Former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Wednesday invoked the legacy of the state’s 1891 war heroes to appeal for political and social unity in restoring peace.
Marking the 134th Patriots Day in Imphal, Singh paid floral tributes alongside Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, legislators and senior officials to Bir Tikendrajit, Thangal General and other martyrs of the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891.
“Despite knowing they would be defeated, Yubraj Tikendrajit, Thangal General, Chirai Naga, and others fought a war with the British. Patriots Day is a commemoration of that historic event. Manipur is the legacy of those forefathers,” Singh told reporters at the state-level function.
The commemoration, observed annually on August 13, recalls the execution of Tikendrajit and Thangal General by the British for waging war against the Raj. Singh emphasised that their sacrifice should serve as a guiding principle for contemporary Manipur, currently beset by tensions.
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“We should all unite concerning the issues of the state, even though there are ideological differences in politics and others. We have to establish peace in the state and live together. I am appealing to the people for this as well,” he said.
The former Chief Minister acknowledged the absence of an elected government but assured that legislators, in cooperation with the Governor and state administration, were striving to restore order.
“Though there is no popular government now, the MLAs and all of us are working along with the governor and officers to restore peace,” he said.
State leaders used the day’s events to reinforce the message of unity, with several paying homage at memorial sites and recalling the courage of those who fought the 1891 war despite overwhelming odds
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