Tri-colour flies high on R-Day
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, January 27 2022: Manipur celebrated the 73rd Republic Day with festivities and patriotic fervour joining the Nationwide celebration, yesterday.

At the State level celebration held at Kangla, Governor La Ganesan unfurled the National flag and received salutes from different march-past contingents.

The celebration began with the Governor inspecting the Guard of Honor accorded by a contingent of 6th Battalion Manipur Rifles (MR) commanded by Deputy Commandant of 2nd Battalion Manipur Rifles N Suraj Singh.

Later, La Ganesan unfurled the National tricolor.

He then took salute from 21 march-past contingents including four band contingents commanded by Commandant of 9th Indian Reserve (Mahila) Battalion Kh Sarma Devi.

The march-past contingents were from Border Security Force, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), CRPF band, 5th Battalion Manipur Rifles, 6th Battalion Manipur Rifles, combined civil police (male) of Imphal East and Imphal West, combined 2nd MR and 2nd IRB band, combined commando contingents (Thoubal, Kakching and Bishnupur), 9th Indian Reserve Mahila Battalion, combined civil police (female) (Imphal East and Imphal West), 9th IRB Mahila band, Home Guard (male), combined VDF (Imphal East and Imphal West), Manipur Fire Service, combined Home Guard band (male and female), Traffic Police, combined cycle patrolling team (Bishnupur and Kakching), MMG Platoon, 1st MR, 3" Mortar Platoon, 1st MR, SBDDS (CID-Technical) (Bomb Squad) and Manipur Police Dog Squad.

Tri-colour flies high on R-Day

The Governor also decorated officers and personnel of Manipur Police with the President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service, Police Medal for Meritorious Service and Union Home Minister's Medal for Excellence in Police Training.

Recipients of President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service were Inspector (Vigilance & Anti-Corruption) W Ashok Kumar Singh and Havildar of 2nd Battalion Manipur Rifles Sambhulal Pardhan.

IGP (Prison) Lunsieh Kipgen, Inspector (Vigilance & Anti-Corruption) Thokchom Manihar Singh, Inspector Kangpokpi Police NG Anthony Suresh, Sub-Inspector of CID (SB) L Debananda Singh, Subedar of 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles Khaikhojam Thahgen, Jemandar of MPTC Md Lal Mohammad and Havildar of 6th Indian Reserve Battalion Wangkheirakpam Robindro Singh received the Police Medal for Meritorious Service while Jemandar of MPTC Laishram Chingkheinganba and Rifleman of MPTC Thongram Ajit Singh were conferred the Union Home Minister's Medal for Excellence in Police Training.

The celebration was also attended by Chief Minister N Biren Singh, Ministers, MLAs, high ranking officials and others.

While giving the Vote of Thanks at the 1st Bn Manipur Rifles Parade Ground, N Biren greeted the people of the State.

He said that the day is a very proud day for the Nation as the Indian Constitution came into force on this day in 1950 after attaining Independence on 15th August 1947 .

"We are able to celebrate this day because of the efforts of our forefathers who fought for India's freedom," he said.

Further stating that the Constitution provides a framework for the country and its people to work towards a self-reliant and progressive future, the Chief Minister showed respect to the freedom fighters of the country and those who drafted the Indian Constitution.

Independent and republic India has become a major power in the world today, N Biren said.

Stating that the Covid pandemic has affected one and all, the Chief Minister continued that the Republic Day celebration was organized with strict adherence to Covid appropriate behaviour.

Elaborating that Covid has claimed many precious lives and affected normal activities, the Chief Minister added that the Centre and the State Government have been extending all possible assistance to address the grievances of the people.

"We all have responsibilities in building a strong Manipur, '' he said and urged all to work for a peaceful, prosperous and developed Manipur collectively.

The Chief Minister concluded his Vote of Thanks by expressing gratitude to all the contingents and all those attending the observation.

The Vote of Thanks ceremony held at the 1st Bn Manipur Rifles Parade Ground was attended by Ministers, MLAs and high ranking officials among others.

Meanwhile, results of the various competitions held as a part of the Republic Day celebration were also announced.

BSF contingent was declared winner of the uniformed contingents of the march past category while CRPF and 5th Battalion Manipur Rifles bagged the second and third positions.

In the Mahila category, 9th IRB Mahila Battalion, combined civil police of Imphal East and West and Traffic Police secured the first, second and third spots respectively.

CRPF, 9th IRB Mahila and combined 2nd MR and 2nd IRB band parties were adjudged first, second and third in the band party category.

In the gate construction category, the Department of Trade, Commerce & Industries, Manipur Aids Control Society and the Forest Department were declared first, second and third.

Commandant of 1st Bn Manipur Rifles, Director of IPR, Chief Engineer (PWD), Chief Engineer (PHED), Managing Director (MSPDCL), Commissioner of IMC and Parade Commander Khoisnam Sarma were also given special prizes.

A prize distribution ceremony will be notified separately.