CM laying a wreath at the Kangla Uttra
IMPHAL August 13: The State today observed the Patriots`™ Day at several places including in the district headquarters paying obeisance to the martyrs of the State who had sacrificed their lives for the land.
People offered rich floral tributes and laid wreaths during the several observations.
The State has been observing the Patriots`™ Day as a State function honouring the martyrs for their supreme sacrifice since 1970.
Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh led in offering floral tributes at Bir Tikendrajit`™s memorial tomb at Hicham Yaicham Pat, Moirangkhom and at Thangal General Temple, Palace Compound, Imphal this morning.
A contingent of the Manipur Rifles also gave a gun salute at Hicham Yaicham Pat on the occasion in respect and acknowledgement of the supreme sacrifices of the brave hearts who courageously gave their lives during the fight for freedom of Manipur against the British imperialism in 1891.
Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh and deputy CM Gaikhangam also offered wreaths at the Kangla Uttra.
The main function was later held at Pheidabung, BT Park where Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh led the laying of wreaths to the martyrs.
His cabinet colleagues and senior officials also followed in paying respect to the patriots.
A contingent of Manipur Rifles gave Guard of Honour to the patriots before a formal public meeting was held at BT Park where Chief Minister O Ibobi and deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam were seated on the dais as chief guest and president respectively.
This day is of great historical significance for the people of the State where supreme sacrifice was made by the brave souls to safeguard our freedom, the Chief Minister said.
Our true homage to these martyrs will be imbibing their patriotic courage and sacrificial spirit among us, the Chief Minister exalted.
It is a day to renew our spirit of patriotism and rise above our differences and unite for freedom and integrity of the State, said the Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam.
August 13 is a red-letter day in the history of Manipur, as on this fateful day in 1891, two great patriots, namely Bir Tikendrajit, the prince of Manipur fondly called the `Lion of Manipur`™ as he fearlessly fought against the British, and General Thangal, were hanged in broad daylight by the British in the presence of thousands of men and women at Pheidapung, Imphal Outer Pologround for resisting their colonial design and defending the freedom of Manipur.
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 respectively the same year inside the Imphal jail on similar charge of waging war against the British Crown.
Meanwhile, the Apunba Manipur Kanba Ima Lup, NUPI SAMAJ and the All Manipur Tammi-Chingmi Apunba Lup today organised a torch rally of womenfolk starting from Wahengbam Leikai Yumjao Lairembi Community Hall as part of observing the day.
The rally commenced around 6:30pm and went straight to Bir Tikendrajit park and lighted candles and offered flowers before the Sahid Minar. From there the rally passed through Wahengbam leikai, Keishampat and after crossing the Keishamthong Bridge stopped at Hicham Yaichampat where they again made offerings to the tomb of Bir Tikendrajit.
The womenfolk then crossed New Thumbuthong and continued till the Palace Gate Traffic Island and offered flowers to the statue of the Thangal General.
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/state-pays-fitting-tribute-to-martyrs-on-patriots-day/