Manipur observes Patriots’ Day with tributes to the heroes of the 1891 Anglo-Manipur War, Haipou Jadonang, Rani Gaidinliu, General Thangal and other patriots.
Imphal, August 13: Manipur observed Patriots’ Day on Thursday with solemn tributes across the State to the patriots and freedom fighters who resisted colonial rule and made supreme sacrifices for their people, land and dignity.
At the State-level observance, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh led dignitaries, including the Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly, Deputy Chief Minister, Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, Chief Secretary, Security Advisor, Director General of Police and senior civil and police officials, in paying homage to the heroes of the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891.
The observance began in the morning with floral tributes at Hicham Yaicham Pat at Moirangkhom and Thangal Temple in the Palace Compound. In the afternoon, the Governor, Chief Minister and other dignitaries attended the wreath-laying ceremony at Kangla Uttra.
Paid floral tributes at Hicham Yaicham Pat, Moirangkhom, and at the Temple of Thangal General, Palace Compound, honouring our gallant Martyrs who made the supreme sacrifice defending Manipur’s sovereignty against British colonial rule.
— Khemchand Yumnam (@YKhemchandSingh) August 13, 2026
Their courage and sacrifice remain an… pic.twitter.com/UbLvLd6QS8
The programme continued at Shaheed Minar at BT Park, where floral tributes were offered to the patriots who sacrificed their lives in defence of Manipur’s sovereignty. Contingents of the Manipur Rifles presented a Guard of Honour and gun salute. Floral tributes were also offered at the Memorial Stone commemorating the exiled martyrs of the 1891 war.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla paid homage to Yuvraj Bir Tikendrajit, Thangal General, Maharaj Kulachandra and all the patriots of the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891. He noted that their courage, sacrifice and commitment to the motherland remained deeply etched in the collective memory of the people of Manipur.
Manipur Remembers Its Brave Heroes on Patriots’ Day 2026
— LOK BHAVAN MANIPUR (@LokBhavManipur) August 13, 2026
Patriots’ Day was observed in solemn remembrance of the valiant patriots who laid down their lives in defence of Manipur’s sovereignty during the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891.
Governor Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla, along with… pic.twitter.com/b8weKsQd9A
The Governor observed that the struggle of 1891 demonstrated that true courage lies in standing for what is right even in the face of great adversity. He stressed that Patriots’ Day should not merely be an occasion to remember the past but also an opportunity to draw strength and guidance from history and work towards a better future.
Calling for the preservation of Manipur’s rich history, culture and heritage, Bhalla urged the people to uphold constitutional values, the rule of law, peace and fraternity and strengthen unity among all communities.
He particularly appealed to the youth to carry forward the legacy of the patriots through education, knowledge, skills, technology, hard work, understanding and constructive action. He maintained that differences should never become greater than the shared identity of being citizens of Manipur and India, and that diversity should remain a source of strength rather than division.
The Governor stated that the best tribute to the heroes would be to build a peaceful, prosperous, harmonious and inclusive Manipur, where every child can dream, young people can find opportunities, families can live with dignity and communities can coexist in peace.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh recalled the sacrifices of the patriots who fought fearlessly for the protection and dignity of the motherland. He paid respect to those who made the supreme sacrifice and noted that their courage, dedication and service continued to inspire the people of Manipur.
The Chief Minister highlighted the achievements of Manipuri sportspersons in the recently concluded Commonwealth Games and other achievers from diverse fields who have brought recognition to Manipur at the national and international levels. He stated that their accomplishments reflected the talent and potential of the people of the State.
Khemchand urged the younger generation to carry forward the legacy of those who came before them, while preserving Manipur’s history and heritage and respecting the sacrifices of the forefathers. He called for collective efforts to build a peaceful, prosperous and united Manipur.
The occasion also saw the announcement of the Manipur Chief Minister’s Police Medal for Gallantry for five police personnel and the Manipur Chief Minister’s Police Medal for Outstanding Devotion to Duty for ten personnel.
Tributes to Jadonang and Rani Gaidinliu
Patriots’ Day was also observed at Mantripukhri, Imphal, with tributes to two prominent freedom fighters, Haipou Jadonang and Haipei Rani Gaidinliu, whose courage, sacrifice and resistance to colonial rule form an important part of the region’s history.
