IT News/ DIPR
Imphal, Jan 27,
The 70th Republic Day was celebrated under tight security arrangement in Manipur amidst boycott called by civil society organizations, students’ bodies and the various armed rebel group of the state at the historic Kangla Fort yesterday. The CSOs and the students’ bodies boycotted the Republic day celebration as a mark of protest against the contentious Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2016, while the armed rebel groups boycotted the Republic Day against the force occupation of the land by India.
Even as the Republic day celebration was organised in a grand manner almost all schools and colleges restrained from taking part as March pass contingents except for GP Women College.
The celebration began with the Governor Dr. Najma Heptulla unfurling the Tricolour flag. The Governor also inspected the guard of honour accorded by a contingent of 5th IRB commanded by Bidyapati Thingbaijam, DSP 9th IRB (Mahila).
The Governor took salute from 73 marching contingents including nine band contingents and various school contingents led by Parade Commander Thaimei Gaipuiril Kabui, Assistant Director, MPTC. Altogether 20 cultural troupes from various communities and organisations across the state showcased their mesmerizing cultural performances. A total of 18 tableaux of various Departments including Forest, Manipur Fire Service, DIPR, Education, Social Welfare, Health among others also showcased their departmental activities and services for the welfare of the people of the State. Giant gates were erected along the March past routes by various departments.
The Governor handed over the President’s Police Medal for Distinguish Service to Thangkhanlal Guite, ADGP (Modernisation) and Police Medal for Meritorious Service to K. Ajitkumar Sharma, Addl. SP, Jiribam, Rudra Narayan Singh, Inspector, CID (SB), E. Bhubaneshwor Singh, Inspector, CID (SB), Yambem Anderson, Subedar of MPTC, Pebam Inaoba Singh, Havildar, 2nd IRB, Kh. Indrakumar Singh, Havildar, 7th MR and Kh. Suranjoy Singh Havildar, MPTC.
Chief Minister N. Biren Singh delivering vote of thanks at 1st MR Battalion Ground assured the people of the State that the State government stands for the protection and integrity of the people of Manipur. He said the Government will not take up any steps that will affect the sentiments of different ethnic communities living harmoniously in the state. He also maintained that the government will not remain silent if there are any elements in the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) that will cause threat to the integrity of the indigenous people of Manipur
The Chief Minister appealed to the people to thoroughly familiar with the contents of the bill before resorting to any forms of protests. He urged the people not to resort to any kinds of agitations like bandhs, blockades, strikes, etc. especially in Imphal as it hampers the economic development of the entire state.
He reiterated that the Home Ministry has given assurance that the bill will not be implemented in the States without the prior consent of the State Government. Chief Minister urged all civil society organisations of the State for open dialogue and discussions along with legal experts. The State government took a decision regarding the introduction of the Manipur People’s Bill in the State Assembly so that the Centre Government may not take up anything without prior consent of the state government in connection with CAB, he added.
It may be mentioned that Republic Day were celebrated in all the District Headquarters of the State.
Deputy Chief Minister Y. Joykumar Singh, Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, top civil and police officers and others attended the celebration.
There are also report of celebrating the Republic Day at other district head Quarters including Thoubal, Bishnupur, Kangpokpi, Senapati, Tamenglong, Ukhrul and Churachandpur.
