Manipur Honours Martyrs on Patriots’ Day

Guwahati, August 13, 2019:

In honour of the heroes who lost their lives in the Anglo-Manipur War, Manipur observed Patriots' Day at a function held in Imphal today. Governor Dr. Najma Heptulla, Chief Minister N Biren Singh and other dignitaries paid floral tributes to the martyrs.

Manipur Chief Minister, N. Biren Singh, paying homage to the martyrs, said that love for the motherland is the only virtue through which petty considerations based on communalism, ethnicism, could be wiped out. He added, “Even as we pay tributes to our fallen heroes who fought the mighty British despite knowing that they would be defeated, we should take a pledge to stand as one people to protect Manipur and prevent fragmentation of the state on the community lines.”

Manipur Governor, Najma Heptulla, also conveyed her best wishes to all the people of Manipur. She said, “The day 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 the freedom of their motherland.” She hailed the indomitable spirit and love for freedom.

August 13 is commemorated as Patriots’ Day by Manipur to honour the Kangleipak (Manipur) soldiers who lost their lives during the war. Bir Tikendrajit and Thangal General were publicly hung to death on this day, following the state's defeat against the British.

Bir Tikendrajit is noted for his intense patriotism coupled with his love for the state's freedom and dignity. Words carved in memory of Manipur's hero reads, “Yubaraj Bir Tikendrajit Singh raised the banner of resistance against imperialism when the British Empire attempted to aggressively incorporate independent states in the eastern Himalayan region.” It further mentions about the martyr's courage and sacrifice in all the engagements against the British.

The day also remembers Thangal General, the legendary hero, among others, who sacrificed his life to protect his homeland from the British. The Anglo-Manipur War of 1891 marks an important page in Manipur’s resistance against the British forces. The conflict between the Kingdom of Manipur and the British Empire resulted in heavy casualties of the Kangleipak soldiers.

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