The Governor of Manipur and Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker Th Lokeshwar Singh have extended his best wishes to the people of Manipur on the occasion of Patriots’ Day which is to be observed on August 13.
In his message, the Governor stated that “the occasion reminds us of our heroic forefathers like Bir Tikendrajit, Thangal General, Chirai Naga, Pukhrambam Kajao, Niranjan Subedar and a host of other martyrs who made supreme and selfless sacrifice for the cause of freedom of their motherland”. “This historic day also jogs our memory that if we do not live and work together we stand to lose. Let us while observing the Patriots’ Day, pledge to stand and fight as one against all those who challenge the freedom and integrity of the nation, irrespective of caste, creed, religion and other differences”, he said.
In his message, the Speaker described the Anglo-Manipuri war of 1891 was one of the unique battles in the world and said that to protect the independence of Manipur; our forefather sacrificed their lives in the war. After the British defeated Manipur, Yuvraj Bir Tikendrajit and Thangal General were hanged to death at Mapan Kangjeibung’s Feidabung on 13th August.
Apart from this, Chirai Thangal, Niranjan Subedar and Pukhrambam Kajao were also hanged to death while many other brave Manipuri warriors were captured and exiled. Being descendents of these brave ancestors, we should be proud, try our best to bring unity, harmony and development in Manipur, the Speaker exhorted. Meanwhile, Coalition Against Drugs and Alcohol has informed that it would observe Patriots’ Day at various places.
