CM collapses at I-Day celebration
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 16, 2012: Chief Minister O ibobi Singh collapsed twice during the Independence Day celebration held yesterday at 1st Bn Manipur Rifles Parade Ground.

While presentation of Police/President's Medals for Gallantry, Distinguished and Meritorious Services was disrupted as the CM collapsed the second incident of losing consciousness occurred when O Ibobi was delivering the speech of the 66th Independence Day celebration.

The celebration began with the CM hoisting the tri-colour.

Noting that since gaining independence India had been making rapid progress towards all-round development, Ibobi stated conceded that with the patronage of the Centre Government of Manipur is able to meet aspiration of the people.

Asserting that the State Government is determined to improve development infrastructure on priority basis to ensure people of Manipur enjoy quality life and achieve overall development, he said a number of major projects have been completed to realise the goal.

Expressing that Manipuri students/candidates performing appreciably in recent national level competitions/examinations is an indication of the State's human resource development heading in the right direction, Ibobi exuded confidence that establishment of new educational institutions would continue to contribute towards human resource development.

66th Indian Independence day Celebration at Imphal, Manipur

Highlighting that achievements by State's sportspersons in the national as well as international level of competition had earned the status of Manipur as a 'powerhouse of sports' in the country, he also commended MC Mary Kom on the woman boxer winning the bronze medal at the recently held London Olympics.

Hailing the State sportspersons for bringing glory to Manipur and declared that incentive awards for sportspersons have been increased, Ibobi also mentioned about installation of pre-paid meter system to streamline and improve power provision.

Conveying that 400 pump-sets have already been distributed to farmers affected by rainfall inadequacy, he confided that Rs 11 crores have been earmarked for special training of farmers.

The celebration was also attended by Ministers, MLAs and top civil and security officials.

Review of Independence Day parade of 30 contingents commandeered by 5 IRB Deputy Commandant Ningshel Vasum was the other highlight of the event.

Even though the CM collapsed while presenting the police medals security personnel standing nearby reacted quickly to cushion his fall.

As Ministers, MLAs and medical personnel rushed in to attend to Ibobi Singh, the CM gained consciousness and resumed his task after consuming water and juices.

The CM completed the medal presentation ceremony from his seat.

However, he failed to complete his speech after the second incident of collapsing as the CM was taken away to his official bungalow accompanied by doctors.

The 66th Independence Day celebrated formally concluded with the Governor Gurbachan Jagat hosting a reception programme at Raj Bhavan in the evening.

A number of Ministers along with civil and security officials attended the event.

Security forces under Red Shield Division also celebrated the Independence Day with pomp and gusto at Ningthoukhong.

The function began with flag hosting and the battalion Military Brass Band playing the National Anthem and the local school children singing the National Anthem.

The school children also presented various patriotic songs on the occasion, informed a PIB (DW) release.

The function was also attended by the councillors and local people of Ningthoukhong.

Meanwhile, to mark the fervour and festivity on the eve of the Independence day, 5/9 Gorkha Rifles under the aegis of Red Shield Division organised various functions and programmes at Gothal Village of Churachandpur district.

Events were conducted at Gothal High school where a large number of school children alongwith their parents attended.

Sweets were distributed to all the students and local populace.

The event was graced by melodious patriotic songs sung by Phillora Jazz Band followed by cultural programmes displayed by school children.

The celebrations concluded with the presentation of prizes to school children.

Sainik School Imphal also celebrated Independence Day with great zeal and fervour in the school campus.

Lieutenant Commander Gurbir Singh, Headmaster Sainik School Imphal unfurled the tri-colour and addressed the cadets reminding them about the supreme sacrifices made by the great freedom fighters from every region of the country.

In his speech, the Headmaster urged the cadets to work hard with sincerity of purpose describing them as future leaders of the nation.

On this occasion, the cadets marched past the dais and a speech competition was organised.

The Headmaster gave away the prizes to the best marching house and winners of speech competition.

two contingents and band party of NCC cadets of the school participated in the State Level Independence Day celebrations held at 1st Manipur Rifles parade ground, Imphal.