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Our Correspondent
Imphal, Aug. 13 (EMN): The people of Manipur on Saturday observed Patriots’ Day to pay homage to the freedom fighters of the Anglo-Manipur War in 1891.
Manipur Governor La Ganesan and Chief Minister N Biren Singh led the observation by paying homage to the freedom fighters including Yuvaraj Tikendrajit, Thangal General, Pukhrambam Kajao,Niranjan Subedar and Chirai Naga at the Martyrs’ Memorial (Samadhi), Kangla Uttra and Shaheed Minar and also at the Memorial of war heroes deported to Andaman and Nicobar (Kalapani) at Bir Tikendrajit (BT)Park in Imphal.
Speaking during the state function at BT park, La Ganesan said, ‘though Manipur lost the Anglo-Manipuri War and came under British rule, the series of battles in 1891 showed the courage of the Manipuris who fought against the strongest power of the world at that time, proving that freedom is more important than their own lives’.
He said many freedom fighters were killed and 22 leaders including Maharaja Kulachandra were exiled for life and five were hanged to death including Yuvaraj Tikendrajit and Thangal General.
The governor further said that it was the sacrifice of innumerable people of India including those from Manipur who brought back independence on August 15, 1947.
He said Manipur was merged with the Union of India on October 15, 1949 and since then; it has been an important part of the country.
He said as the nation celebrates 75th years of Independence as Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, all should celebrate the Independence Day with full enthusiasm.
In his presidential speech, Biren Singh said, ‘we should remember the supreme sacrifices made by our forefathers for defending freedom fighting against the mighty British in those days.’
Yuvaraj Tikendrajit and Thangal General and many other leaders fought till their last breath for the sake of freedom.
The Chief Minister further said that it is time to make India a powerful nation and all should work for nation building.
Manipur Assembly Speaker Th Satyabrata Singh, Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, senior officers and students attended the celebration wherein names of 14 police personnel were announced for CM’s police medal gallantry(for six personnel) and CM’s police medal for outstanding devotion to duty (for eight personnel).