Why Does Manipur Honor the 134th Patriots’ Day?

Imphal, Aug 13 (NationPress) Manipur commemorated Patriots' Day on Wednesday, honoring the valiant individuals who gave their lives resisting the British colonial regime in 1891.

The people of Manipur mounted a courageous defense against three battalions sent by the British government to seize control of the independent princely state after the passing of Maharaja Chandrakirti Singh in 1886.

Following their victory, the British apprehended and executed key figures who had attempted to protect their homeland.

On this day in 1891, Yuvraj Bir Tikendrajit Singh, Thangal General, and Paona Brajabasi were hanged at Bir Tikendrajit Park.

Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, along with former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and various political figures, intellectuals, and social activists, paid profound respects at Heecham Yaicham Pat, Moirangkhom, Imphal, where the body of patriot Yubaraj Bir Tikendrajit Singh was cremated post-execution.

In his address, the Governor expressed his sincere admiration and tribute to the fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891.

“Patriots' Day serves as a reminder of our ancestors' heroic actions, including Bir Tikendrajit, Thangal General, and others, who displayed unmatched bravery against the British Empire in 1891, facing death and imprisonment with courage. These leaders were committed to their nation's freedom and stood against a formidable empire,” Bhalla stated.

The Governor later visited the Thangal General temple to pay floral tributes and commended his vital role in Manipur's quest for freedom, encouraging the youth to embody his courage and patriotism.

Former Chief Minister Biren Singh also honored the freedom fighters at his residence.

“Today, I observed Patriots’ Day at my home, paying heartfelt respects to our courageous ancestors whose sacrifices continue to inspire future generations,” he noted.

“Patriots’ Day is not merely a historical commemoration but a reminder of the values upheld by our heroes: unity, resilience, and unwavering love for Manipur. May the spirit of our patriots guide us in our endeavors for Manipur,” he concluded in a post on X.

The opposition Congress also marked the 134th Patriots’ Day separately.

State Congress President Keisham Meghachandra Singh led the observance at Congress Bhawan, emphasizing August 13 as a day to honor the martyrdom of Bir Tikendrajit Singh—the “Lion of Manipur”—and Thangal General, who were executed by the British at Pheidabung (now Bir Tikendrajit Park, Imphal) after the Anglo-Manipuri War.

In 1891, the British Empire launched a military operation against Manipur following political tensions and the deaths of British officials.

Bir Tikendrajit, the crown prince and head of the Manipuri army, with Thangal General, spearheaded the resistance against British forces. After the British triumph, many leaders were captured, and Singh noted that on August 13, 1891, Tikendrajit and Thangal General were publicly hanged in Imphal for “waging war against the Queen.”

“This day symbolizes Manipur's defiance against colonial rule and the sacrifices made for its sovereignty. Patriots’ Day stands as one of the most important state observances in Manipur, echoing the pride and remembrance akin to Independence Day across India,” Singh, also an Assembly member, stated.