We must stand as one, rising above all differences: Biren

Imphal: “We must stand as one, rising above all differences and defend the state from various divisive forces from within and without. Protecting the integrity of our motherland should be a concern of each one of us,” Manipur chief minister N. Biren Singh said in his Patriots Day message on Friday, the eve of Manipur Patriots Day.

“On this occasion, let as pay homage to our fore-fathers by remembering their patriotic values,” Biren said.

Patriots’ Day is observed every year on August 13 in memory of our (Manipuri) brave patriots who laid down their lives in the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891. On this day, two brave sons of Manipur, Yuvraj Tikendrajit Singh and Thangal General faced the gallows valiantly for taking leading roles in resisting the mighty British imperialist army, he added.

The day reminds us (Manipur people) of the supreme and selfless sacrifices made by hundreds of soldiers in defending the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Manipur, despite knowing that they would be defeated, he added.

“I join the people of Manipur in paying homage to our fallen heroes on this auspicious day,” the chief minister said.