Hill Areas Committee Chairman and Nungba MLA Dinganglung Gangmei (Dipu Gangmei) led the programme and paid floral tributes at the statues of Jadonang and Rani Gaidinliu at their respective Memorial Parks. The ST Morcha of the BJP Manipur Pradesh also joined the observance and paid homage to the two leaders.
The programme recalled Jadonang’s role in awakening a strong spirit of resistance, dignity and self-determination among his people. His legacy was subsequently carried forward by Rani Gaidinliu, who displayed extraordinary courage and resilience in the struggle against colonial rule and became a symbol of freedom and faith.
The observance highlighted that the sacrifices of Jadonang and Rani Gaidinliu extend beyond any single community and constitute an important part of the broader narrative of India’s freedom struggle and its heritage of resistance.
The programme called upon the younger generation to remember the sacrifices of the two historic figures, preserve their legacy and draw inspiration from their courage, resilience and commitment to their people and the nation.
Patriots’ Day Commemorated at General Thangal Ecological Park
In Senapati district, Patriots’ Day was commemorated at General Thangal Ecological Park, Mayangkhang, with tributes to General Thangal and Charai Thangal.
The programme was attended by Naga Peoples Organization President Kuba Peter as chief guest, Poumai Naga Union President RB Pani as guest of honour and Thangal Union President RK Philip as functional president.
Prior to the formal programme, the dignitaries, tribal leaders, religious leaders and others laid wreaths at the statues of General Thangal and Charai Thangal erected at the ecological park. A traditional gun salute was also presented by the youth of Mayangkhang.
In his keynote address, RK Philip recalled General Thangal, also known as Pu Lungthoubu and Charai Thangal, who were publicly hanged by the British for waging war against the colonial government. He expressed hope that more leaders inspired by their courage and commitment would emerge from the land in future generations.
A silent prayer in honour of the Thangal heroes was led by Rev. Cheijinba Rakhangmi, Executive Secretary of the Thangal Naga Baptist Association.
RB Pani observed that the supreme sacrifice made by the Thangal heroes was not merely a matter of pride for the Thangal community but for the entire district. He noted the historical role of the Thangal tribe in resisting British rule despite being a relatively small community and assured the community of the Poumai Naga Union’s fullest cooperation in the future.
Kuba Peter described Patriots’ Day as an important occasion that should be taught to coming generations. He recalled how the patriots chose death rather than live under British rule and stated that their sacrifices continued to inspire the people.
The programme also featured a Thangal folk song presented by the M. Ningthoupham Women Society and a choreography by the Makeng Cheijinba Youth.
On Patriots’ Day, MyGov Manipur solemnly remembers Bir Tikendrajit and Thangal General, and all the brave patriots who made the supreme sacrifice defending Manipur’s sovereignty and integrity.
— MyGov Manipur (@manipurmygov) August 13, 2026
Their courage and sacrifice continue to inspire us to uphold unity, freedom and the… pic.twitter.com/V3jdMY8pgU
Remembering the Martyrs of 1891
Patriots’ Day is observed annually on August 13 in Manipur as a public holiday to honour the local heroes who fought against the British during the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891.
The day commemorates the execution of Bir Tikendrajit and Thangal General, who were publicly hanged by the British at Pheidabung in Imphal, now the Bir Tikendrajit Park. The observance also remembers other commanders and soldiers, including Paona Brajabashi, who laid down their lives during the resistance.
The State-wide observances on Thursday brought together government institutions, district administrations, civil society organisations, tribal bodies, local clubs and communities to remember the sacrifices of the patriots and freedom fighters.
Various districts organised commemorative programmes, including floral tributes, wreath-laying ceremonies, cultural performances and patriotic song competitions. The programmes collectively emphasised the need to preserve the history and heritage of Manipur and pass the stories of courage, sacrifice and resistance on to future generations.
The day ultimately served not only as a remembrance of those who resisted colonial rule but also as a call to draw inspiration from their courage and work towards a peaceful, united and prosperous future.
