Safeguarding state priority of every Manipuri: Biren
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, January 27 2025: Amid boycott call given by various insurgent organisations, Manipur celebrated the 76th Republic Day of India on Sunday with the state-level celebrations held at the historic Kangla with Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla unfurling the National Flag and taking salute from different march-past contingents.

Chief minister N Biren Singh, cabinet ministers, Member of Parliament (MP), Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs), chief secretary, security advisor, Director General of Police (DGP) and senior civil and police officials also took part in the celebration, which began with the Governor inspecting the guard of honour accorded by a contingent commanded by IPS probationer Jay Ba-range, currently posted in Thoubal district.

Safeguarding state priority of every Manipuri: Biren

Later, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla unfurled the Tricolour amidst playing of the National Anthem by 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles Band and then took salute from 54 march-past contingents including different band contingents, commanded by SP (Sports) Laishram Sarita Devi.

Apart from this, 10 different cultural troupes and tableaux of 12 different departments along with a special drive past by Manipur Fire Service department, showcasing its two newly acquired fire tenders, also took part in the march-past.

At the main venue Kangla Fort, officers and personnel of Manipur Police department were decorated by the Governor with the Police Medal for Meritorious Service, Republic Day, 2023 and Police Medal for Meritorious Service, Independence Day, 2023.Recipients of the Police Medals for Meritorious Service, Republic Day 2023 included inspector Gurumayum Geetanjali Devi of Imphal East, havildar Sachin Rai of 1st MR, and havildar Khanglanmei Kamei of 2nd MR.Police Medal for Meritorious Service, Independence Day, 2023 were presented to havildar Sapam Yaimathoi Singh of 2nd IRB, havildar Kongrailatpam Debadatta Sharma of 7th MR, havildar L Shanta Singh of 1st MR, DSP (Thoubal) Yumlembam Sunanta, Singhat PS OC Khaute Thangzalal Vaiphei, 1st IRB deputy CO L Sheimang Khongsai, jemadar Md Fayazur Rahaman of 6th IRB, jemadar Sanasam Tejen Singh of 1st IRB, and jemadar Sijagurumayum Budhachandra Sharma of 1st IRB.

Delivering the vote of thanks at the 1st Bn Manipur Rifles Parade Ground, chief minister N Biren said that Republic Day is being celebrated every year on January 26 since 1950, the day on which the Constitution of India came into effect.

He recounted that after India achieved independence on August 15, 1947.the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly was entrusted to draft the Constitution of India which was subsequently adopted on January 26, 1950 and celebrated as the Republic Day till date.

The chief minister also expressed gratitude to members of the Drafting Committee for gifting the constitution to the people of India.

Biren continued that citizens of India exercise their fundamental rights and perform their duties as enshrined in the constitution.

Noting participation of march-past contingents and attendees from across the state in-spite of the challenges faced, he expressed that such a healthy response would definitely give hope to the people that peace and harmony would return in the state soon.

Biren maintained that India had witnessed significant change in terms of development under the far-sighted vision and guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Under his guidance, India is marching ahead to become the fourth largest economy in the world, he added.

Touching on the achievement of the country in the defence sector, the chief minister maintained that India has started exporting defence equipment under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan envisaged by the Prime Minister.

Along with pointing out that India has become the fourth nation to successfully achieve space docking, he also reflected on initiatives taken up to develop different sectors including social, health, education, and to protect and preserve culture and traditions among others.

The CM said that the state government has been continuously taking up development works, even during the unprecedented crisis.

"With support and cooperation of the people, the state is marching ahead towards development at a faster pace.

Protecting and safeguarding Manipur should be the priority of every Manipuri, he stressed, while appealing to the public to contribute their mite in making Manipur and Bharat stronger and united.

"Let us contribute in making Bharat one of the world's superpowers," he said.

He appreciated the discipline and unity shown by the uniformed personnel participating in the march-past and advised that once they wear their uniforms, they represent Manipur and India arid not the community they belonged to.

Biren, extending words of appreciation to different cultural troupes, stated that participation of cultural troupes representing different communities in the Republic Day celebration had shown that the unity and integrity of Manipur is still intact.