KANGPOKPI, August 16: People of Sadar Hills District under Sadar Hills District Administration Kangpokpi celebrated the 69th Independence Day for the first time in an open space after many years at Brig Thomas Ground, Kangpokpi on August 15.
Unfortunately, the euphoric celebration was marked by a threat call to the District Administration by suspected Kuki militants who had openly declared boycott of the Independence Day celebration.
However, the auspicious occasion was peacefully and successfully conducted as scheduled.
At around 9 am, people from different parts of Sadar Hills geared up and gathered at Brig Thomas Ground with gaiety and enthusiasm to enthuse for the momentous 69th India Independence Day under the scanty shower.
Addl DC Sadar Hills DK Thangboi who graced the occasion as chief guest received the guard of honour and inspected the parade. He set the mood by hoisting the tricolor amidst cheers and applauds from the crowd accompanied by the National Anthem sung by students of JNV Kangpokpi, Senapati-II.
Led by Sub-Inspector Lamminthang Vaiphei of Kangpokpi Police, the march pass contingents from various educational institutions in Sadar Hills including personnel of Kangpokpi police, who were at their best, marched smartly past the podium and saluted the chief guest who received the salutation under the fluttering tri-colour standing by the podium.
Addressing the gathering, DK Thangboi said that Independence Day of India is celebrated throughout the country on this day every year with great splendor, joy and respect for Mother India, while adding that Indians dedicate this day to all those brave leaders and fighters who gave freedom to this golden bird on this day.
The Addl DC continued that India gained its liberty and freedom from the British rule at midnight between August 14 and August 15 in 1947 and then the Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru unveiled the National flag on the ramparts of the historical site Red Fort in Delhi on this auspicious day in 1947.
The MCS Officer said that Independence Day is a national festival and has equal importance for every Indian regardless of religion, class, creed or race, while adding that it is also a day to pay a mark of respect to the freedom fighters because of them, we are breathing an air of freedom.
Elaborating on the importance of the day, DK Thangboi reminded the people the meaning of the event that marked the start of a new era of deliverance from the British colonialism that took place in India for more than 200 years.
The Addl.DC concluded his significant social messages calling for unity with a branded colour attitude detaching with communalism intent.
Several awards, red blanket , sports materials and appreciation was presented to various DLOs, Chiefs, Youth Club, Schools and police personnel on the occasion.
In the march pass parade, SFS, Daili bagged the first place while contingents from HM Higher Seconday School, Keithelmanbi and JNV-Kangpokpi, Senapati-II secured the second and third position respectively.
The momentous celebration was also attended by Thangjakam Misao, Vice-Chairman of ADC Sadar Hills; H. Khangba, Member ADC Sadar Hills; P. Rocky Rangtaina, Member ADC Sadar Hills; Seikhosat Kipgen, Member, ADC Sadar Hills; DLOs; leaders of Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills (House of the Kukis), Church leaders, women`™s`™ unions, KTC, KWWO, KYU, village chiefs, students and parents.