Manipur marks 80th Independence Day with patriotic fervour across districts
Source: The Sangai Express / DIOs

Kak/Tbl/Bpr/Cdl/Spt/Ukl/Kpi/Jbm/Kam/Non/CCpur/Tpl/Tml/Pzwl, August 16 2026: The 80th Independence Day was celebrated across Manipur on Saturday with patriotic fervour, as district administrations hoisted the National Flag, organised ceremonial parades ' and cultural programmes, and honoured government employees and citizens for their outstanding contributions.

KAKCHING

In Kakching, the districtlevel celebration was held at the District Sports Association Ground, Kakching Turel Wangma, where Deputy Commissioner Angeline Renita R hoisted the National Flag and reviewed 21 march-past contingents led by Parade Commander Khundrakpam Hemabati, MPS, SDPO Kakching.

In her address, she paid tribute to those who made supreme sacrifices for the nation and said Independence Day should serve as an occasion to reaffirm the collective commitment towards building a better future.

She also highlighted improved connectivity through the National Highway passing through the district.

Two cultural troupes performed during the function, while appreciation certificates were distributed to employees for their performance.

THOUBAL

At Thoubal, the main function was held at the Deputy Commissioner's Office Complex.

Deputy Commissioner Yumnam Robita hoisted the National Flag and took the salute from 24 contingents led by Parade Commander Reema Haobam, MPS.

The contingents included police personnel, NCC cadets, school students, cultural troupes and Fire Service personnel.

The DC paid tribute to freedom fighters and called upon people to uphold constitutional values and work towards building a developed, inclusive, prosperous and self-reliant India.

BISHNUPUR

The District Administration Bishnupur held the celebration at the Mini Secretariat Complex.

Deputy Commissioner Pooja Elangbam hoisted the National Flag and took the salute from 21 contingents comprising Manipur Civil Police, CRPF, 2nd IRB.

VDF, Female Home Guard, school students, SHG and ASHA workers.

She highlighted developmental activities undertaken by the district administration and said 41 relief camps were currently accommodating 7,892 IDPs, while 2,194 persons had been resettled.

Cultural programmes were also presented and commendation certificates distributed to outstanding officials.

CHANDEL

At Chandel, the districtlevel celebration was held at Maha Union Government Higher Secondary School Ground, Japhou, with Deputy Commissioner Mamoni Doley as the chief guest.

DC Mamoni hoisted the National Flag, inspected the Guard of Honour and took the salute from contingents representing the Manipur Rifles, Police, VDF, NCC, educational institutions and ASHA workers.

She called for peace, unity and mutual respect and collective efforts for the district's development.

Awards, prizes, recommendation certificates and red blankets were presented to village chiefs, officials, security personnel and frontline workers.

Special citations were also presented to Ng Parshing Moyon, MPS, and badminton player Rebulson Shongsir.

SENAPATI

In Senapati, the celebration was held at Senapati Public Ground despite the emergency total shutdown called by the UNC.

Deputy Commissioner Dharun Kumar S, hoisted the National Flag and received the Guard of Honour from six contingents comprising CRPF, IRB, police personnel, VDF and 16 Assam Rifles.

The parade was commanded by D Theingam Thangal, MPS, SDPO Senapati.

Addressing the gathering, the DC called for unity in diversity, inclusive development and responsible citizenship, while urging people to work towards a peaceful, prosperous and connected district.

The 16 Assam Rifles Band Party presented a musical drill, while 89 awards and certificates were distributed to outstanding employees, police personnel and individuals.

The day was also observed at several sub-divisional headquarters across the district.

At Mao Songsong Block, Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho attended the celebration at the SDO Songsong Office Complex, Rabunamei, as Chief Guest.

He hoisted the National Flag and called for continued development in the hill districts and collective efforts to restore peace and harmony in Manipur.

UKHRUL

The District Administration Ukhrul celebrated Independence Day at Bakshi Ground, Dungrei, despite the UNC shutdown.

Deputy Commissioner Uppuluri Chaitanya hoisted the Tricolour and took the salute from five contingents comprising ex-servicemen, 6th MR, Ukhrul Police, VDF and the Band Party.

Deputy Commissioner Uppuluri paid tribute to freedom fighters and highlighted developmental initiatives in the district.

Thirty-two appreciation certificates were presented to outstanding departmental staff.

KANGPOKPI

The Independence Day celebration at Kangpokpi district was held at the DC Mini Secretariat Complex, with Deputy Commissioner Hemant Kumar, as chief guest.

