Imphal, Aug 13 (Reporter) People of Manipur on Tuesday paid homage and tributes to all those who were hanged to death for waging war against the British Empire after the end of the Anglo Manipur war of 1891. Prince Tikendrajit and General Thangal were hanged on 13 Aug 1891 while three others , Kajao Phingang, Chirai Naga and Niranjan Subedar were hanged on different dates. The then King , nobles and military officers were exiled to Andaman and Nicobar islands. Each year the day is observed as Patriots day. Chief Minister N Biren Singh, Speaker, ministers, MLAs and others offered tribute at Hicham Yaicham pat where the last rites of Prince Tikendrajit was performed. Governor LP Acharya, CM and others paid tribute at Pheidabung , BT park where the Prince and the General were hanged. The Governor said in a message, “This auspicious occasion reminds us of our heroic forefathers like Bir Tikendrajit, Thangal General, Chirai Naga, Pukhrambam Kajao, Niranjan Subedar and a host of other martyrs who made supreme and selfless sacrifice for the cause of the freedom of their motherland. They along with many others who were banished for life from Manipur believed in the freedom of their nation and challenged the might of the British Empire in 1891 embracing death and prison rather than live without freedom. This historic day also jogs our memory that if we do not live and work together we stand to lose. Let us, while observing the Patriots' Day, pledge to stand and fight as one against all those who challenge the freedom and integrity of the nation, irrespective of caste, creed, religion and other differences. The CM said in a message, “Patriots' Day is observed every year on August 13 in memory of those who laid down their lives, fighting against the mighty British soldiers, in the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891. The day recognizes the supreme sacrifices of our heroes, including Yuvraj Tikendrajit Singh, Thangal General, Chairai Thangal, Pukhrambam Kajao and the hundreds of soldiers who !aid down their lives valiantly defending sovereignty of our motherland. Our indigenous people have lived together peacefully for ages, but today divisive and communal forces are threatening to erode the fabric of our society. History teaches us that when we are united, we are formidable. When we are divided, we are vulnerable. We must be vigilant against those who seek to divide us and proactive in building a society where every community feels valued and included. Let this day be a reminder of our shared values and a call to action for a united and prosperous future. Our forefathers valued freedom and sovereignty of their motherland more than their own lives. It is time for our present generation to reflect on such values that guided their actions and adopt a collective, stance against any divisive force in our State.” The Congress party also observed the day by organizing a function at Congress office. Civil societies, students’ bodies organized patriotic song competitions, blood donation camps, social services as part of the observation...////...