Must work and live together for one Manipur: Biswajit
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, July 26 2024: As in other parts of the country, the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas was also observed at the 1st Bn Manipur Rifles Banquet Hall, here, on Friday.

Speaking as chief guest of the function, forest minister Th Biswajit Singh reminded that the day is being observed every year to celebrate India's victory over Pakistan in the Kargil War by ousting Pakistani Forces from their occupied positions on the mountain tops in Indian territory in 1999.He stressed the need to respect every soldier who sacrificed their lives for the cause of motherland.

Stating that it was indeed a day to be recalled for understanding the true essence of patriotism and all should have the will power to protect themselves from aggression; he informed that to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Kargil Victory, Indian Airforce is celebrating 'Kargil Vijay Diwas-Rajat Jayanti at Air force Station Sarsawa from July 12 to 26, to honour the brave hearts who made supreme sacrifices for the nation.

In the Kargil war, 152 helicopter Unit, "The Mighty Armour of Air force Station Sarsawa played a key role during operation Safed Sagar".

Further mentioning about the state, the minister expressed that one should recall those days where uniform personnel had to toil day in and day out.

He expressed gratitude to those uniform personnel who were involved in evacuating 60,000 displaced people.

He then said that it is the constitutional right of every citizen to safeguard and preserve our land for our future generations.

One should stop blaming one another but rather cooperate in restoring peace, he asserted.

Biswajit continued that that everyone has a role to play in restoring peace in the state.

We need to work and live together for one Manipur.

This cannot be done solely by words but with actions.

There is no issue when a community is trying to promote and better itself.

However, this cannot be done at the expense of peace and integrity of the state or forgetting one's constitutional duty.

We should always adhere to both our rights and duties, he said, while urging all to forget all negative thoughts and instead work together for protecting the state for the future generations.

Delivering his speech as the functional president, Water Resources minister Awangbow Newmai stated that the Indian Army defeated the Pakistani Army in the Kargil War through display of valour and sacrifice making it possible for us to enjoy freedom.

As such, the people of the country have been observing Kargil Vijay Diwas on July 26 every year to commemorate the victory brought by our brave soldiers.

The minister further said that this day is dedicated to all those brave hearts w ho fought valiantly to protect the sovereignty of the nation and also conveyed his gratitude to families of valiant soldiers from Indian Army, Indian Airforce and Indian Navy who played main role in the success of Kargil war.

Awangbow appreciated the contribution of central security forces in the government's initiative to restore peace and stressed the need to work with more sincerity and transparency.

He mentioned that protecting the lives of people is the responsibility of the central and the state governments.

The minister mentioned that Indian soldiers overcame many challenges during Kargil war which went on for 78 days and said that their supreme sacrifices cannot be forgotten easily.

As a part of the observance, artistes of Shri Shri Bal Mukunda Dev Government Music College, Imphal presented a patriotic song.

The observance was also attended by ministers, MLAs, chief secretary, security advisor to Manipur government, Director General of Police, high ranking civil and police officials among others.

On the other hand, a two-day photo exhibition Integrated Communication and Outreach Programme was organised by Central Bureau of Communication, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Regional Office, Imphal at its auditorium to mark the 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas, 2024 on Friday Lt Col (retired) L Manongba (Retd), Dr Yumnam Premanan-da Singh (head of Department of Law, Manipur University) and Dr Engam Pame (director, PIB and CBC, RO, Imphal) were chief guest, guest of honour and president of the function respectively.

Lt Col L Manongba briefly shared his experience of working as staff officer (Logistics) during the Kargil war and encouraged the students present at the commemorative event to be prepared for every aspect of life while Dr Yumnam Premananda Singh elaborated on how Pakistan violated the Lahore declaration and other international laws when its regular army infiltrated India.

As a part of the programme, the departmental troupe and Private Registered Troupes (PRT) of CBC, RO, Imphal presented a theme-based song and a drama on Kargil respectively.

An on-the-spot quiz was also organised.

Mementoes and certificates were distributed to students of Wangkhei High School, Imphal.

Meanwhile, Thoubal district administration observed the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, at the conference hall of DC Thoubal on Friday with deputy commissioner Ahanthem Subhash leading the gathering in observing a two-minute silence as a mark of respect to the brave soldiers who gave up their lives for the country.

The observance was also attended by SP Rakesh Bal-wan and district level officers (DLOs).

The 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas was also observed at the Conference Hall of Mini Secretariat Complex, Bishnupur on Friday during which deputy commissioner Lourembam Bikram emphasised the roles and responsibilities of Indian Armed Forces in protecting the nation's integrity and sovereignty.

He highlighted that a nation's development is closely related to a sense of nationalism among its citizens.

It is the responsibility of every citizen to know the history of their country, take pride in it, and nurture a sense of nationalism for the nation's prosperity, he asserted.

The DC also stressed the importance of safeguarding the country's border and called upon all citizens to share the responsibility of protecting the nation.

Attended by officials of the district administration, a two-minute silence was observed in honour of the brave soldiers who laid their lives in the war.

Kargil Vijay Diwas was also celebrated at all offices in the district headquarters.

Similarly, the Senapati district administration joined the countrywide observance of Kargil Vijay Diwas at DC's Conference Hall, Senapati on Friday.

Addressing the gathering, DRDA, Senapati project director PP Ronald said that the observance is to commemorate the winning of war at Kargil and supreme sacrifices made by the army.

He also said that the main cause of the war was due to infiltration and incursion by Pakistani soldiers and Kashmiri militants into Indian-controlled territory of Kargil.

Mentioning the names of five martyrs from the Manipur who sacrificed their lives during the Kargil war, he appealed to the gathering to show honesty and faithfulness in one's duty and respect towards the soldiers, in remembrance of the fallen heroes.

Later, Senapati DC Mamoni Doley administered the pledge of Kargil Vijay Diwas apart from presenting memento and gift to Hriiyio, son of Sepoy K Ashuli of the Naga Regiment from Senapati district, who was posthumously awarded the Vir Chakra.

The observance was attended by Senapati ADM Nimmi Azingwungshi Khamrang, SDC Pf Lophro, and office staff.

Similar observance was also held in all the offices and Sub-Divisional blocks of the district.

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