Imphal: The 80th Independence Day was celebrated across Manipur today, with the State-level celebration held at the 1st Manipur Rifles Parade Ground, Imphal, where the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Manipur, Yumnam Khemchand Singh, hoisted the National Flag. He inspected the Guard of Honour and took the salute at the march-past presented by 23 contingents, commanded by Haobam Sanghamita, MPS, CO, 19th IRB.
The celebration was attended by Ministers, MLAs, senior government officials and the general public.
Speaking as the Chief Guest, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh strongly condemned the unfortunate incident of yesterday at Kangpokpi district and appealed to all sections of society to rebuild mutual trust and live together peacefully. He stressed that peace is the foundation of development and that lasting stability can be achieved through mutual trust, justice, dignity and the participation of all communities. Acknowledging the support of the Central Government in restoring peace in the State, he called upon the people to work collectively towards peace, development and a stronger Manipur.
Recalling the sacrifices of the freedom fighters and ancestors who contributed to India’s independence, the Chief Minister highlighted the country’s progress in infrastructure, manufacturing, innovation and inclusive development. He said initiatives under Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Digital India are creating employment opportunities, strengthening domestic manufacturing and improving access to public services and digital payments.
Referring to Viksit Bharat, he said the goal is to make India a developed, self-reliant and globally competitive nation by 2047. Highlighting development initiatives in Manipur, Yumnam Khemchand Singh said infrastructure works are being undertaken in rural and urban areas, while healthcare services are being extended to remote hill areas through Mobile Medical Units, PM-JANMAN and Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan. He also highlighted efforts under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 to strengthen rural drinking water supply.
On rural livelihood and employment, the Chief Minister said the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rojgar and Aajeevika Mission (Grameen) has increased guaranteed employment from 100 to 125 days and wages from Rs. 263 to Rs. 300. He also highlighted the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana for promoting formal employment.
In agriculture, he informed that a bio-reactor unit for biofertilizer production has been established at CSIR-NEIST to support organic farming and improve soil fertility. On welfare measures, the Chief Minister said 35 IDPs suffering from chronic illnesses were recently provided Rs. 1 lakh each, while around 2.4 lakh beneficiaries received assistance of Rs. 91 crore under 17 social welfare schemes. An Integrated Monthly Pension Processing Scheme has also been launched for timely and transparent delivery of social security benefits.
On law and order, he informed that 477 new vehicles were distributed to the Manipur Police and ERSS-112 was launched to strengthen emergency response. A Manipur Police Museum has also been established to preserve the history and legacy of the force. An exclusive Special NIA Court was established in Thoubal District, while the Nodera Emergency Response Application was launched in Noney to facilitate reporting of emergencies.
In education, the Chief Minister highlighted the establishment of a District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) building at Salam and a school library at Heirangoithong High School. Under the 77th Van Mahotsav, 15 lakh tree saplings were planted across the State. He also highlighted initiatives to combat drug abuse among youth, including the Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan and the 10-Crore Addiction-Free Pledge Mega Campaign.
He further highlighted Jan-Bhagidari—Sabse Dur, Sabse Pehle and Jan Kalyan Shivir as initiatives for direct and people-centric delivery of government services. Yashoda AI, a national AI literacy and digital safety campaign, was also highlighted for promoting digital awareness among women through the National Commission for Women.
On sports, the Chief Minister congratulated Manipuri sportspersons who won medals at the recent Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and noted the successful organisation of the Durand Cup. He also lauded Manipur sportsperson Ariha Pangambam for winning India’s first gold medal at the Asian Aerobic Gymnastics Championship in Mongolia.
The ceremonial parade was commanded by Haobam Sanghamita, MPS, CO-9th IRB, with Pramesh Arambam, MPS, CO-4th IRB, as Reserve Parade Commander. A total of 23 contingents representing the security forces, police, civil departments, youth and educational institutions took part. The contingents included the 2 J&K Light Infantry Sherwani Battalion, Assam Rifles, BSF, CRPF, combined Manipur Rifles and IRB units, 13th Nagaland Armed Police, civil police contingents from Imphal East, Imphal West and the hill districts, 9th IRB Mahila, Manipur Jail, Forest Department, Traffic Police, Home Guards, VDF, Fire Service and Excise Department. NCC cadets, Sainik School, T.G. Higher Secondary School and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Awasiya Vidyalaya also participated, along with combined bands from the J&K Light Infantry, Assam Rifles, CRPF, Manipur Rifles, IRB, Home Guards, VDF and Sainik School, which accompanied the parade.
The programme included cultural performances by four Department of Art and Culture troupes and presentation of a special issue of Manipur Today,
Five Special Commando personnel—Langoljam Lenin Singh, Assistant Sub-Inspector; Sidrath Thokchom, Assistant Sub-Inspector; Thounaojam Nichal Singh, Havildar; Kumar Premananda Singh, Rifleman; and Ngasepam Vim Singh, Constable—received the Medal of Gallantry (GM), Republic Day, 2026. Khuraijam Shashikanta Singh, MPS, Deputy Superintendent of Police, CID (SB), received the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM), Republic Day, 2026. The Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM), Republic Day, 2025, was conferred on seven personnel—Rajkumar Manbindu Singh, IPS; Sarangthem Ibomcha Singh; Kshetrimayum Prasanta Kumar Singh, MPS; Nehkhonlal Gante; Chungkh… Premchand Singh; Pukhram Bijen Singh; and Kamlemsang Rifleman.
The Chief Minister’s Special Citation for Outstanding Devotion to Service, carrying a certificate, plaque and cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh, was awarded to A. Subhash Singh, IAS, Special Secretary (Home), for coordination of IDP rehabilitation, Aadhaar reverification, mandatory biometric verification of children and border-fencing works in Manipur. The Chief Minister’s Special Reward for Outstanding Devotion to Service, carrying a certificate, plaque and cash reward of Rs. 1 lakh each, was awarded to Dr. Mayengbam Veto Singh, MCS, and R.K. Manbindu, IPS, for their roles in the negotiation, coordination and implementation of the UNLF Peace Agreement.
The Chief Minister’s Police Trophy for Community Service was awarded to Subedar Thongbam Dalendra Khuman, Subedar Soraisham Jeevan Singh, Jemadar Oinam Shashikumar Singh, Subedar K. Dineshwar Sharma, Jemadar Ksh. Rajen Singh and Inspector Okram Jotin Singh. The Police Trophy for Anti-Drug Campaign was awarded to G. Ginkhamlal, Subedar; T. Mangkhuam Lian Paite, Havildar; and David Naulak, Constable, all of 1st IRB.
In solid waste management, Jiribam Municipal Council secured first position among the State’s 27 ULBs, followed by Mayang Imphal Municipal Council and Bishnupur Municipal Council.
