by all of us. However, Manipur has been facing a number of problems. Today, we all are aware of Manipur’s problems. In some ways they are unique but in many ways they are common to large parts of the country. Ethnic and social tensions, extortions from public, businessmen, contractors, Government employees and Departments, abduction for ransom, senseless killing due to inter-group rivalries and violence against civilians/women continue to be a matter of serious concern. “
Chief Minister Ibobi said, “The spirit of freedom and bravery of Manipur will remain forever throughout the world. The brave sons of Manipur Bir Tikendrajit and Thangal General sacrificed their lives on the gallows on August 13, 1891. They indeed took the freedom of Manipur very seriously.”
The Chief Minister also referred to the 1890 battle fought at the then capital Kangla prior to the 1891 Anglo-Manipur War when five British officers were killed by Manipuri soldiers. After this battle the Manipuris fought the British in various fronts and among them the Khongjom War shows how much the Manipuris could make sacrifice their lives for the cause of their motherland.Functions were held in offices of most political parties, educational institutes, local clubs. Seminars, social service camps, competitions were also held.
The Manipur People’s Party today observed the Patriot’s day at its head office Mapal Kangjeibung. S. Umananda Singh president MPP, Dr. L. Chandramani former minister, H. Manisana, M. Maniton Mangang and others spoke at the occasion. Floral tributes were paid to the photos of Thangal General, Bir Tikendrajit and others who sacrificed their lives for our motherland in the year 1891.
Sainik School Imphal observed ‘Martyrs Day’ on 13 Aug 2012 in the school campus. Floral tributes were paid to the martyrs who laid down their lives for the cause of liberation of our country by the Officers, Staff and Cadets of the school. On this occasion, various programmes like patriotic songs, poem recitation, speech, solo songs and a drama on ‘Bir Tikendrajit’ were performed by the cadets. An Inter-House Quiz Competition for both Junior and Senior Wings was also organised as a part of the celebrations with special rounds pertaining to the history and culture of Manipur state.
Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/patriots-day-observed-rich-tributes-given-to-martyrs/
