Manipur joins Nation in celebrating 73rd Independence Day
Chief Minister urges people not to bring in illegal migrants
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, August 16 2019: As in other parts of the country, the State also celebrated the 73rd Independence Day yesterday.

The State level celebration was held with Chief Minister N Biren Singh hoisting the National tricolour amid playing of National anthem at the 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles ground.

The Chief Minister also reviewed the guard of honour and later took salute from 57 march-past contingents of BSF, CRPF, Mizoram Police, civil police, India Reserve Battalion, Manipur Fire Service, Home Guards and VDF personnel, NCC scouts and cadets, Government employees, college and school students etc.

Manipur joins Nation in celebrating 73rd Independence Day

Three cultural troupes from Government Dance College, Kabui Naga Dramatic Union and Lamhil Kuki Cultural Research Centre also participated in the celebration.

Assistant Director of Manipur Police Training College (MPTC) Sarangthem Asana was the parade commander.

Nine band platoons of different security forces, Home Guards and Sainik School also took part in the colourful march past.

Speaking on the occasion, N Biren Singh expressed serious concern over detection of Aadhar cards issued to Rohingya intruders.

It could have never been possible without the involvement of State natives, the Chief Minister opined.

Urging all the indigenous people of the State to live together harmoniously and peacefully, Biren appealed to all concerned to shun all forms of bad intention and not to indulge in any activity which may put the future of Manipur at stake.

He observed that all the indigenous people of the State should never allow themselves to be guided by short term gains at the cost of the future of Manipur.

Biren Singh said that passing of the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2019, popularly known as the Triple Talaq Bill and the recent abrogation of Article 370 and 35A had made this year's Independence Day celebration more meaningful.

Terming Central Government's move as historic, the Chief Minister opined that the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019 would empower Muslim women and enable them to enjoy their rights.

On the other hand, abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A would bring Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh to the path of development.

The Chief Minister said that India has been progressing rapidly with the effective implementation of different schemes and plans formulated with a far-sighted vision.

Swachh Bharat Mission has made the country neat and clean, he said while adding that Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana has been able to help poor and needy in getting quality health care.

People from different quarters expressed apprehension about the success of Ayushman Bharat scheme earlier.

However, it has now become hugely popular due to the firm commitment and conviction of the present Government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister said.

Under PM Kisan scheme, an income support of Rs 6000 per year is being provided to small and marginal farmers having land holding/ownership of up to 2 hectares, the Chief Minister said.

Biren also said that the Government of India had strengthened the armed forces to safeguard the integrity of the country.

The world has seen India's capability in science and technology as well with the recent successful launch of Chandrayan-II, he added.

The Central Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been focusing on development of infrastructure and connectivity.

In Manipur as well, the Chief Minister said, necessary steps to upgrade Imphal-Jiribam and Imphal-Moreh roads to four-lane highways are being taken up.

Construction of Makru and Barak bridges are also nearing completion, he added.

On the other hand, helicopter services to Moreh, Jiribam and Tamenglong would resume as soon as possible, he said while informing that trial landings at Moreh and Jiribam had already been conducted.

Though Manipur has also achieved many milestones of development being a part of the vast and strong India, the State still needs to work hard to enhance the State's economy and improve connectivity infrastructure, communication and conditions of children and women etc, the Chief Minister said.

He also said that the Government has a firm commitment to bring uniform development in all parts of the State to regain emotional integrity between the hills and the valley.

As suggested by the State Government, Union DoNER Ministry had introduced Hill Area Development Fund for the States having both valley and hill areas, the Chief Minister said.

As Tamenglong was included among 82 districts of the country selected under the scheme, the district had received Rs 90 crore additional fund for development, he informed.

The Chief Minister said, he had requested the DoNER Secretary to bring all the hill districts of the State under the ambit of HADF.

District-wise DPR is being prepared for submission to DoNER Ministry in this regard, the Chief Minister informed.

Biren also said that banking services and communication facilities like mobile connectivity had been enhanced in hill districts.

He further said that all the newly inaugurated women markets in hill districts except Chandel had started functioning as problems besieging vendor allocation had been sorted out.

Now, the State Government is focusing on rain water harvesting considering the woes faced by people due to acute water scarcity during dry season, the Chief Minister said.

In this regard, he added, rain water harvesting projects had been taken up at seven different places.

