State celebrates I-Day amid tight security, boycott calls
AA demand impossible, students misguided on ILP movement: CM
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, August 16 2014 : Amid tight security in view of the boycott call given by some social organisations and the general strike and public curfew imposed by various underground organisations, Manipur joined the rest of the country in celebrating 68th India's Independence Day on Friday.

Apart from the celebration held at all the district headquarters and sub-divisional headquarters of the State, the State level function to celebrate the 68th Independence Day was held at the parade ground of 1st Manipur Rifles here with Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh unfurling the National Tricolour.

The Chief Minister also inspected the guard of honour and later took salute of the march past parade participated by 36 contingents and nine band platoons.

On the occasion, the President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service was awarded to two officers of Manipur Police and President's Police Medal for Meritorious Service to seven other Police Officers.

In his address to the people, Chief Minister O Ibobi touched on all the burning issues and categorically stated that the demand for alternative arrangement raised by United Naga Council (UNC) is 'next to impossible' .

State celebrates I-Day amid tight security, boycott calls

If it is conceded then the integrity of Manipur will in jeopardy, he added.

Referring to deployment of heavy security personnel in Ukhrul district, the Chief Minister reiterated that it was for maintaining law and order in the district.

Pointing out that NSCN (IM) has killed over 200 prominent persons in the state in the past few years, Chief Minister O Ibobi said that his Government can no longer remain silent.

If need be, state forces will be rushed to other districts to maintain law and order, he said.

Chief Minister Ibobi Singh also appealed to the underground organisations to lay down arms and participate in the development programmes undertaken by the Government for the welfare of the people.

On the public demand for implementation of Inner Line Permit system, Chief Minister Ibobi, who was constantly interrupted by some students in the audience by shouting slogans demanding implementation of Inner Line Permit system, retorted that his Government also wants to impose Inner Line Permit (ILP) in the State and it has been continuously raising the demand with the Centre, apart from taking resolutions on the issue on two occasions in the State Assembly.

However, for realising the demand, all sections of the people have a role to play, the Chief Minister said, adding that his Government would also examine whether a new Act could be passed to check influx of outsiders into the State.

Asserting that people who are spearheading the ILP movement are misguiding young students, who should be in the class rooms by dragging them out in the streets, the Chief Minister appealed to the JCILPS for sitting together and find out ways to resolve the issue.

Meanwhile, in spite of the total shut down imposed by Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) in the district, the 68th Independence Day was observed at Mini Secretariat complex of Ukhrul yesterday. Deputy Commissioner Modak Hrisheekesh Arvind unfurled the tricolor flag as the chief guest of the celebration at 9:10AM at a function attended mostly by government employees and retired personnel at Mini Secretariat complex, Hamleikhong, Ukhrul.

The district administration relaxed the 144 CrPC from 6AM till 12 noon, while also providing free transportation to the citizens to enable them to attend the august celebration.

The turnout of public was minimal and only six contingents took part in the Independence Day parade comprising ex-servicemen, Manipur Rifles, Manipur police, women Police, VDF and band party of 41 Assam Rifles.

Speaking on the occasion, the chief guest exhorted the people to exhibit patriotism, and the need to rationalize numerous national flagship programmes.

On the occasion, the National Award of bravery (Sarvotam Jeevan Raksha Award) was posthumously given to M.Khayingthei, 13, an alumnus of OTC Juniors' Academy, Ukhrul.

The award carries a citation and cash award of Rs 1.20 Lakh and a medal to his father M.David of Tushar Chahong, Ukhrul.

Meanwhile, it is said that schools in Ukhrul district would resume normal classes from Monday, that is, August 18 .

For Chandel district, the 68th Independence Day was celebrated at Maha Union Govt Higher Secondary School Ground.

Organised by Chandel District administration, Deputy Commissioner of Chandel Th Chittaranjan Singh IAS was the chief guest of the celebration function attended by top officials of the district including the SP, COs of 8th MR Leikun and 20 AR Chandel and CEO ADC/CDL.

Besides, DLOs, Principals, headmasters and teachers of Govt colleges and schools also attended the function.

As the chief guest, DC Th Chittaranjan Singh hoisted the National flag with Rashtriya Salute.

He also inspected the guard of honour given by the parade commander Khanam Robinson, Assistant Commandant of 8th MR Leikun.

During the celebration, contingents of 8th MR Leikun, district police, ex-servicemen, College and govt school students took part in the march past parade.

In connection with the celebration of Independence Day 2014, a special issue of 'Chandel Newsletter' which was published by the District Information Office, Chandel was also released.

Cultural dances, band display by 20 AR, distribution of awards and prizes were other highlights of the celebration.

At the ADC complex, Kangpokpi, the 68th India Independence Day was also celebrated on Friday with Addl.

DC DK.

Thangboi, MCS, unfurling the tricolour national flag amidst singing of the National Anthem by students of JNV Kangpokpi, Senapati-II .

As the chief guest of the celebration, the Addl DC also saluted the march past parade.

On the occasion, Md.Zakiruddin, MPS, Addl.SP, Kangpokpi; Lhunkhomang Khongsai, Constable, Kpi PS; Jangkhohao Haokip, Constable, G-SM PS; Thangtinsei Tuboi, Constable, Singda Out Post; N.Rahamani Singh, Fireman, Kpi Fire Service and N.K.Luna, Fireman, Kpi Fire Service were awarded Certificate of Appreciation with medal while Ngahchong Kipgen, ZEO; Sothang Lunkim, DIS; L.Henboi, Coordinator SSA; Dhurba Kumar Chhetry, Headmaster; Lamkhoneng Haokip, Headmistress; Lhunjamang Guite, Headmaster;Kharga Prasad Parsain, Headmaster and Chongneilhing, Asst.H/M were also awarded apart from employees of Banking sector, medical department, Co-operative Societies, ICDS Saitu-Gamphazol, SDO Saitu, Vety.

Department, Transport as well as ADC, Kangpokpi were also given awards.

In all 34 employees from different departments were awarded Certificates of Appreciation with medal for the first time.

Leaders of Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills (House of the Kukis), Women Union, KTC, KWWO, KYU, village chiefs, students, parents etc also took part in the celebration.