Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 23:
As in previous years, the State Government will be celebrating the 59th Republic Day, 2008 on January 26 along with a befitting function at Kangla here for which necessary preparations have also been reportedly made.
For the first time in the history of Republic Day celebration in Manipur, a lady MPS officer would not only lead as parade commander, but the honour of the Second-in-Command as well as the Guard of Honour of the contingent would also be accorded to women police personnel.
The function will commence from 8 am.
Governor Dr Shivinder Singh Sidhu will inaugurate the celebration along with unfurling the tri-colour flag at Kangla while Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh would address the people at the parade ground of Ist MR.The Commandant of 5th IRB Mamta Wahengbam would lead the parade as commander while SI of Imphal East G Geetanjali would be the Second-in-Command.
IPS officer Miss Puspanjali of Manipur Police Women would be the guard of honour of the contingent and SI Naorem Chaoba Devi would lead the 7th Batch Manipur Women Police in the parade.
In all 61 contingents would be participating in this year's Republic Day celebration and seven tableaus would be on display for the public.
President Police Medal for Gallantry, one Ist Bar, 14 Police Medal for Gallantry, 2 President Police Medal for Distinguished Services, 3 Police Medal for Meritorious Services, 3 Fire Service Medal for Gallantry would also be presented among other awards at the occasion.
The vehicles of the Manipur Fire Services equipped with newly procured gadgets would drive pass during the Republic Day celebration.
At 3 pm of the same day of the celebration, a reception function in honour of the top officials of the Army, Police, Para-military and Civil would be hosted at Raj Bhavan.