Rijiju celebrates festival of light with armed forces
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 30 2016:
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju celebrated this year's Diwali with the armed forces at IGAR South at Mantripukhri in the presence of officials of the Border Security Forces (BSF), Central Reserved Police Forces (CRPF) and Central Industrial Security Forces (CISF) .
The Union Minister refused to comment on the Ukhrul incident of October 24, stating that it is too early to say anything.
The event was centrally organised by HQs IGAR (South) for all Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) deployed in the State of Manipur.
Officers, troops and families of Assam Rifles, CRPF, BSF, CISF attended the event in large number.
Major General VS Sreenivas, VSM, IG AR (South) welcomed Kiren Rijiju to the celebration and conveyed his best wishes to all jawans and their families.
A colorful cultural program showcasing the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Manipur was presented during the event followed by a fireworks display.
The Minister thereafter distributed sweets to the jawans and their families and interacted with them.
Speaking at the occasion Kiren Rijiju said, "Diwali is a festival of light and it spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair.
Celebrating the festival with the armed forces that has been defending us day in and out, ensuring that we sleep in peace signifies the real meaning of observing and celebrating the festival" .
Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated this year's Diwali at Himachal Pradesh which is a good step to bolster the morale of the armed forces, he said.
The Union Minister of State for Home Affairs also distributed gifts and presentations to Assam Rifles, BSF, CISF and CRPF personnel.
When asked about the steps that have been taken up by the Government of India post the Ukrul incident, he said it would be too early to comment on the steps to be taken up.
He refused to give further comments on the matter.