IMPHAL, December 16: The State government today observed the Vijay Diwas remembering the Indian soldiers who had laid down their lives for the country during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war.
The formal function attended by both Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh and the deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam was held at the Banquet Hall of the 1st Manipur Rifles.
During the function, the State government also honoured five soldiers from the State who had laid down their lives and handed over a cash incentive of Rs 10,000 to the families of the departed soldiers.
The martyrs are (L) Moirangthem Premkumar Singh, (L) Ningjangmang Vaiphei, (L) Doukhoj Kuki, (L) Khupkhogin Vaiphei and (L) HB Kongam Anal.
He said there were many soldiers from the State who had fought gallantly for the country during the 1971 Indo-Pak war and the 1999 Kargil War.
Calling for a united front against any challenge to the freedom of the country, the Chief Minister said freedom was won through tremendous sacrifices and should never allow anyone to challenge the integrity of the country.
The country should honour and respect its brave soldiers who had fought and sacrificed their lives for their motherland, he said adding that the people should follow in their footsteps and pledge to protect the country at any cost.
The sacrifices of the soldiers who martyred in the Indo-Pak war will always remain as glowing chapters in the history of the land, said deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam.
The function was also attended by ministers, MLAs, State DGP and several other government top officials and ex-servicemen.