Ganga, Biren greet Manipur people on Patriots’ Day

Imphal: Manipur governor Ganga Prasad and chief minister N. Biren Singh have extended their wishes to the people of the state on occasion of Patriots’ Day.

Extending his best wishes the governor said the 13th day of August every year is observed as the ‘Patriots’ Day’ in the state in memory of those who laid down their lives in the Anglo-Manipuri War which took place towards the end of the 19′ century. It was on this day in the year. 1891 that the British hanged our brave forefathers including Bir Tikendrajit for resisting their colonial design. These brave souls made the supreme sacrifice for the love of freedom of their motherland. Many of our forefathers who survived the war for the freedom of their motherland were also banished for life from Manipur. All of them embraced death or prison willingly rather than lose freedom.

This day marked the turning point of the course of history of the state and will remain of great historical significance, Ganga said.

“This day also reminds us that we only succeed when we stand united, a lesson learnt the hard way when the British so effectively used their craft of ‘Divide and Rule’ to their advantage. While observing the ‘Patriots’ Day’, let us all take a pledge to stand as one against all challenges to the freedom and integrity of our country rising above caste, creed or religion. I am privileged to join the people of Manipur in observing the ‘Patriots’ Day’ and wish the observations in the State and also outside the state all success,” he said.

Biren in his message said on this day, two brave sons of Manipur, Yuvraj Tikendrajit Singh and Thangal General laid down their lives for the cause of their motherland.

“The day reminds us of the supreme and selfless sacrifices made by hundreds of soldiers fighting against the mighty British for defending the sovereignty of Manipur. On this occasion, let us pay our respects to our fore-fathers remembering their highest acts of patriotism. Let their memory guide us in facing various divisive forces acting from within and outside. Let us also resolve to stand as one rising above all differences in caste, creed and religion and work together for the overall development and welfare of the ,” Biren said.