Manipur Governor La Ganesan, Chief Minister N Biren Singh and his cabinet ministers on Friday extended greetings and well wishes to the people of the state on the occasion of the Patriots’ Day which falls on Saturday.
In his message, the governor recalled the heroic forefathers namely Bir Tikendrajit, Thangal General, Chirai Naga, Pukhrambam Kajao, Niranjan Subedar and other martyrs who made supreme and selfless sacrifices for the freedom of the motherland. He stated that these freedom fighters along with many others who were banished for life from Manipur believed in the freedom of their motherland. They challenged the British Empire in 1891 embracing death and prison rather than live without freedom, he added.
Calling for unity, the governor invited the people to pledge to stand and fight as one against all those who challenge the freedom and integrity of the nation.
“Patriots' Day is observed every year on August 13 in memory of our brave patriots who laid down their lives in the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891,” stated Chief Minister N Biren Singh in his message.
On this day, two brave sons of Manipur, Yuvraj Tikendrajit Singh and Thangal General, faced the gallows valiantly for taking leading roles in resisting the mighty British Imperialist army, he stated. The day reminds the people of the supreme and selfless sacrifices made by hundreds of soldiers in defending the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Manipur, despite knowing that they would be defeated, he mentioned.
“On this occasion, let us pay homage to our fore-fathers by remembering their patriotic values. We must stand as one, rising above all differences and defend the state from various divisive forces from within and without. Protecting the integrity of our motherland should be a concern of each one of us,” he added.
Power Minister Thongam Biswajit also extended greetings to the people of the state on the special occasion.
In his message, Biswajit recalled the brave sacrifices of the martyred freedom fighters against the British Empire during the Anglo-Manipur war in 1891. He appealed to the people of Manipur to stand united for peace and development, and bear the same indomitable and unconquerable spirit of the forefathers in fighting against all odds.
Conveying his greetings on the special occasion, Social Welfare Minister Heikham Dingo added that such acts of heroism of the forefathers will remain as a part of our glorious history. “Let us uphold the true spirit of patriotism through our deeds and actions,” he added.
Water Resources Minister Awangbow Newmai also extended his wishes on the occasion, urging the people to fight and support those who stand for the state and unite for peaceful coexistence. "Let us also unite for the development of the state," he stated in his message.
