IMPHAL, August 13: Manipuris paid homage to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives to save Manipur on August 13, 1891 during the Anglo-Manipur War by observing the day at several places in the state and outside today.
The state also commemorated the day by organizing simple functions at Heecham Yaichampat, Moirangkhom; Thangal General Temple, Palace Compound; Uttra Sanglen; Kangla and Shaheed Minar, BT Park today.
State Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh led in offering floral tributes at Heecham Yaichampat in the early morning and followed at Thangal General Temple in the morning.
In the evening, the CM again led other in offering floral tributes at Uttra Sanglen, Kangla and Saheed Minar, BT Road in the evening.
The Dy CM and other cabinet ministers, MLAs and other high ranking officials including Chief Secretary, DGP also paid floral tributes.
A one minute silence and gun salute were also observed at all venues; however, the gun salute was omitted at the Uttra Sanglen, Kangla.
CM Okram Ibobi Singh addressed a crowd at the Saheed Minar, BT Road and recalled the August 13, 1891 incident, when two heroes of Manipur Bir Tikendrajit and Thangal General were hanged to death at Pheidabung presently known as BT Park.
He said, the day has been observed since a long time back and will continue to be remembered signifying the spirit of patriotism and sacrifices of the Martyrs for the cause of the independence and sovereignty of Manipur against the mighty British.
He further appealed to the people of the state to imbibe in themselves the spirit of patriotism for the welfare of the state.
Dy CM, Gaikhangam said the annual observation of the day would not be fruitful is the people don’t follow the spirit of patriotism and supreme sacrifice for the motherland.
Violence will not bring anything positive and only non-violence will bring peace, harmony and progress to the state, he said before adding that there has been a rise in recent times of incidents of kidnapping officials for ransom especially in the hill areas of the state.
Kidnapping has today become a tool for extortion and a frequent fixture in the state today, he continued. Officials who were kidnapped recently are the ones supposed to bring progress in the hill areas and bring balance between the valley and the hills, he said and added that kidnapping such officials is quite discouraging.
The mindset of forming organizations and only thinking for the welfare of their own community at the cost of the others should be discarded at the earliest and all the people of the state should have the determination to do so for the collective welfare of the state.
Such incidents only scare away officials from coming to the hill districts, he said.
After the floral tribute at Thangal General Temple a tree plantation program was also organized in connection with the Patriot’s Day in the surroundings of Hapta Kangjeibung.
In connection with the observation of the day, the ‘’Athoubasing gee Ningsing Numit Thouram’’ organised by The Protection and Preservation Committee, Manipur (PPCM) was held today at the conference hall of Hotel Imphal.
It was attended by RV Minghting Tangkhul, ex-Minister Tribal Development and Sports; Sarangthem M Khoiranthaba, IPS, Commandent 7th MR; Dr Gangmei Sobha, Associate Professor of College of Agriculture University (CAU), Iroishemba; Thangkhosei Haokip, president of Kuki Inn, Manipur and Md Abdul Hakim, Associate Professor of GP Women’s College as presidium members.
Irengbam Arun, senior journalist while delivering speech on the topic ‘’Nationalism in the Present Context of Manipur’’ cited the June 18 incident when 18 individuals laid down their lives for the integrity of the state; and stated that apart from armed UG groups there are also many people in the State who are ready to sacrifice for their motherland.
Meanwhile, the All Manipur Recognised Private Schools’ Welfare Association, Manipur also observed the Patriots’ Day in a function held at Palace Compound.
The observance was attended by T Mangibabu Singh, MLA Thanga; Ph Landhoni Devi, president of All Manipur Recognised Private Schools’ Welfare Association and Th Iboyaima, president of Irabot Foundation as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.
Giving key note address on the occasion, L Joy, secy of AMRPSWA said the observance was held to commemorate the 1891 Anglo-Manipuri War and to instill the spirit of nationalism and patriotic feeling to students of the State.
Students of Heritage Convent, Tiny Tots Unique School, Leishemba Maheikol, Kids’ High school, Alpha BCI Memorial Academy, Standard Robert School, Cambridge English School and many others were also present at the observance function.
In relation, the Manipur State Shumang Leela Council, Palace Compound also celebrated the Patriots’ Day at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen with Elangbam Chand Singh, MLA Yaiskul A/C and Bijoy Koijam, ex-minister attending as chief guest and president respectively.
A stage play drama titled ‘’Mareibak Ningba Koirensana’’ directed by Wareppa Naba was also staged during the function to mark the occasion.
As in other parts of the state and outside where there is Manipuri population, the Patriots day was also observed at Thoubal district organized by the district administration.
The function was held at the Election Hall of the DC office complex with the Thoubal ZP Adhyaksha Kh Surnalata as the chief guest and the DC T Ranjit as the president.
ADM L Nabakishor and SP Dr AK Jhaljit attended as the guests of honour.
The day was also observed at other parts of the district at KM Blooming Hr Sec School, Khangabok.
The All Thoubal District United Clubs Organization, Khunnai Kunba Lup, Thoubal District; Thoubal District Women Development Organization in collaboration with UPACO, Khangabok and VEDSCO, Khangabok; Tangjeng Khunou Meira paibi in collaboration with PWO Club; YDC, Kakching Khunou in collaboration with AKKPWA, Kakching Khunou, etc also observed the day by organizing separate functions.
The day was also observed at several places of the district including at Iramdam maheikol, Langmuidong, Wabagai Thingel leikai, Tentha, Khongjom Sapam; Leirangthel, Kakching, etc.
Meanwhile, Thoubal District DC T Ranjit today led several others in donating blood as part of the August 13 observation.
The free blood donation camp was sponsored by MACS, SBTC and organized jointly by several officials and personnel of the district police, district administration, volunteers of District health Society, Thoubal; Association of Volunary Blood Doners’ Manipur, Thoubal; KJM Hr Sec School, Khangabok along with the JNIMS Blood Bank.
