Imphal, Aug. 12: Manipur will observe Patriots' Day tomorrow to pay tribute to the heroes of the state who fought against the British during the Anglo-Manipuri war.
The state function will be held at Pheidabung, also known as Bir Tikendrajit Park, in the heart of Imphal where Manipur prince Bir Tikendrajit and General Thangal were hanged to death on August 13, 1891, on the charge of waging war against the British.
Chief minister Nongthombam Biren Singh will lead the programme.
Every year on this day, other freedom fighters such as Paona Brajabasi, Subedar Niranjan, Kajao Singh Jamadar and Charai Thangal are also remembered.
Brajabasi died on April 23, 1891 while fighting the British during the Khongjom war, while Jamadar, Niranjan and Thangal were hanged to death on May 25, June 8 and October 15 that year respectively inside Imphal jail.
Manipur governor Najma A. Heptulla said, "The occasion reminds us of our heroic forefathers like Bir Tikendrajit, Thangal General, Chirai Naga, Pukhramban Kajao, Niranjan Subedar and a host of other martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of the motherland. They believed in freedom and challenged the might of the British empire in 1891, embracing death and prison rather than live without freedom."
"The historic day also reminds us that if we do not live and work together we stand to lose. While observing Patriots' Day, let us pledge to stand and fight as one against all those who challenge the freedom and integrity of the nation, irrespective of caste, creed, religion and other differences," the governor said.
Civil society groups and local clubs will join tomorrow's event. Khaba Khangembam, convener of Thangmeiband Youth Organisation, said, "We will pay tribute to the martyrs. A drawing competition for school students will also be held to make the younger generation aware of the courage and sacrifice of our forefathers."