IMPHAL, January 23: In the backdrop of the Republic Day Celebration being boycotted in the North eastern states of India by different insurgent groups of NE States, this year`s celebration has already received a call for a total boycott by major rebel groups of Manipur, Assam and Tripura.
It may be mentioned that the Co-ordinator Committee (CorCom) made of 7 major armed groups of Manipur along with the National Democratic Front of Bodoland, the National Liberation Front of Tripura (TLFT), the Tripura People’s Democratic Front (TPDF) and the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) had in a joint statement called for a mass boycott of the India’s Republic Day Celebration on January 26, 2013 as a mark of resistance against what it termed as `Indian Occupation` of the region.
Despite the boycott call however, the state preparations were in full swing in Imphal today with a full dress rehearsal of march past contingents.
The parade starting from the Babupara area today and entering Kangla from its Southern Gate and later exiting from its Northern Gate.
The parade then took the road in front of Hotel Classic leading to GM Hall, Raj Bhavan and then concluded at the 1st MR Ground. Security was beefed up in and around the parade route and traffic were kept on hold at various points during the rehearsal period.
A total of 81 contingents including security forces, schools, colleges, band platoons and other agencies participated in the rehearsal with CO 4IRB Lunseih Kipgen IPS as the parade commander. Hectic preparations for putting together 8 tabluex representing various Government departments and agencies could be seen taking place at the 1st MR Ground.
Due to the traffic diversion from the main roads in Imphal area, traffic along Paona bazaar and Thangal bazaar were affected.
Meanwhile, Imphal East commandos conducted a search operation this morning from 5am to 8am at Hatta Golapati, New Checkon and KR Lane areas in connection with the Republic Day Celebration.
127 individuals were picked up for further identification but were later released.