Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Tuesday said that there was still a significance in the observation of ‘Patriots’ Day’ in the state and added that each individual, irrespective of political affiliations, and CSOs need to cooperate with each other to safeguard the territorial integrity and boundary of Manipur.
He was speaking to the media on the sideline of the Patriots’ Day observation held at Thangal temple, Palace Compound, Imphal on Tuesday morning.
In commemoration of the observation, CM N Biren Singh, council of ministers, MLAs other than 10 Kuki-Zo MLAs, security advisor to Manipur government, DGP, high ranking civil and police officials paid floral tribute at Hicham Yaicham Pat, Moirangkhom and Thangal Temple, Palace Compound. In both the locations a guard of honour was presented by the contingents of Manipur Rifles.
CM Biren said that while defending Manipur from the British rules, five British officers were killed.
He said “in the present crisis we should not take decisions under emotional influence or take instant decisions.”
All sections of people should prioritise unity to fight against illegal immigrants who are trying to disintegrate Manipur, he added.
Later in the afternoon, the Governor and the Chief Minister along with other dignitaries attended the wreath laying ceremony at Kangla Uttra.
The programme continued with floral tributes at Shaheed Minar, where the Governor and Chief Minister, accompanied by Ministers, MLAs and senior government officials, honoured the brave souls who laid down their lives in defence of the state’s sovereignty. A Guard of Honour was presented by the contingents of Manipur Rifles. Floral tribute was also offered at the Memorial Stone of the exiled Martyrs of the 1891 War.
In his address, Governor of Manipur, Lakshman Prasad Acharya underscored the importance of Patriot’s Day as a catalyst for unity and pride among the people of Manipur. He stressed the importance of education and awareness in upholding the values of patriotism and resilience passed down by the forebears.
He stated that the day reminds us of the heroic acts of the people of Manipur on various battle fronts of the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891, which showed the world that the people of Manipur had the indomitable courage to challenge the mighty British Empire for the freedom of the motherland.
He urged that as we honour these heroes today, we must also pledge to cultivate a generation that cherishes peace, integrity, and progress. He called upon everyone to join the State in paying tribute to the courageous sons of Manipur who made the ultimate sacrifice by laying down their lives for their motherland.
Delivering his speech as president of the programme, Chief Minister N Biren Singh maintained that there is no other thing which is more important than our motherland, appealing to the people of the state to unite and go together to bring peace and development in the State, keeping aside all differences.
The Chief Minister continued that Manipur, as a peaceful state, was once moving towards development at a faster pace. However, after the unprecedented conflict, many people had been facing hardship, forcing many to stay in relief camps and many people had lost their lives, he added. He further stated that the Central Government under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had been providing assistance to the State for those affected by the conflict. With the efforts of the Central and the State Government, the State has been moving towards peace and normalcy gradually, he said.
N. Biren recalled that Manipur, which was an independent kingdom, came under the British rule on 27th April, 1891 after the Anglo Manipur War of 1891. He continued that the British accused Maharaja Kulachandra, Yubaraj Tikendrajit and others of waging war against Queen Victoria and on 13th of August, 1891 Yubaraj Tikendrajit and Thangal General were hanged till death. While Niranjan Subedar, Kajao and Chirai Naga were hanged to death inside the then Manipur Jail located in Kangla on different dates. Maharaja Kulachandra and twenty-one others were deported to Kalapani.
The Chief Minister expressed that while the present generation pays homage to our forefathers for their sacrifices, everyone should move forward with new hope and put our efforts together to end the present conflict through peaceful means.
Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly, Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, Security Advisor to the Government of Manipur, Director General of Police, high ranking civil and police officials and students attended the programme among others.
