Imphal: Manipur on Friday observed Patriots’ Day in memory of those heroes who sacrificed their lives in the Anglo-Manipur War, 1891.
Governor of Manipur Ganga Prasad Chaurasia and chief minister N. Biren Singh led others in paying floral tributes at Kangla Utra and Shaheed Minar, Bir Tikendrajit Park.
A contingent of Manipur Rifles sounded the last post and offered gun salutes to the martyrs.
The chief minister, ministers, MLAs and others also paid their floral tributes at Hicham Yaichampat, Moirangkhom, where Bir Tikendrajit was cremated and at Thangal General Temple Complex, Palace Compound.
The observance began with ‘Prabhat Phery’ commencing from DIPR Office, Keishampat at 4 am.
The governor inaugurated the Memorial Complex dedicated to the exiled martyrs of the Anglo-Manipur War 1891 at Bir Tikendrajit Park.
The names of those unsung heroes who fought valiantly against the mighty British forces and later exiled to Andaman and Nicobar Islands are engraved on the Memorial Stone unveiled.
The artistes of Roop Raag performed the first rendition of the State Song of Manipur “Sana Leibak Manipur” written by renowned lyricist late B. Jayantakumar Sharma and composed by Aribam Syam Sharma.
The state Cabinet has decided to adopt “Sana Leibak Manipur” by Roop Raag as the State song of Manipur recently.
The governor reminded the people that they should not forget the supreme sacrifices made by our heroes who fought valiantly against British colonialism. On this occasion, let us pledge to work towards inclusive development and welfare of the people, he added.
He said all must work towards fulfilling the aspirations of Prime Minister Narendra Modi such as Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India), Make in India initiative etc.
Biren said the memorial complex is a tribute to all those unsung heroes who were exiled to Andaman and Nicobar islands after the Anglo-Manipur war of 1891.
“We must not forget those exiled martyrs who made supreme sacrifices for the sovereignty of our motherland,” he said.
He recalled that this day reminded us of the courage and selfless sacrifices made by our forefathers who fought the mighty British forces despite knowing that they would be defeated.
“Even though we speak different languages and dialects and follow different religions, there is a strong sense of oneness and unity among the communities living in the state,” the chief minister said.
There would be development only when there is peace. “Let us imbibe the feeling of nationalism and patriotism to uphold unity and integrity of the Nation,” he added.
Patriotic songs, imbibing the sense of patriotism and martyrdom, were played at various locations of Imphal East and Imphal West districts.
The district administrations of all districts of Manipur observed Patriots’ Day at their respective district headquarters.
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