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

Imphal, January 14 2024: Stating that the influence of China has reached the border areas of Manipur, Chief Minister N Biren Singh has called for all the Manipuris and people of the country to face the external force collectively.

The Chief Minister made the remarks while attending the 8th Armed Forces Veterans Day at the Banquet Hall of the 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles, today.

Armed Forces Veterans Day is observed every year on 14th January, taking the day of the retirement of Field Marshal KM Cariappa, the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army from his service.

The day is also observed to pay respects to the ex-servicemen.

Manipur observes Armed Forces Veterans Day

Speaking as the chief guest at the occasion, the Chief Minister said that there will be constant attempts to destabilise the State and the country at large and as such people must stand on guard with a sense of oneness.

All these external forces can be defeated if all the countrymen stand as one, he added.

Stating that the defence sector of the country has become more robust under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister contended that the defence sector of India was weak at one time due to political factors.

N Biren Singh continued that the Armed Forces Veterans Day is observed to honour those who had rendered selfless service for the security of the motherland.

The Chief Minister appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his initiative to commemorate the Armed Forces Veterans Day every year since 2017, adding that the State is also observing the day with much participation this year.

Saying that the State has many veterans, N Biren stated that the State has the highest number of officers serving in the armed forces in terms of per capita.

Mentioning the welfare initiatives taken up by the State Government for the personnel who had served in the armed forces, N Biren informed that five per cent reservation is given to the ex servicemen in State Government recruitment apart from the five years age relaxation given to them by the Manipur Public Service Commission.

Further stating that the State has so far produced two Army Officers of the rank of Lieutenant Generals, the Chief Minister said that he is proud to be born as a Manipuri.

Recalling the valour and sacrifice made by Army officers from the State like Major Laishram Jyotin Singh and Major Bob Khathing, the Chief Minister announced that the State Government is looking for a suitable site to construct a memorial for the Indian Army.

Rs 3 crore has been earmarked to construct the memorial for the Indian Army and the same would be completed before the Armed Forces Veterans Day next year, he informed.

N Biren also maintained that the country has become stronger under the leadership of the Prime Minister while appealing to the public to stand together against any forces which try to disintegrate the unity of the State and the country.

Delivering his presidential speech, Th Biswajit stated that the observance of the Armed Forces Veterans Day is necessary, considering the sacrifices made by many brave hearts for the security of the country.

He continued that Manipur, though a small State, has produced many brave personnel who have been serving or served in the armed forces.

The Minister also spoke about the contribution of Field Marshal KM Cariappa and the hardships being faced by the personnel of armed forces while rendering their service to the country.

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

The other highlight of the observation was the patriotic song presented by the artistes of Shri Shri Bal Mukunda Dev Government Music College, Imphal.

Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly Th Satyabrata, Ministers, Member of Parliament, MLAs, Ld Advocate General, Chief Secretary, Security Advisor, Director General of Police, high ranking officials of civil, police, Army, and armed forces veterans attended the programme among others.

Later, the Chief Minister visited the families of the four persons who were murdered at Haotak Mapallok Ching in Bishnupur district recently.

The Chief Minister conveyed heartfelt condolence to the bereaved families and assured that the Government will extend every possible assistance to them.