Manipur joined the rest of the country in solemnly observing Martyrs’ Day, also known as Shaheed Diwas, to honour the martyrs who laid down their lives for India’s independence. The observance marked the 78th death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation.
In Imphal, the main state-level observance was held at Gandhi Memorial Hall, where Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, who attended the programme as the chief guest, led the homage by laying a wreath at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi. Members of the Legislative Assembly, the Chief Secretary, the Security Advisor, the Director General of Police, along with senior civil and police officers, also paid floral tributes at the statue, honouring Mahatma Gandhi’s enduring legacy of truth and non-violence. A two-minute silence was observed as a mark of respect to Mahatma Gandhi and all martyrs of the freedom struggle.
In Kamjong district, Martyrs’ Day was observed at the Kamjong District Camp Office, Second Manipur Rifles Complex, Imphal. Floral tributes were paid in remembrance of Mahatma Gandhi and all martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the nation. The Deputy Commissioner of Kamjong, Luckyson Ngamsha Kashung, led the tribute ceremony in the presence of Superintendent of Police Rocky Thalu, district-level officers and staff of various departments. Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner said Martyrs’ Day is dedicated to honouring the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives for the sovereignty, unity and freedom of the country, and called upon all to uphold Gandhian values of truth, non-violence and moral courage in public life and responsible citizenship.
The District Administration Kangpokpi also observed Martyrs’ Day to commemorate the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Sub Deputy Collector Headquarters Papao Touthang paid tribute to the martyrs and stated that Gandhian principles of truth and non-violence continue to guide public service and citizenship. He urged those present to practise these ideals in their daily lives. A minute of silence was observed during the programme.
Similarly, the district administration of Pherzawl observed Martyrs’ Day at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall. Deputy Commissioner Mannuamching led officials and staff in observing a two-minute silence in memory of Mahatma Gandhi and the freedom fighters who laid down their lives for the country. Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner said the day serves as a reminder of the supreme sacrifices made to secure India’s sovereignty, unity and freedom, and urged citizens to uphold the values of peace, truth and non-violence. Similar observances were organised across all sub-divisional offices and government institutions in the district.
Meanwhile, in Churachandpur district, as part of the ongoing National Road Safety Month two thousand twenty-six, a free eye check-up camp for drivers was organised by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer at the Eye Out Patient Department of District Hospital Churachandpur. The camp was conducted under the supervision of eye specialist Ginthianmung, District Nodal Officer of the National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment under the National Health Mission, Churachandpur. A large number of commercial vehicle drivers participated in the camp, during which vision and colour vision tests were conducted with the aim of promoting road safety and reducing accidents through early detection of visual problems. The doctor advised drivers to undergo regular eye examinations and to prioritise eye health for safer roads.
It may be noted that Martyrs’ Day is observed every year on January thirty to mark the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi in nineteen forty-eight, and serves as an occasion to remember his ideals of non-violence and truth while paying homage to all those who sacrificed their lives for the nation.