IMPHAL, Aug 14 � Manipur Governor Gurbachan Jagat and Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh led the observation of the historic Patriots� Day across the State on Friday to pay homage to the freedom fighters of the Anglo-Manipur War in 1891.
Manipur�s Yuvraj Bir Tikendrajit and Thangal General was hanged on August 13, 1891, after Manipur�s defeat to the British forces at the Polo Ground here and ever since then, the Day is observed as Patriots� Day every year.
The King of Manipur, besides large number of people, was detained and deported to Cellular Jail or Kala Pani in the Andaman Island for life after the great battle.
The observations began early in the morning with the State�s leaders and officials gathering at Heecham Yaicham Pat, the place where Yuvraj Tikendrajit was cremated and offering of floral tributes to him.
Chief Minister Ibobi while recalling the patriotic spirit of the then freedom fighters called upon the present generation to work for the all round development of the State.
Manipur People�s Party, local clubs and organisations also organised Patriot�s Day observation at their respective premises while womenfolk of Imphal Market staged a silent procession in the evening as part of observing the Day.
The State Government declared the day as a government holiday but educational institutions were open to observe the day.
