State observes Armed Forces Veterans' Day
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, January 14 2025: The Government needs cooperation and support of the armed forces veterans in improving the law-and-order situation in the State, Chief Minister N Biren Singh said today.

The Chief Minister was addressing veterans and their families on 9th Armed Forces Veterans' Day 2025 observed at the 1st Battalion, Manipur Rifles, Banquet Hall, Imphal.

During the programme, Chief Minister N Biren Singh felicitated distinguished and gallantry award winning veterans and Veer Naris.

Speaking as the chief guest of the observance, N Biren highlighted the importance of the Armed Forces Veterans' Day, and said it is observed to remember and honour the sacrifices of the armed forces for the Nation.

Stating that the Government needs cooperation and support of the armed forces veterans in improving the law-and-order situation in Manipur, N Biren said, he welcomes all positive suggestions and advice from the veterans towards restoring peace and normalcy.

The Chief Minister announced an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh for next of kin of soldiers who have laid down their lives in line of duty.

He further stressed that the Government has already sanctioned Rs 3 crore for construction of a memorial park for soldiers of the Indian armed forces from the State who have laid down their lives for the Nation.

A site measuring half an acre has been identified at Lamphelpat.

Once the construction is completed, programmes related to veterans and armed forces can be organised there, he added.

N Biren stated that the State has produced two officers of the rank of Lieutenant Generals in the Indian Army.

The Chief Minister said he had met the Commanding Officer of a nuclear submarine who happened to be from the State.

Around 350 persons from the State are currently serving as officers in the combined defense forces, he said.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the Nation's dependence on foreign countries for procurement of defence machinery has minimised, the Chief Minister said.

This was made possible through the implementation of Atmanirbhar Bharat programme that aims to make the country self-reliant in the defence sector, he added.

He further praised two natives of the State, Major Laishram Jyotin Singh who sacrificed his life trying to protect civilians in Afghanistan, and Major Bob Khathing.

These officers of the armed forces showed exemplary valour and courage while performing duties, he said.

N Biren Singh further spoke at length on the need for people to understand the land's history properly and said that a 22-minute-long film "Chahi Taret Khuntakpa" was recently released.

This film, he said, will soon be telecast on History Channel.

On development projects, the Chief Minister stated that the Lamphelpat water body rejuvenation project, measuring around 430 acres, is being taken up at a cost of around Rs 650 crore.

Speaking at the observance, Forest Minister Th Biswajit Singh stated that the State has been observing the Armed Forces Veterans' Day since 2017 to honour the armed forces personnel for their courage and dedication towards serving the Nation.

Ministers, Chairman Hill Area Committee, Member of Parliament, MLA, Security Advisor to Government of Manipur, Chief Secretary, Advocate General, Manipur, Administrative Secretaries, high ranking police officials, armed force veterans among others attended the observance.

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