Senapati, August 13: The Patriots’ Day commemoration, themed “Remember and Honour,” was jointly organized by the Thangal Union and the United Naga Council (UNC) on Wednesday at the General Thangal Ecological Park in Mayangkhang, Kangpokpi district.
Dinganglung Gangmei, IAS (Retd.), Chairman of the Hill Areas Committee (HAC), attended as chief guest. In his address, he commended the organizers for preserving the values and cultural heritage of the past through such events. “Like in developed societies, we must share our history and past glory with the contemporary generation,” he said, adding that General Thangal had opposed white supremacy and colonial rule.
UNC President Ng. Lorho, speaking as guest of honour, said it was a proud moment to remember that General Thangal was a son of the Naga people who sacrificed his life for his community.
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H. Kuba Peter, President of the Naga People’s Organization, Senapati, also serving as guest of honour, urged the Manipur government to allocate a dedicated budget each year for the grand celebration of Patriots’ Day.
The programme included wreath-laying at the statues of Chirai Thangal and General Thangal by dignitaries, tribal leaders, religious leaders and community members. A traditional gun salute was performed by M. Ningthoupham youth, followed by a silent prayer in honour of the heroes, led by Rev. Cheijinba Rakhangmi, Executive Secretary of the Thangal Naga Baptist Association.