IMPHAL, January 30: The State government observed the Martyrs Day today commemorating the 67th death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi at the Gandhi Memorial Hall.
However, the observation was led by deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam in the absence of both the Chief Minister, who is said to be Delhi, and the Governor who too is out of station currently.
Gaikhangam led other ministers MLAs and State officials in offering floral tribute to the father of the nation.
Sirens or `warning signal`™ was sounded from 10:50 am till 11 am and again from 11:02 till 11:03 am.
Everyone attending the observation stood still and observed silence during the sounding of the sirens.
Gaikhangam told media persons on the sideline of another observation of the day at the Congress Bhavan, BT Road that the reported harassment of commuters in the name of risk to security forces at the Tengnoupal check post along the Imphal-Moreh highway is unfortunate.
It is their duty to check and frisk commuters, however, they cannot harass people, the State Home minister said.
In order to minimise the inconvenience of the commuters, the government, he said is planning to procure and install two X-ray Inspection Systems for security checking of transport and passenger vehicles along the highway.
He said the equipments would be installed once the government receives fund approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Gaikhangam also said that the Martyrs Day is being observed as a show of obeisance and respect to the father of the nation.
This will help in spreading Mahatma Gandhi`™s message of peace and unity to the masses, he said adding that the Mahatma was also a crusader of non-violence.
Mahatma Gandhi also crusaded for equality, Gaikhangam continued.
Meanwhile, Gaikhangam also reiterated his earlier stance that there have been no security lapses in the State despite of the recent blast series. He was replying to media queries on the law and order situation in the State.
He said all the blasts during the Republic Day observation were attempts of the armed outfits to make their presence felt.
Nevertheless all such violence are condemnable and regrettable, he said adding that the attack on AR personnel is also condemnable.
He further appealed to all to shun violence.
The Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee also observed the day at the Manipur Congress Bhavan today.