On August 13, 1891, Yubraj Tikendrajit and Thangal General, who were lodged in jail for waging war against the British Empire, were brought out and hanged in public near the polo ground. Manipur has been observing the day as Patriots’ Day.
TFM Desk
Manipur on Friday remembered and paid a rich tribute to the heroes of Anglo-Manipur War, 1891, who sacrificed their lives defending the sovereignty of the erstwhile kingdom of Manipur. Observed as the Patriots’ Day, many organisations and individuals paid homage to the fallen heroes in different parts of the state and outside.
On August 13, 1891, Yubraj Tikendrajit and Thangal General, who were lodged in jail for waging war against the British empire, were brought out and hanged in public near the polo ground. Some other convicted prisoners were hanged inside the jail. Manipur has been observing the day of the public hanging as Patriots’ Day.
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, cabinet 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.
Former chairman of the proscribed UNLF, RK Meghen aka Sanayaima, who is the great grandson of Yubraj Tikendrajit aka Koirengsana, also paid floral tribute at Hicham Yaichampat and Shaheed Minar, Bir Tikendrajit Park.
On the occasion, governor Ganga Prasad Chaurasia 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.
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 the maverick Aribam Syam Sharma. The state cabinet recently decided to adopt “Sana Leibak Manipur” by Roop Raag as the state song of Manipur.
While addressing the media persons, the governor reminded the people that one 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.
CM Biren Singh said that 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 and 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.
The chief minister stated that 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. He also maintained that 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.
According to state officials, the observance began with ‘Prabhat Phery’ commencing from DIPR Office, Keishampat at 4:00 am. Patriotic songs, imbibing the sense of patriotism and martyrdom, were played at various locations of Imphal East and Imphal West districts.
On the other hand, the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee observed the day at the Congress Bhawan, BT Road, Imphal. Partly leaders and workers paid floral tribute to the bust of Tikendrajit inside the office complex.
The National People’s Party also observed the day at Bir Tikendrajit Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi. Leaders of the party paid floral tribute to a bust of Tikendrajit. A two minute silence was also observed remembering the fallen heroes.