State joins 79th Independence Day celebrations
Governor calls upon all to rise above differences
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Imphal, August 16 2025:
Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has called upon all the people of Manipur to rise above differences and work together in a spirit of peace and brotherhood.
The Governor was speaking at a State-level Independence Day celebration held at 1 st Manipur Rifles parade ground on Friday where he hoisted the National flag.
Following the flag hoisting, the Governor inspected the guard of honour and took salute of a grand march past presented by 33 contingents.
The parade was commanded by Pramesh Arambam, Commandant, 4th Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB).
Addressing the event, the Governor said that the 79th Independence Day was not only a commemoration of India's hard-won freedom but also a solemn reminder of the responsibilities every citizen carries in a free, united and democratic Nation.
He noted that the Indian freedom struggle was shaped by the collective spirit of the country's diversity, and Manipur played a proud role in that journey.
Recalling the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891 and the First and Second Nupi Lan of 1904 and 1939, Ajay Kumar Bhalla said these events reflected the State's courage and resilience, particularly the historic contributions of Manipuri women, which continue to inspire generations.
Since Independence in 1947, India had transformed from the shadows of partition and the challenges of poverty into the world's largest democracy and one of the fastest-growing economies, he said.
He stated that Manipur too had made steady progress in recent years in social welfare, infrastructure, and economic empowerment.
The Governor highlighted initiatives such as the 'Hunar Se Rozgar' scheme, skill development training for internally displaced persons, and measures to strengthen law and order, including expanded border fencing.
In recent times, the State Government had worked tirelessly to restore normalcy, enhance security, and ensure a safer environment for all communities, Ajay Kumar Bhalla said.
He added that a clear timeline has been set to facilitate the safe and dignified return of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their homes.
He also pointed to campaigns like the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, workplace harassment prevention measures, 'Back to School' initiative for Self-Help Groups, and the operationalisation of 11 IT centres in violence-affected districts as steps towards building a more inclusive and resilient future.
The Government, supporting inclusive growth, has organised various awareness campaigns under the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (PM-DAJGUA) across the hill districts, focusing on the sustainable development of tribal communities, he said.
The Governor also highlighted the newly launched Rs 1 lakh crore PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling it a transformative step towards empowering the Nation's young workforce.
Ajay Kumar Bhalla urged the youth of Manipur to actively seize this opportunity, emphasising that they are the torchbearers of the State's and the country's future.
He added that such initiatives are vital steps towards the realisation of the vision of Viksit Bharat, where every young citizen contributes to building a strong, inclusive, and prosperous Nation.
The Governor underscored the Union Government's special allocation of more than Rs 2,800 crore for Manipur, including substantial funds for infrastructure, public services and the rehabilitation of displaced persons.
He emphasised that the State now stands at a decisive moment in its journey, calling on the people to rise above differences and work together in a spirit of peace and brotherhood.
The Governor stressed that the best way to honour the sacrifices of the past was to build a future defined by stability, opportunity, and dignity for all.
The contingents which participated in the march past parade included JAKLI, Assam Rifles, BSF, CRPF, Manipur Rifles, IRB (male and female), Armed Police, Assam; Combined Civil Police, Manipur Jail Department; Forest Department; Home Guard and combined VDF contingents.
The parade also featured Manipur Fire Service; Traffic Police; NCC; NCC Air Wing; Sainik School; Johnstone Hr Sec School; NSCB; TG Hr Sec School and Wangkhei High School.
The band display comprising of CRPF, 1&2 MR, 1st IRB, Home Guard, IW VDF and Sainik School accompanied the other marching contingents.
On this occasion, Elangbam Bhubaneshwor Singh, MPS (Retd) was presented with the prestigious President's Medal for Distinguished Service which was announced on the occasion of Republic Day, 2024.Kabib K, IPS, Inspector General of Police (Int/NAB), was presented with the Police Medal for Meritorious Service, and Oinam Premananda Singh, Inspector, CID (Special Branch), also received the Police Medal for Meritorious Service which were announced on the occasion of Republic Day, 2024.Laishram Ramkumar Singh, Assistant Sub-Inspector of Police, District Police, Ukhrul, was awarded the Police Medal for Meritorious Service in recognition of his dedication to service.
The Police Medal for Meritorious Service which were announced on the occasion of Independence Day 2024, were distributed to Maibam Somorjit Singh, Jemadar, 1st India Reserve Battalion; Chalamba Singh Ngangom, Assistant Sub-Inspector, District Police, Senapati; Ashok Singh Oinam, Havildar, 8th Manipur Rifles; Bonomali Singh Khangembam, Havildar, 6th India Reserve Battalion; Rojen Singh Mayanglambam, Havildar, 10th India Reserve Battalion; Nongthombam Biseswor Singh, Rifleman, 4th India Reserve Battalion; Premjit Singh Potshangbam, Rifleman, 6th India Reserve Battalion; and Rinkahao Ruivah, Rifleman, 6th Manipur Rifles, in recognition of their dedication, exemplary conduct, and devotion to duty.
The event concluded with cultural performances showcasing the diverse traditions and rich heritage of Manipur.
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