State braves boycott, drizzle to celebrate R-Day
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 27: Boycott call by insurgent outfits and the chill generated by the January rain failed to dampen the spirit of the country's 59th Republic Day celebration as an impressive crowd thronged Kangla Fort to witness the riot of colour yesterday.

The celebration culminated with the Beating of the Retreat programme at 1st manipur Rifles ground today afternoon with Governor Dr SS Sidhu gracing the occasion as the chief guest.

Prizes to position winning march past contingents, cultural troupes and schools were also distributed by the Governor.

Contradictory voices : Protest on R-Day (top) and troops on parade on R-Day celebration

Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh took the salute from the march past contingents, which official report put at 64 security forces, NCC and schools, and 14 cultural troupes apart from taleaux of nine departments highlighting acheivements and policy/programme of the Government.

Soon after arrival for the function a contingent of Manipur Women Police under the command of Miss Puspanjali (IPS) accorded the guard of honour to the Chief Minister who officially kicked-off the celebration by unfurling the tri-colour amid rendition of the National Anthem, followed by presentation of medals to police personnel.

The march past was led by Commandant 5th India Reserve Battalion Mamta Wahengbam with contingents of ex-servicemen, para-military and State forces, Fire Service, Home Gaurd and HS schools following suit.

Even though intermittent rainfall threatened to spoil the celebration officials involved in the preparation sighed a breath of relief as the programme passed off without any hiccup.

While the function at the highly fortified Kangla Fort was attended by large number of invitees and civilians as well, people in substantial number lined up both side of the march past route to partake in the celebration with security forces maintaining strict vigil from the starting point of 1st Manipur Rifles ground, North AOC, khoyathong, Kanglapat road till the marching contingents reentered the MR ground from the northern gate.

The main highlight of the celebration at Kangla Fort was marked by energetic display of a cultural troupe from Ukhrul district whose male artistes in semi-bare buttocks and girls in their traditional attire literally heated up the occasion under the cold weather conditions by their performance depicting war victory celebration.

other attractions included an emotional march by children of an orphanage home from sadar Hills who performed before the chief guest and artistes of DIPR presenting a short play that highlighted socio-economic stress of the general public under the numerous bandh and strike calls in the State.

Reports of Republic Day celebrations in district and sub-divisional headquarters also poured in.

According to press releases of the DIPR as well as District Information offices, Republic Day parades were held at Thoubal, Chandel, Churachandpur, Senapati, Tamenglong, Ukhrul and Bishnupur, besides at the two capital districts and sub-divisions of Jiribam and Kangpokpi.

On the otherhand, a CRPF statement issued today informed that Republic Day celebration was held with great gaiety and fervour at Langjing where the Additional DIGP Anil Duggal presided the programme.

Achievements of the force in discharging responsibility of upholding unity and integrity of the Nation was also highlighted on the occasion in addition to reading out names of all the member of the Force who were awarded distincguished and meritorious service medals.