Bhalla calls youth to uphold rule of law
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 21 2026: Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has called upon the youth to take the responsibility of building a developed Manipur by upholding the rule of law.

The 55th Statehood Day was celebrated today at 1st Bn Manipur Rifles parade ground here with Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla as the chief guest.

Apart from the Governor, three MLAs namely; Govindas Konthoujam, Thounaojam Basanta Kumar and Karam Shyam attended the Statehood Day celebration.

After inspecting the parade, the Governor took salutes of 22 march past contingents led by parade commander 8th MR CO N Madhunimai Singh.

Bhalla calls youth to uphold rule of law

The march past parade was participated by contingents from combined Manipur Rifles, Indian Reserve Battalions, Civil Police (Male and Female), Hill Districts Civil Police, Traffic Police, VDF, NCC units and band platoons.

Addressing the Statehood Day celebration, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla stated that Manipur embarked on a journey of self governance, dignity and inclusive development after it became a full fledged State of India in 1972 .

The Governor also highlighted the Prime Minister's message on Manipur's Statehood Day and said, the Prime Minister had acknowledged Manipur's important place in Indian history and appreciated its achievements in sports, rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.

On behalf of the people of Manipur, the Governor conveyed gratitude to the Prime Minister for his concern, support and continued engagement with the State.

Ajay Kumar Bhalla said that Manipur has a long history of rich traditions and distinct identity.

With Constitutional empowerment and represen- tative institutions, Manipur reflects India's 'unity in diversity', he remarked.

Ajay Kumar Bhalla said that the people of Manipur have been enjoying several rights and privileges given by the Constitution since attaining Statehood.

Stating that each and every citizen must uphold the rule of law, the Governor called upon all sections of people to work collectively for a strong and developed Manipur.

He said that it is the duty of every citizen to respect the Constitution and work for National unity.

All the communities living together in Manipur should set aside all differences, engage in dialogue and work together to bring peace and harmony in the State, Ajay Kumar Bhalla asserted.

He also emphasised the need for infrastructure and human resource development.

The Governor noted that Manipur has produced many eminent personalities in diverse fields including sports, art and culture, science, civil service and defence.

Reminding that both the President and the Prime Minister visited Manipur in 2025 and launched several flagship projects, National initiatives, worked to restore peace and empower youth, Ajay Kumar Bhalla claimed that 2025 was a landmark year for the State.

The Governor stated that the Government has been working to bring uniform development across the State with special attention on infrastructure, healthcare, education, connectivity, livelihood and digital governance.

He underscored the need for effective coordination among civil administration, State police, Central security forces and community leaders in order to re-build trust among citizens and improve the law and order situation.

He called upon the youth to take active roles in nation-building with discipline, innovation, public service and social cohesion.

Calling up all sections of the society to work collectively for an inclusive and prosperous Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla asserted that there will be peace and development in Manipur once there is mutual trust among the people.

The Governor also presented Certificates of Commendation to Information Technology Director Nambam Deben, Joint Director G Robert and Informatics Officer Konsam Vivek.

Certificates of Appreciation of the Land Resources Department were conferred on Jiribam DC Krishna Kumar, former Thoubal DC Hannah Kamei, former Kakching DC Rohit Anand and former Noney DC Sharat Chandra Arroju.

Students of Shree Shree Bal Mukunda Dev Music College presented the State song 'Sana Leibak Manipur' during the Statehood Day celebration.

Later, the Governor hoisted a monumental National flag sponsored by the Flag Foundation of India at Kangla Nongpok Torban.

The installation in Manipur marked the 200th monumental National flag erected across the country.