Being a democratic country, the Government needs to attend to people's complaints and grievances, the Chief Minister said while pointing out that the State Government introduced 'Go to Hill' and 'Go to Village' missions to understand people's sufferings.

With the inputs and suggestions received from the public, the State Government had formulated another noble mission known as 'School Fagathansi' with an aim to improve the condition of Government schools.

He said that foundation stones for development of additional infrastructure in selected 60 schools under the mission would be laid simultaneously on August 17.The Chief Minister also mentioned about the urgent need for shifting of Government schools located at the congested areas of Imphal to other suitable areas.

The Chief Minister also handed over medals, commendation certificates and trophies to different armed personnel, Government employees and civilians at the occasion.

Thaimei Gaipuiril Kabui (retired MPS and former CO of 8th IR (CDO) Bn.) was decorated with President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service.

Police Medal for Meritorious Service was handed over to 6th IRB Assistant Commandant Loitongbam Ranjit Singh, Havildar Narengbam Kumar Singh of 7th MR and Havildar Longjam Deben Singh of 1st MR.Winners of Union Home Minister's Medal for Excellence in Police Training were Dy.

SP Manipur Police Training College (MPTC), Songlianthang Vaiphei, and Havildar Yumnam Manglemjao of MPTC.

Assistant Jailor of Manipur Central Jail, Sajiwa K Abung R/Naga, Female Head Warder of Manipur Central Jail, Imphal, Kh Mema Devi, Warder of Manipur Central Jail, Imphal, Th Nabakumar Meitei, and Warder of Manipur Central Jail, Sajiwa S Unnikrishnan were decorated with President's Correctional Service Medals for Meritorious Service of Jail Personnel.

Winners of Chief Minister's Trophy for Community Service were Kakching SP Victoria Yengkhom, Inspector Ng Anthony Suresh of Churachandpur Police Station and Constable TM Simala Begum.

Chief Minister's Trophy for Anti-Drug campaign were awarded to Narcotics and Affairs of Border SP W Basu, Sub-Inspector N Minakumari Devi of 9th IR (Mahila) Battalion (attached to NAB) and Head Constable R Salouni Reubin.

Four villagers of Ramrei village in Kamjong district, who displayed heroic act and extraordinary courage in saving lives and retrieving bodies in the Mapithel Dam tragedy which occurred on April 28, 2019 were also rewarded with Chief Minister's Medal for Bravery (Civil) at the occasion.

The medal recipients were LM Raingam, Jims Jajo, MK Joshua and Vr Abel, all hailing from Ramrei village (Kamjong District) .

Prizes for Swachh Survekshan, 2019 were also distributed by the Chief Minister.

Thoubal Municipal Council won the cleanest town prize in the North East Zone in the category of towns having less than one lakh population.

Wangjing Lamding Municipal Council and Kakching Municipal Council received second and third prize respectively in the same category.

Mayang Imphal Municipal Council received the cleanest town prize in the North East Zone in the category of towns having less than 25 thousand population.

Lamlai Municipal Council was adjudged the best in citizen feedback in North East Zone for towns having less than 25 thousand population while Ningthoukhong Municipal Council received the best city in innovation and best practices in North East Zone prize in less than 25 thousand population category.

Prizes for the 3rd State Level Swachhata Award, 2019 were also handed out.

Ukhrul, Tamenglong and Churachandpur received first, second and third prize for hill districts respectively.

Kakching, Jiribam and Thoubal were adjudged cleanest district headquarters of valley district respectively.

Manipur State Co-operative Bank (MSCB) Managing Director A Subhash was awarded with Certification of Appreciation in recognition of his outstanding contribution in restructuring MSCB and extending loans to needy eligible persons/entrepreneurs.

It was also announced on the occasion that Inspector General of Police (IGP) Elangbam Priyokumar Singh and 6th IRB Subedar Moirangthem Ibobi Singh have been named for this year's President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service.

4th IRB Subedar M Dimartan Singh, CID (SB) SI Tuanjahau Simte, 6th IRB Havildar Rongshong Leiyah, MPTC Havildar Lukram Lenin Meetei, MPTC Havildar AS Mayungkhul Zimik, 1st Bn MR Havildar Sanabam Bishorjit Singh and 1st IRB Rifleman Md Shahid Ahamed have been named for this year's Police Medal for Meritorious Service.

Ministers, MLAs, top civil, police and military officers, Government employees and general public also took part in the celebration.