Manipur marks 135th Patriots' Day, honours martyrs of 1891 Anglo-Manipur War
Synopsis
On the 134th anniversary of their public execution, Manipur paid solemn tribute to Bir Tikendrajit Singh and Thangal General — the resistance leaders hanged by the British on 13 August 1891 for 'waging war against the Queen'. The 135th Patriots' Day saw both the ruling government and the opposition Congress unite in honouring a war that defined Manipur's identity long before Independence.
Key Takeaways
Manipur observed the 135th Patriots' Day on 13 August 2025 , commemorating the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891 .
Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh led tributes at Heecham Yaicham Pat in Imphal's Moirangkhom.
Yuvraj Bir Tikendrajit Singh , Thangal General , and Paona Brajabasi were publicly hanged on 13 August 1891 at what is now Bir Tikendrajit Park , Imphal.
The British campaign against Manipur followed the death of Maharaja Chandrakirti Singh in 1886 and the killing of British officials.
The opposition Congress separately observed the day at Congress Bhawan , with Legislature Party leader Keisham Meghachandra Singh paying tribute via his official X account.
Manipur on Thursday, 13 August 2025, observed the 135th Patriots' Day, commemorating the brave men and women who laid down their lives resisting British colonial forces during the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891. The day holds particular significance as it marks the public execution of three key resistance leaders — Yuvraj Bir Tikendrajit Singh, Thangal General, and Paona Brajabasi — on 13 August 1891, at what is today known as Bir Tikendrajit Park in Imphal.
State Leaders Pay Tribute
Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, Deputy Chief Ministers Nemcha Kipgen and Losii Dikho, and Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh issued separate messages honouring the martyrs. Governor Bhalla extended his 'deepest respect and heartfelt tribute' to those who made the ultimate sacrifice defending Manipur's sovereignty.
Chief Minister Khemchand Singh led tributes at Heecham Yaicham Pat in Imphal's Moirangkhom — the site where patriot Yuvraj Bir Tikendrajit Singh was cremated following his execution. In a series of social media posts, the Chief Minister highlighted the bravery of the martyrs. 'We remember with pride the gallant martyrs who made the supreme sacrifice defending Manipur's sovereignty against the British Empire. Their courage and patriotism remain an enduring inspiration to uphold the unity, integrity and sovereignty of our Nation,' he said.
He added: 'On Patriots' Day, I pay respectful homage to the brave martyrs of the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891, especially Bir Tikendrajit and Thangal General, who made the supreme sacrifice for Manipur's honour and freedom. Their courage, patriotism and love for the motherland continue to inspire generations. Salute to our martyrs and heroes. Jai Hind!'
The History Behind Patriots' Day
The Anglo-Manipur War of 1891 was triggered after political tensions and the killing of British officials in the region. Following the death of Maharaja Chandrakirti Singh in 1886, the British Empire launched a military campaign deploying three columns of troops to take control of the independent princely state of Manipur.
The Manipuri forces, led by Bir Tikendrajit Singh — the Crown Prince and Commander of the Manipuri Army — and Thangal General, mounted a determined resistance against the advancing colonial forces. After the British prevailed, key figures in the resistance were arrested, tried, and sentenced to death. On 13 August 1891, Bir Tikendrajit, Thangal General, and Paona Brajabasi were publicly hanged at the site now known as Bir Tikendrajit Park, charged with 'waging war against the Queen'.
Opposition Joins the Commemoration
The state's main opposition, the Indian National Congress (INC), separately observed the 135th Patriots' Day at Congress Bhawan in Imphal. Congress Legislature Party leader Keisham Meghachandra Singh, who led the party's observance, described 13 August as the day that commemorates the martyrdom of Bir Tikendrajit Singh — referred to as the 'Lion of Manipur' — and Thangal General.
In a post on his official X account, Meghachandra Singh said: 'On Patriots' Day, I pay my heartfelt tribute to the brave patriots of Manipur, especially Bir Tikendrajit and Thangal General, and all those who made the supreme sacrifice for the freedom, dignity and honour of our motherland. Their courage and sacrifice in the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891 remain an enduring inspiration to us. Let us honour their legacy by working together for peace, unity, justice and the protection of Manipur's land and people.'
State-Wide Events Mark the Day
A series of events were organised across Manipur throughout the day by the state government and various civil society organisations, reflecting the broad public resonance of the occasion. Patriots' Day is observed every year on 13 August in remembrance of the valour, sacrifice, and patriotism of those who fought against British forces during the Anglo-Manipur War and laid down their lives in defence of Manipur's sovereignty.
As Manipur continues to navigate contemporary challenges, the annual observance of Patriots' Day serves as a reminder of the state's long tradition of resistance and its deep-rooted sense of distinct identity within the Indian Union.
Point of View
Yet with identical reverence, underscores how deeply the 1891 war is woven into Manipur's political culture. What mainstream coverage often misses is the contemporary resonance: in a state grappling with ethnic conflict and questions of territorial integrity, invoking Bir Tikendrajit's resistance against an external power carries pointed meaning. The martyrs are not merely historical figures; they are active political symbols whose legacy is claimed — and sometimes contested — across party lines.
NationPress
13 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Patriots' Day in Manipur?
Patriots' Day is observed every year on 13 August in Manipur to commemorate the martyrdom of resistance leaders executed by the British following the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891. The day honours Yuvraj Bir Tikendrajit Singh, Thangal General, and Paona Brajabasi, who were publicly hanged on 13 August 1891 at what is now Bir Tikendrajit Park in Imphal.
Who was Bir Tikendrajit Singh?
Bir Tikendrajit Singh was the Crown Prince and Commander of the Manipuri Army who led the resistance against British colonial forces during the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891. He is widely referred to as the 'Lion of Manipur' and is one of the most revered martyrs in the state's history.
Why did the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891 take place?
The Anglo-Manipur War of 1891 was triggered by political tensions in the region following the death of Maharaja Chandrakirti Singh in 1886 and the killing of British officials. The British Empire deployed three columns of troops to take control of the independent princely state of Manipur, prompting a fierce but ultimately unsuccessful armed resistance.
How did Manipur observe the 135th Patriots' Day in 2025?
The 135th Patriots' Day on 13 August 2025 was marked by tributes from Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, and other senior leaders at Heecham Yaicham Pat in Imphal's Moirangkhom. State-wide events were organised by the government and civil society organisations, while the opposition Congress held a separate observance at Congress Bhawan.
Who else was executed alongside Bir Tikendrajit on 13 August 1891?
Thangal General and Paona Brajabasi were executed alongside Yuvraj Bir Tikendrajit Singh on 13 August 1891. All three were publicly hanged at the site now known as Bir Tikendrajit Park in Imphal, charged with waging war against the British Crown.
