Imphal, Aug 13 (IANS) Manipur on Thursday observed the 135th Patriots’ Day to commemorate all those who sacrificed their lives while resisting and defying the British Raj during the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891.
Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, Deputy Chief Ministers Nemcha Kipgen and Losii Dikho, and Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh, in their separate messages on the occasion, paid rich tributes to the brave sons of Manipur who laid down their lives in defence of the state’s sovereignty.
In a message, the Governor extended his deepest respect and heartfelt tribute to the departed patriots who made the ultimate sacrifice while defending Manipur’s sovereignty during the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891.
The Chief Minister and many political leaders, intellectuals and social activists paid rich tributes at Heecham Yaicham Pat in Imphal’s Moirangkhom, where patriot Yuvraj Bir Tikendrajit Singh was cremated after his execution.
Chief Minister Khemchand Singh, in a series of posts on social media, highlighted the bravery and sacrifice of the martyrs who made the supreme sacrifice while defending Manipur’s sovereignty against the British Empire.
“We remember with pride the gallant martyrs who made the supreme sacrifice defending Manipur’s sovereignty against the British Empire. Their courage and patriotism remain an enduring inspiration to uphold the unity, integrity and sovereignty of our Nation,” the Chief Minister said.
Chief Minister Khemchand Singh added: “On Patriots’ Day, I pay respectful homage to the brave martyrs of the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891, especially Bir Tikendrajit and Thangal General, who made the supreme sacrifice for Manipur’s honour and freedom.”
“Their courage, patriotism and love for the motherland continue to inspire generations. Salute to our martyrs and heroes. Jai Hind!”
To observe the 135th Patriots’ Day, a series of events were organised throughout the day on Thursday across the state by the state government and various other organisations.
The Opposition Congress also separately observed the 135th Patriots’ Day.
Congress Legislature Party leader Keisham Meghachandra Singh, who led the party in observing Patriots’ Day at Congress Bhawan here, said that August 13 is observed as Patriots’ Day to commemorate the martyrdom of Bir Tikendrajit Singh — the “Lion of Manipur” — and Thangal General, who were executed by the British at Pheidabung (now Bir Tikendrajit Park in Imphal) following the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891.
He added that in 1891, the British Empire launched a military campaign against Manipur following political tensions and the killing of British officials.
“On Patriots’ Day, I pay my heartfelt tribute to the brave patriots of Manipur, especially Bir Tikendrajit and Thangal General, and all those who made the supreme sacrifice for the freedom, dignity and honour of our motherland.”
“Their courage and sacrifice in the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891 remain an enduring inspiration to us. Let us honour their legacy by working together for peace, unity, justice and the protection of Manipur’s land and people,” the Congress leader said in a post on his official X account.
The Manipuris put up a brave resistance against the three columns of the British army, which were deployed by the then British government to take control of the independent princely state of Manipur after death of the then Maharaja Chandrakirti Singh in 1886.
After the British won the war, they arrested those who had been involved in efforts to defend their land and sentenced the key figures to death.
On August 13, 1891, Yuvraj Bir Tikendrajit Singh, Thangal General and Paona Brajabasi were publicly hanged at Bir Tikendrajit Park for “waging war against the Queen”.
Bir Tikendrajit, the Crown Prince and Commander of the Manipuri Army, along with Thangal General, led the resistance against the British forces.
Patriots’ Day is observed every year on August 13 in remembrance of the valour, sacrifice and patriotism of those who fought against the British forces during the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891 and laid down their lives in defence of Manipur’s sovereignty.
–IANS
sc/khz
