CM bats for “One Manipur, One India” on Patriots’ Day

Last Updated on February 17, 2023 by SPN Editor

Manipur celebrated Patriots’ Day 2022 on Saturday with great patriotic spirit and paid rich homage to the martyrs and freedom fighters of the 1891 Anglo-Manipur War. The Patriots’ Day or “Athoubasingi Ningsing Numit” is being observed in remembrance of the supreme sacrifices made by the Manipuri patriots in defending the sovereignty and integrity of the state.

State Governor La Ganesan, Chief Minister N Biren, his council of ministers, MLAs, and government officials paid rich tributes to the martyrs at Kangla. A wreath laying ceremony was held at Kangla Uttra. Later, the officials proceeded at Shaheed Minar, Pheidabing, where Bir Tikendrajit and Thangal General were hanged by the British and offered tributes.

Floral tributes were also paid to Maharaj Kullachandra and 22 other freedom fighters who were exiled to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, while a contingent of the Manipur Rifles also offered a guard of honour.

Apart from Bir Tikendrajit and Thangal General who were hanged on this day, August 13, 1891, people of the state also celebrated other heroes of the 1891 Anglo-Manipur War, including Niranjan Subedar, Pukhrambam Kajao, and Chirai Naga Mayangkhang.

CM N Biren led the ministers, MLAs and officials in paying floral tributes to Bir Tikendrajit at his resting ground at Hicham Yaicham Pat. The team also paid homage to Thangal General at Thangal temple.

Meanwhile, speaking as a chief guest during the main function held at BT Park, Governor La Ganesan categorically stated that Manipur is “second to none” in exhibiting the spirit of patriotism.

The governor said that as India kicks off the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign, Manipur is also seen soaked in the fervour of the 75th year of India’s Independence as well. He noted that the freedom fighters and martyrs valued freedom and independence more than their lives. He appealed to the people to follow in the footsteps of their forefathers and strive for the growth of the nation.

In his presidential address, N Biren extolled the heroes of the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891 and exhorted the people not to forget the lesson taught by this day.

He recounted how the divisive ploy of the British created disunity within the royal family and subsequently took Manipur into their hands. He appealed to the people to shed the ideas of differences based on one’s community, religion, or race.

N Biren further urged the people to stay away from those spewing hatred in vested interests and rather strive towards ‘One Manipur, One India’ to instill peace and harmony. He also appealed to the people to have strong feelings of nationalism and take part in nation-building.

Patriots’ Day was also observed in other districts of Manipur where floral tributes were paid by the officials led by Deputy Commissioner, SP and other officials .