IMPHAL, January 27: As celebrated in other parts of the country, Manipur also celebrated the 66th Republic day , with Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh as the chief guest, amidst the boycott call from militant groups.
The main event was organised at the Kangla fort wherein Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, unfurled the National Flag.
2nd IRB assistant commandant Lunzamung Tunglung led the guard of honour for Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh.
The Chief Minister further conferred the Police medal for gallantry, President`™s Police medal for distinguished service and police medal for meritorious service, to 20 individuals which included 12 police personnel, five jail officers and men, three Manipur fire service.
The main highlight of the celebration was a 120-contingent strong parade which included contingents of ex-servicemen, students, security personnel, band parties. 12 tableaus from different department also participated in the parade.
The parade was led by 8th IRB commanding officer PG Singsit as parade commander.
Concluding the celebration, deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam addressed the vote of thanks at the 1st MR parade ground, which was supposed to be delivered by the Chief Minister.
Recalling the day when India became a Republic in 1950, the Deputy Chief Minister said that today India has become one of the most powerful and respected nations in the world.
Subsequently, a substantial change has been brought in Manipur under the leadership of Chief Minister Okram Ibobi, he said elaborating further that the present government has successfully built a mini secretariats, sports complexes in each districts besides bringing a commendable change in education, health and PHED, irrigation etc.
Infrastructure developments like the State assembly, High Court of Manipur, Mini secretariat have caught the attention of the tourists, he continued.
Maintaining that more changes are imminent under the leadership of the present Chief Minister, he appealed to the public to extend full co-operation for the successful implementation of other projects.
Owing to the absence of a full-fledged Governor from the State, he said the Chief Minister had to receive the contingent salute of the Republic Day celebration at Kangla.
The celebration was also attended by the council of Ministers, MLAs, bureaucrats, top police officials.
Meanwhile, the day was also observed in all districts of the State.
According to a DIPR statement, Chandel district celebrated the Republic Day at Maha Union Higher Secondary School ground with deputy commissioner Ningthoujam Geoffrey as the chief guest.
Cultural programmes, march past parade and prize distribution ceremony mark the day.
The function was attended by village chiefs and officers of the district.
Tamenglong district celebrated the Republic Day at Mini Stadium, Lower ground with DC RH Gonmei, hoisting the national flag. Altogether 23 contingents, which includes civil police, Manipur Rifles, VDF, school and college students, took part in the March past, according to a DIPR statement.
Tamenglong SDPO H Zone Laikho was the parade commander.
JNV girls`™ contingent stood the first, 5th MR Unit School stood second and JNV boys`™ contingent stood third in the March past competition, the statement said.
Tamenglong District News Bulletin published by District Information Office, Tamenglong and a magazine `Orange Festival 2014`™ published by State Level Orange Festival Organizing Committee were distributed during the function, it said.
Senapati district celebrated the 66th Republic Day at Mini Stadium Ground, Senapati with deputy commissioner Jacintha Lazarus as the chief guest, according to the statement.
It said a contingent led by SDPO PS Daiho gave Guard of Honour to the DC on her arrival at the celebration.
Speaking on the occasion, the DC appreciated the civil society leaders and tribe leaders for maintaining tranquillity and said that this will bring progress and prosperity in the land, according to the statement.
She also said that the District Administration has been trying to deliver goods to the public without any discrimination and biasness and all these are attributed to the collective efforts being rendered by the SDOs, DLOs and their subordinate staffs, it said.
The DC also informed that Senapati district is selected as one of the pilot district to implement a scheme as `Beti Bachao, Beti Padao` which is basically targeting the girl child and to ensure that there is no discrimination and every girl gets equal right to life and education.
Thoubal district celebrated the 66th Republic Day at Basu Ground, Khangabok, Thoubal.
According to the DIPR statement deputy commissioner, T Ranjit Singh unfurled the National Flag and received the salute of an impressive march past of 54 contingents commanded by Yairipok SDPO Hemanta Singh.
The parade contingents included cultural troupes, police, home guards, NCC boys and girls and students from various schools in the district.
A cultural programme, meritorious awards distribution ceremony and display of band party by 2nd Bn Assam Rifles were among the highlights of the celebration.
The celebration was attended by a large number of people from the nearby villages, it said.
Our Ukhrul Correspondent adds: Ukhrul district administration celebrated the 66th Indian Republic Day peacefully with the deputy commissioner Hrisheekesh Modak taking the salute at Bakshi Ground, Hungpung from the colourful parade contingents.
Addressing at the ocassion, DC Modak while reminding the denizens of the district that the government has made a great stride towards development during the past 65 years of Republic India, has called upon each and everyone to come forward and work together with his administration to bring about peace, prosperity and development in the district.
He also stressed upon the need for improvement in the socio-economic conditions of the people of backward corners like Ukhrul district.
At the same time, DC also lauded the student contingents for taking part in the national event.
Altogether 26 March Past contingents including 15 from different schools took part in the celebration. Among which, Little Angels`™ English School Senior Girls emerged the winner, while Ukhrul Higher Secondary School Girls and Scholar Pakshimi Boys got second and third position respectively.
41 AR, Somsai also exhibited a colourful Band Party Display while AR Somsai School students presented a Choreography item. Moreover, Halang Youth Council and Hungpung villagers displayed grand traditional folk dances.
Meanwhile, a friendly football match was organized as part of the occasion where DC 11 defeated TNL 11 by scoring 7-4. T. Rocky, MPS, SDPO, Ukhrul was the parade commander. Ukhrul SP, SDO, CEO, CO, 41 AR, Somsai, Ukhrul Block headmen also attended the function.
