Manipur joined the nationwide celebrations of the country’s 75th Republic Day with the state level celebration being held in the presence of Manipur governor Anusuiya Uikey at Kangla Fort, Imphal West on Friday.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh, cabinet ministers, members of parliament, members of legislative assembly constituencies, chief secretary, director general of police and senior civil and police officials also took part in the celebration, where Governor Anusuiya Uikey unfurled the National flag and took salutes from different march-past contingents.
The celebration began with the governor inspecting the Guard of Honour accorded by a combined contingent of 1st and 6th Battalion Manipur Rifles (MR).
The march-past contingent was led by parade commander Ksh Ravikumar Singh, Co-1MR and in all 40 continents including Central, state forces, Tripura armed forces and various departments and cultural troops participated in the occasion.
Among the tableaux, INS Imphal, the recently launched Indian Warship, and a drama presented by the Social Welfare department were the main attractions of this year’s parade.
During the celebration at Kangla, officers and personnel of Manipur Police department were decorated by the governor with the President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service, Police Medal for Gallantry, Police Medal for Meritorious Service, Union Home Minister's Medal for Excellence in Investigation and President's Civil Defence Medal for Meritorious Service.
President's Police Medals for Distinguished Service were awarded to Dy Commandant, 6th IRB Aribam Basanta Sharma and Retired SDPO Laimayum Amarnath Sharma, while sub-inspector Ningthoujam Ibotomba Singh was accorded with Police Medal for Gallantry.
Police Medals for Meritorious Service were presented to Assistant Commandant, 7th MR Takhemayum Gojendro, Subedar, MPTC Sunil Kumar, Jemadar, MPTC Yumnam Guneswor Singh, SDPO/Bishnupur Laishram Khogen Singh, Dy. SP/CID (SB) Kamei Abui Kabui, Sub-Inspector Thingbaijam Lalitkumar Singh, Sub-Inspector Yumnam Prafullo Singh, Rifleman 2nd MR Konjengbam Pratap Singh.
The governor also accorded Inspector, OC/Kasom Khullen Marchang Wungmahai and Civil Defence Instructor (Senior), department of Relief and Disaster Management Phurailatpam Hemolata with Union Home Minister's Medal for Excellence in Investigation and President's Civil Defence Medal for Meritorious Service respectively.
Later, Chief Minister N Biren Singh gave a vote of thanks at the 1st Battalion of Manipur Rifles ground.
After attaining independence, Bharat gained the opportunity to bring development to the nation and improve the standard of living of its people, he said.
Expressing profound sadness with the present unwanted incidents happening in the state, he further said that the present issue can be faced only when the people stand united as one.
He also expressed gratitude to the Central government for conferring the Padmashri award to craftsman Machihan Sasa, (Nungpi Pottery) and further congratulated the artist.
Interacting with the media after attending the Republic Day celebration, he called for unity to make the nation stronger.
He urged the people of the state to uphold the Constitution, exercise their rights and carry out their responsibility to protect the unity of Manipur.
Responding to a media query about the reported low participation from the students in this year's Republic Day celebration, Biren said that the attendance was satisfactory, and everyone took part in the parade apart from students from Churachandpur district.
He declined to elaborate on the recent meeting of the MLA's with the Arambai Tenggol on January 24.
