By Dr. Syed Ahmed, for TwoCircles.net,
Imphal: Manipuris throughout the globe paid homage to the heroes who laid down their lives for their motherland in the historic Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891 on August 13, 2014. The day is observed every year as Patriots’ Day in the State.
On this day, Manipuris remember and pay rich tribute to Thangal General, Bir Tikendrajit and others who made the supreme sacrifice in the war against the mighty British.
Memorial of Bir Tikendrajit in New Delhi.
It was on this day in 1891 that the Manipuri Prince Jubraj Bir Tikendrajit Singh and General Thangal were hanged to death by the British officials accusing them of waging war against the Queen Empress of India at the place, which is known today as Bir Tikendrajit Park. Thereafter, three other heroes of the war were also hanged (inside the jail), namely Niranjan Subedar (a Gurkha who was in the service of the British Army, later joined the native force of Tikendrajit) was hanged on June 8 1891, Jamandar Kajao Singh on May 25, 1891, Chirai Naga of Mayangkhang on October 13, 1891.
As many as 22 Manipuris were transported for life, namely Kullachandra Dhaja Singh (Ex-Regent); Prince Angao Singh, Senapati; Lokendrajit Birjit Singh, Wangkheirakpa; Samu Singh Colonel alias Luwang Ningthou; Chongtham Nilamani Singh, Ayapurel Major; Chongtham Mia Singh, Major; Uru Singh, Usurba; Chauba Hada, Machahal; Ghun Singh, Kongdram; Kumba Singh, Laisraba; Dhaja Singh, Mayengba; Nam Singh, Nepra, Machahal; Trilok Singh, Nongtholba Satwal; Dhon Singh, Sagolsemba; Ghun Singh, Indujamba Jamadar; Ningthouba Singh, Chingshuba; Thaoba Singh, Phanjao Jamadar; Tonjao Singh, Mangsatba Jamadar; Chaobatol Singh, Heigrujamba Subadar; Paradhumba Singh, alias Ashangba Kut; Chowkami Naga of Mayangkhang and Gowho Naga of Mayangkhang.
The State function was held at Pheida Bung at Bir Tikendrajit Park in Imphal. Governor V.K . Duggal led the gathering in offering floral tributes to the memorial of the martyrs. Chief Minister O. Ibobi Singh, his Council of Ministers, Parliamentary Secretaries, MLAs, and other dignitaries of the State also paid homage to the martyrs.
Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam and other dignitaries also paid floral tributes to Bir Tikendrajit at his memorial tomb at Yaiskul Janmasthan in Imphal.
Gun-salutes were also given to the martyrs. The day was observed by different political parties, civil society organizations, local clubs and institutions.
The day was observed in N. Delhi at Manipur Bhavan at Sardar Patel Marg and at Tikendrajit Bhavan at Chanakyapuri. MP (Lok Sabha) Th. Meinya and MP (Rajya Sabha) Haji Abdul Salam, officials and staff paid floral tribute to the memorial of Bir Tikendrajit.
Different programmes, like blood donation camps, planting saplings, socila work, seminars, symposiums and painting competitions were held as part of the observation. The popular play ‘Bir Tikendrajit’ was also staged which depicts the events of 1891.