IT News
Imphal, Jan 14:
The government needs cooperation and support of the Armed Forces Veterans in improving the law-and-order situation in the State, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh said today, adding that all positive suggestions and advices from the veterans towards restoring peace and normalcy in the State are also welcomed.
The Chief Minister was addressing veterans and their families at the observance of the 9th Armed Forces Veterans’ Day-2025, held at the 1st Battalion, Manipur Rifles, Banquet Hall, Imphal. The observance programme was organised by the Government of Manipur.
Speaking as the Chief Guest of the observance, N. Biren Singh highlighted the importance of Armed Forces Veterans’ Day and said it is observed to remember and honour the sacrifices of the armed forces for the nation.
The Chief Minister further announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 10 lakhs for soldiers who have laid down their lives on duty.
Further stressing that the government has already sanctioned Rs. 3 crore for the construction of a memorial park for soldiers of the Indian armed forces from the State who have laid down their lives for the Nation, the Chief Minister said a site measuring half an acre has been identified at Lamphelpat. Once the site is constructed any day related to veterans and soldiers of the Armed Forces can be organised here, he added.
N. Biren Singh stated that the State has produced two Army officers in the rank of Lieutenant Generals in the Indian Army. The Chief Minister stated that he had met the Commanding Officer of a nuclear submarine, who happened to be from the state, and also noted that around 350 from the state are currently serving as officers in the combined defense forces.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the nation’s dependence on foreign countries for procurement of defence machinery have minimised, he said. This was made possible through the implementation of Atmanirbhar Bharat programme that aims to make the country self-reliant in its defence sector.
He further praised two other natives of the State, Major Laishram Jyotin Singh who sacrificed his live trying to protect civilians in Afghanistan and Major Bob Khathing for the valour and courage showed by these officers while performing their duties.
N. Biren Singh further spoke at length on the need for people to understand the land’s history properly and said that a 22-minute-long film “Chahi Taret Khuntakpa” was recently released. This film, he said, will soon be telecast on History Channel.
He further stressed on the historical significance of the Chahi Taret Khunthakpa and said that it was the signing of the Treaty of Yandaboo that once again recognised the sovereignty of Manipur.
The re-naming of Mount Harriet as Mount Manipur by the central government has shown the central leaders’ care and in-depth knowledge of the State’s history, Biren Singh continued.
Further, the Chief Minister stated that the rejuvenation work of Lamphelpat Water Bodies, extending to around 430 acres, is being taken up at a project cost of around Rs 650 crore.
Delivering his presidential speech, Forest Minister Th. Biswajit Singh stated that the State has been observing the Armed Forces Veterans’ Day since 2017 and continue to honour the armed forces personnel for their courage and dedication towards the nation.
The present and the future generations must continue to honour their sacrifices rendered for the protection of the nation, he added.
During the programme, the Chief Minister felicitated distinguished and gallantry award winning veterans and Veer Naris as a mark of respect for their service towards the nation.
The function was attended by Ministers, Advocate General, Manipur, Chairman Hill Area Committee, Member of Parliament, MLA, Security Advisor to Government of Manipur, Chief Secretary, Administrative Secretaries, high ranking police officials, armed force veterans among others.
