August 13, 2024 8:42 PM.
Manipur observed Patriots’ Day today, remembering those martyrs who laid down their lives during the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891. The observation was held at various places in Manipur and outside the state where Manipuris reside.
The state-level event was held at Bir Tikendrajit Park in Imphal this afternoon, with Manipur Governor Lakshman Prashad Acharya, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, cabinet ministers, MLAs, civil and police officers, and the public attending and paying floral tribute to the heroes.
Thoubal district also marked the occasion with a ceremony at the DC Complex, led by Deputy Commissioner A. Subhash Singh, IAS. He urged government officials and citizens to work with unity and sincerity in their public service endeavors. The event also featured a ‘Prabhat Pheri’ (morning march) and a Har Ghar Tiranga signature campaign, fostering a sense of national pride and communal harmony.
In Kamjong district, the observance took place at the DC’s Camp Office inside the 2nd MR Complex in Imphal. Deputy Commissioner Rangnamei Rang Peter, IAS, led the participants in candle lighting and floral tributes, followed by a minute of silence to honor the martyrs of the 1891 Anglo-Manipuri War.
The ceremony in Jiribam district was held at Ningsingkhul Biodiversity Park, where Deputy Commissioner Krishna Kumar, IAS, led the floral tributes to statues of Bir Tikendrajit, Thangal General, and Paona Barjabasi. A moment of silence was observed in memory of those who lost their lives in recent communal violence, linking the past sacrifices to contemporary challenges.
In Senapati district, Patriots’ Day was observed at the DRDA Conference Hall, with Nimmi Azingwungshi Khamrang, MCS, ADM, welcoming the dignitaries and participants. She recounted the historical significance of the day, commemorating the execution of Yubraj Bir Tikendrajit Singh and Thangal General in 1891.
At RIMS, Imphal, faculty, staff, and students paid their respects through floral tributes and patriotic songs, with Prof. N. Sanjib Singh urging the younger generation to emulate the sacrifices of the state’s freedom fighters. The Lions Club of Imphal, in collaboration with other local organizations, also organized a blood donation camp at the RIMS Blood Bank, collecting 30 units of blood as a tribute to the martyrs.
In Imphal, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) commemorated the Anglo-Manipur War at Seva Bharati’s Boudhik Hall in Nagamapal, with speeches focusing on Manipur’s history and the enduring values of peace and unity.
Meitei Cheingak observed Patriots’ Day at Biramangol College in Sawombung under the theme “Athoubashingee Ningshing Numit.” The event featured speeches by activists and intellectuals, including Sapam Kangleipal Meitei and N. Sanahal Singh and K. Narahari Singh, emphasizing the importance of remembering the state’s heroes.
The Federation of Civil Society Organizations (FOCS) Manipur and Manipur Women’s Federation (MWF) also marked the day with a ceremony at the FOCS office in Kakwa Naorem Leikai, where leaders highlighted the significance of continuing the legacy of the state’s martyrs.
Manipur State Shumang Leela Council observed Patriots’ Day at the Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, with L. Tompishak, President of the State Cooperative Union, and other dignitaries in attendance, paying tribute to the heroes of Manipur’s freedom struggle.