75th Republic Day celebrated in state amidst crisis
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 27 2024:
Amidst the prevailing crisis in the state and despite the absence of students, the 75th Republic Day was celebrated in the state at the sacred Kangla Fort, here, on Friday, with Governor Anusuiya Uikey unfurling the National Flag and taking salute from the march-past contingents.
The celebration which began with the Governor inspecting the Guard of Honour accorded by a contingent commanded by IPS probationer GauravDograJwas also attended by chief minister N Biren Singh, speaker, cabinet ministers, ML As, chief secretary, DGP and senior civil and police officials'.
The event witnessed very little attendance of the public.
Some ministers and MLAs also missed the event.
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 6th IRB deputy commandant Aribam Basanta Sharma and retired SDPO Laimayum Amarnath Sharma, while Sub-Inspector Ningthoujam Ibotomba Singh was honoured with Police Medal for Gallantry.
Police Medals for Meritorious Service were presented to 7th MR assistant commandant Takhemayum Gojendro, MPTC Subedar Sunil Kumar, MPTC Jemadar Yumnam Guneswor Singh, Bishnupur SDPO Laishram Khogen Singh, deputy SP7 CID (SB) Kamei Abui Kabui, Sub-Inspector Thingbaijam Lalitkumar Singh, Sub-Inspector Yumnam Prafullo Singh and 2nd MR Rifleman Konjengbam Pratap Singh.
The Governor also honoured Kasom Khullen OC 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, the Governor took salute from 24 march-past contingents which included different band contingents and commanded by 1st MR commandant Ksh Ravikumar Singh.
The contingents, which took off from 1st MR ground, came along Kangla Park and entered Kangla Fort through the northern gate.
Altogether 26 contingents took part in the march past parade in addition to 11 cultural troops of various communities including the Tableaux of 13 different departments.
Meanwhile, speaking at the function held at 1st MR Parade ground, chief minister N Biren Singh said that Manipuri language has been added to the Microsoft translator which is indeed a good news for all.
He also expressed gratitude to the Central government for conferring the Padmashri to Machihan Sasa, (Nungpi Pottery) and further congratulated the artist.
He further stated that India attained independence on 15th August 1947.After attaining independence, India gained the opportunity to bring development to the nation and improve the standard of living of its people.
The chief minister also mentioned that the Constitution of India came into effect on January 26,1950 which is celebrated as the Republic Day of India.
Stating that it is the duty of each and every Indian to show respect to the Constitution, he continued that it is under this Constitution that the citizens of the country exercise their rights and fulfil their duties to become responsible citizens.
He appreciated and lauded the Speaker, ministers, MLAs, officials, uniformed contingents and all others who participated in the event.
In a republic, the power is in the hands of the people, and the government is formed by the elected representatives of the people, CM Biren said and added that under such democratic process, we should respect one another, be secular, and not hinder others in their efforts to develop and preserve their own culture, language, traditions.
India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has witnessed huge developmental changes since 2014, occupying a spot among the superpowers of the world in the fields of space, defence, economy, he added.
Every Manipuri has a responsibility towards building a united Bharat, he said, while urging the people to respect the Constitution and to exercise their rights and fulfil their responsibilities to protect the unity of Manipur and unity of India.
Expressing unhappiness over the unwanted incidents happening in the state, N Biren said that the present issue can be faced only when we stand united.
Earlier, before departing for the Republic Day Celebration at Kangla, CM Biren unfurled the National Flag at his Secretariat.