SENAPATI: Patriots’ Day was observed at General Thangal Ecological Park, Mayangkhang, on Thursday to commemorate the bravery and supreme sacrifice of local heroes who fought against British rule during the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891.
The programme was attended by Kuba Peter, President of the Naga Peoples Organization (NPO), as chief guest; RB Pani, President of the Poumai Naga Union (PNU), as guest of honour; and RK Philip, President of the Thangal Union, as functional president.
Speaking during the programme, RK Philip said General Thangal, also known as Pu Lungthoubu and Charai Thangal, was publicly hanged by the British for waging war against the British Government. He expressed hope that more leaders inspired by such courage and sacrifice would emerge from the community in the coming generations.
A silent prayer in honour of the Thangal heroes was led by Rev. Cheijinba Rakhangmi, Executive Secretary of the Thangal Naga Baptist Association (TNBA).
RB Pani said the supreme sacrifice of the Thangal heroes was not only a matter of pride for the Thangal community but for the entire district. He highlighted the contribution of the Thangal tribe, a small community that played a significant role in resisting British rule, and assured the community of the Poumai Naga Union’s continued cooperation.
Chief guest Kuba Peter described Patriots’ Day as an important occasion that must be passed on to younger generations. He said the sacrifices of the heroes, who chose death rather than submission to British rule, should continue to inspire the people. He also noted that the community had been blessed in various ways through the sacrifices of its former leaders.
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Prior to the official programme, dignitaries, tribal leaders, religious leaders and others laid wreaths at the statues of General Thangal and Charai Thangal at the park. A traditional gun salute was also presented by Mayangkhang youths.
The M. Ningthoupham Women Society presented a Thangal folk song, while the Makeng Cheijinba Youth performed a choreography during the programme.
Patriots’ Day is observed annually on August 13 as a public holiday in Manipur in memory of those who fought and died during the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891. The day commemorates the execution of Bir Tikendrajit and General Thangal by the British at Pheidabung, now Bir Tikendrajit Park, in Imphal, and honours other heroes including Paona Brajabashi who sacrificed their lives during the resistance.
