New Delhi, Aug 13 (IANS): Ahead of Independence Day, Manipuris here on Thursday paid tributes to three freedom fighters from their state who laid down their lives during the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891.

Manipuris from the National Capital Region gathered at the Bir Tikendrajit House here and observed two-minute silence in memory of Paona Brajabasi, Bir Tikendrajit and General Thangal.

The Lok Sabha MP from Inner Manipur constituency, Thokchom Meinya, led the gathering while paying floral tributes to the garlanded photographs of the three patriots, according to an official statement.

Thangso Baite, the Lok Sabha MP from Outer Manipur, and Haji Abdul Salam, a Rajya Sabha MP, were also among those who paid floral tributes.

While Paona Brajabasi died fighting in the battle against the British on April 23, 1891, Bir Tikendrajit, the prince of Manipur, and General Thangal were hanged by the British in the presence of thousands of men and women at Pheidapung, near the Imphal polo ground, on August 13, 1891.

August 13 is observed as Patriots' Day in Manipur.