CM holds fort on many issues on I-Day
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 16 2011: As in other parts of the country, the Government of Manipur celebrated the 65th Independence Day at the parade ground of Ist Manipur Rifles with Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh unfurling the National flag as chief guest yesterday.

Speaking at the occasion, O Ibobi Singh announced the launch of a new scheme called Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakaram (JSSK) under National Health Mission in Manipur.

He explained that the Scheme is to be implemented with Health Department of the State Government as the nodal agency.

Under this scheme, the Government would be providing assistance not only to pregnant mothers, both in urban and rural areas, during child birth, but also to newly born children in case of sickness within the first 30 days.

Pointing out that Manipur is a State inhabited by different communities, the Chief Minister observed that in such a situation, activity or aspiration of one community which may affect another community needs to be reconsidered.

The notion of let me live but let others die should be given up, he said.

CM inspecting the guard of honour on I-Day

In connection with the ongoing blockade and general stirke along the National Highways, the Chief Minister pointed out that National Highways are the assets of the Nation and imposition of frequent blockades to press for a demand is not just right but shameful in front of other States.

So, the ongoing economic blockade should be lifted.

The Chief Minister went on to say that the demand for upgradation of Sadar Hills and Jiribam into full-fledged revenue districts is reasonable.

The demand has been there over the last 30/40 years.

But the Governments in the past have not simply conceded to the demand.

There is therefore serious discussion over these district demands.

The Government has also been extending all the benefits of the schemes taken up along posting of the required officials concerned, the Chief Minister maintained.

He assured that development of National Highway 53, which is the second lifeline of the State, into doublelane and black topping would be completed by 2013 .

Highlighting the developmental projects which have been implemented successfully as well as those which are under implementation, the Chief Minister said that the Government has been able to accomplish all these because of the support of the people.

He also appealed to the people for continued support to the Government in taking the State forward to the path of development and prosperity.

After unfurling of the National flag to commence the Independence Day celebration, the Chief Minister reviewed and saluted the march-past parade of 36 different contingents led by Additional SP of Imphal East Kamei Angam Romanus, IPS.

At the occasion, Police Medal for Gallantry were presented to 47 State police officers and Police Medal for Meritorious Services to two other police officer.

Bravery awards were also presented to two girls.

In connection with the 65th Independence Day, the Government of Manipur reduced the life sentence of 8 prisons by one month each.

The names of 21 police officer for honour with Police Medal for Gallantry for this year, one police officer for President's Police Medal for Distinguished Services and four other police officer for Police Medal for Meritorious Services have been announced.

It may be noted here that the Government of India had already announced presentation of Medal for Meritorious Service for this year to one personnel of Manipur Fire Service.

The 65th Independence Day was also celebrated in other district headquarters of the State.

At Tamenglong, the celebration was held with Deputy Commissioner of the district K Panmei, IAS unfurling the National flag and saluted the march-past parade of 32 contingents led by DSP Tamenglong Adani Mao as parade commander.

At Imphal East district headquarters, Deputy Commissioner of the district M Lakshmikumar unfurled the National flag.

The celebration was attended by many district level officers and public.

For Chandel district, the celebration was held at the ground of Maha Union Higher Secondary School located in the district headquarters with Deputy Commission Lunminthang Haokip as chief guest.

A march past parade of 30 contingents led by Subedar of 8th MR M Bijuan Tarao was the main highlight of the celebration.

In Churachandpur district, Deputy Commissioner Jacintha Lazarus unfurled the National flag as chief guest of the celebration held at the public ground of Churachandpur district headquarters.

The Deputy Commissioner also reviewed and saluted a march-past parade of contingent of 51 contingents led by Assistant Commandant of Ist IRB Ginzasuan Guite as parade commander.

Similar, in Senapati , Deputy Commissioner of the district PK Jha attended the Independence Day celebration held at the ground of Mini Station of the district headquarters as chief guest and unfurled the National flag.

A march-past parade of 36 contingents with DSP PS Daiho of Civil Armed Reserved (CAR) Senapati as parade commander was also witnessed at the occasion.

Seven cultural troupes also participated in the celebration.

The Independence Day celebration was also held at Bishnupur district headquarters where Deputy Commissioner of the district Dr Sailesh Kumar Chaurasia unfurled the National flag as chief guest and saluted a march-past parade of nine contingents.

Many cultural troupes also participated in the celebration.

Our Jiribam correspondent adds: The Independence Day was also observed in Jiribam at the office complex of ADC with ADC S Achoubi as chief guest.

The chief guest unfurled the tricolour and guard of honours was performed by contigents of Jiri Police and 5 MR.A band display by personnel by 22 Assam Rifles enthralled the crowd at the celebration attended by officials of 22 Assam Rifles, 110 BSF and civilians.

On the other hand, 11 Assam Rifles under the aegis of Red Shield Division organised a series of events on the occasion of 65th Independence Day.

Apart from a Badminton tournament organised in Indoor Stadium, Tamenglong from August 9 to 15, a number or events which included flag hoisting, recital of National Anthem, friendly volleyball matches, traditional dance, cultural events, tree plantation, sack race, 100 metre race, needle race were organised by the Battalion at Khongsang, Awangkhul, Akhul and Aziuram, according to a statement issued by PIB Defence Wing.

The 65th Independence Day was also celebrated in the remote areas of Khengjoi block, Chandel district including Moltuk, Khengjoi, Phaisanjang, L Bongjoi, Khengjang and Molcham under the aegis of 22 Grenadiers of 26 Sector under HQ IGAR (S).

Various activities like marchpast by school students, cultural programmes and sports were conducted and Karate skills were displayed by the Unit troops at the occasion, according to a statement issued by PRO Assam Rifles.