The Deputy Commissioner Hemant Kumar inspected contingents comprising NCC cadets, CRPF, civil police, IRB, women police, school students and EMRS students before unfurling the National Flag.

He stressed that peace was the foundation for lasting development and highlighted the resettlement of more than 2,500 displaced families, comprising over 10,000 people, during the past three years.

He also called for greater focus on youth development, women's empowerment and local enterprises.

Appreciation certificates were later distributed, followed by cultural performances.

JIRIBAM

In Jiribam, the districtlevel celebration was held at Jiribam Higher Secondary School playground.

Deputy Commissioner Arvind Hanglem hoisted the National Flag in the presence of SP Prakhar Pandey and took the salute from 12 contingents led by Parade Commander Noor Kamal Sheikh, MPS, SDPO Jiribam.

The 38th Assam Rifles Band performed a display, while children of the Child Care Institute and teachers and staff under ZEO Jiribam presented cultural programmes.

CRPF won the first prize in the police and security forces category, while NCC topped the school category and Jiri College girls' contingent won the girls' students category.

An IDP livelihood and creative stall was also set up.

KAMJONG

At Kamjong, Deputy Commissioner LN Kashung hoisted the National Flag at Kamjong Higher Secondary School Ground and took the salute from six contingents led by Subedar Sanasam Raju of 1st IRB.

DC Kashung highlighted progress in healthcare, education, veterinary services and other sectors despite challenges.

Commendation and appreciation certificates were presented to officials for their contribution to public service.

NONEY

The celebration in Noney was held at Longmai III Public Ground, where Deputy Commissioner Vidyamari Sridhar hoisted the National Flag and took the Rashtriya Salute.

In his address, DC Vidyamari Sridhar recalled the contribution of freedom fighter Haipou Jadonang and urged people to uphold constitutional ideals and work towards a strong, peaceful, inclusive and developed India.

Appreciation certificates were given to best-performing employees, while OC Nungba Namding Panmei received a special award, including a cash prize of Rs 25,000 and a memento, for outstanding service.

CHURACHANDPUR

At Churachandpur, the district-level function was held at Peace Ground, Tuibong, where Deputy Commissioner Krishna Kumar hoisted the National Flag and took the salute from 34 contingents commanded by Jay Barange, IPS, SDPO Churachandpur.

For the first time in the district, tableaux from the Social Welfare, Forest, Health, MSRLM and Agriculture departments were included in the ceremonial parade.

The DC highlighted initiatives including Jan Kalyan Shivirs and Jan Sunwai camps aimed at bringing government services closer to the people.

Appreciation certificates were presented to 34 government employees and institutions, 65 police, IRB and CAPF personnel, village authorities, civil society organisations and a private company for their services.

TENGNOUPAL

In Tengnoupal, the district administration celebrated Independence Day at Gaingam Lentoul, Moreh.

Deputy Commissioner Saurabh Yadav hoisted the National Flag and took the Rashtriya Salute.

He said the responsibility of the present generation was to ensure that the next generation inherits a country where people can live with dignity, opportunity and confidence.

The parade featured contingents from the district police, Assam Rifles, BSF, educational institutions, Anganwadi and NCC.

Appreciation certificates were presented to 52 government officers and officials, while cultural performances, sports material and red blankets were also distributed.

TAMENGLONG

At Tamenglong, the celebration was held at the New Helipad, Mini Secretariat Complex, with Deputy Commissioner Dr L Angshim Dangshawa hoisting the National Flag and taking the Rashtriya Salute alongside SP Lanmiyo Luikham.

The venue was shifted due to construction of a FIFA-standard turf ground.

Thirteen young achievers and contributors from sports, health, social service, arts and music and education were honoured.

Dr Angshim highlighted the football ground project and said over 30 young footballers were training under the Khelo India programme.

A special rendition of Vande Mataram and a traditional dance performance were also presented.

PHERZAWL

In Pherzawl, Deputy Commissioner Anunay Anand hoisted the National Flag and took the salute from parade contingents led by SDPO Parbung Jangkholen Haokip.

His address in English and Hmar was appreciated by the gathering.

Thirty-four government employees were honoured with appreciation certificates.

Senior officials, village chiefs, local representatives and residents attended the celebration, which also featured departmental exhibition stalls, cultural performances and a football match.

Across the districts, the celebrations combined tributes to the freedom fighters with appeals for peace, unity, inclusive development and responsible citizenship, while recognising the contributions of government employees, security personnel, frontline workers, youth and members of the public.

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