Imphal, August 13: Former Chief Minister of Manipur, N. Biren Singh said today that MLAs along with the Governor and senior bureaucrats are working collectively to restore peace in the state. “We will continue to do so,” he affirmed.
He said this on the sideline of the observation of Patriot’s Day. The occasion was observed with solemn ceremonies across the state, honouring the “heroes of the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891”.
Speaking at the state-level function in Hicham Yaicham Pat, Moirangkhom, former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh said MLAs along with the Governor and senior bureaucrats are working collectively to restore peace in the state.
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Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla led the people in paying tribute to Anglo-Manipur War heroes. MLAs, the Chief Secretary, the Security Advisor, the DGP and other civil and police officers also paid tribute to the warriors.
The observation started with floral tributes at Heecham Yaicham Pat, Moirangkhom and Thangal Temple, Palace Compound in the morning. Later in the afternoon, the Governor with other dignitaries attended the wreath laying ceremony at Kangla Uttra.
The programme continued with floral tributes at Shaheed Minar, where the Governor accompanied by MLAs and senior government officers, honoured the “brave souls who laid down their lives in defence of the state’s sovereignty”, a note from the Raj Bhavan said. A guard of honour along with gun salute was accorded by the contingents of Manipur Rifles. Floral tribute was also offered at the memorial stone of the exiled martyrs of the 1891 War.
Speaking at the event, the Governor honoured the “brave heroes who laid down their lives in the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891, a pivotal moment in the Manipur’s history”, the Raj Bhavan note also said. He highlighted the courage and sacrifice of Bir Tikendrajit, Thangal General, Paona Brajabashi, and countless “unnamed warriors who stood firm against the British, defending the dignity and sovereignty of their motherland”, the Raj Bhavan note added. The Governor then emphasized that their unwavering spirit and moral courage continue to inspire generations.
The Governor continued that Patriot’s Day is not merely about remembering the past, it is about carrying forward the ideals for which our heroes laid down their lives. The true tribute to the martyrs lies not only in floral offerings but in ensuring that the solidarity they fought for continues to bind us together.
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The Governor further said that the state is now at the crossroads where the lessons of “our past must shape our future”, the note also said. “The state has faced many challenges in recent times but the courage and the resilience of our people continue to inspire hope, peace and stability in the state,” the Governor added.
The Governor then urged the people to renew the pledge, to follow the ideals of our forefathers, to strengthen the bond of unity and to work together for a stronger, peaceful and prosperous Manipur. He continued that unity is “our greatest shield and the youth is our most powerful weapon for change”. The state is in close collaboration with the Central Government and local communities to restore peace, advancing development and promoting inclusive development across the state, he added.
As part of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, the Governor led the people in taking a pledge to stand united in the fight against the growing menace of drug abuse in the state.\
(Newmai News Network)