Imphal: Manipur Wednesday celebrated the 73rd Republic Day with festivities and patriotic fervour joining the nation-wide celebration.
The State level celebration was held at Kangla with Governor of Manipur La. Ganesan unfurled the National flag and took salute from different march-past contingents.
The celebration began with the Governor inspecting the Guard of Honour accorded by a contingent of 6th Battalion Manipur Rifles (MR) commanded by Deputy Commandant of 2nd Battalion Manipur Rifles N. Suraj Singh.
Later, La. Ganesan unfurled the National Tricolour flag amidst playing of the National Anthem. The Governor then took salute from 21 march-past contingents including four band contingents commanded by Commandant of 9th Indian Reserve (Mahila) Battalion Kh. Sarma Devi.
The march-past contingents were from Border Security Force, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), CRPF Band, 5th Battalion Manipur Rifles, 6th Battalion Manipur Rifles, Combined Civil Police (Male) Imphal East and Imphal West, Combined 2nd MR and 2nd IRB Band, Combined Commando Contingents (Thoubal, Kakching and Bishnupur), 9th Indian Reserve Mahila Battalion, Combined Civil Police Female (Imphal East and Imphal West), 9th IRB Mahila Band, Home Guard (Male), Combined VDF (Imphal East and Imphal West), Manipur Fire Services, Combined Home Guard (Male and Female) Band, Traffic Police, Combined Cycling Patrolling Team (Bishnupur and Kakching), MMG Platoon, 1st MR, 3” Mortar Platoon, 1st MR, SBDDS (CID-Technical) (Bomb Squad) and Manipur Police Dog Squad.
The Governor also decorated officers and personnel of Manipur Police with the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service, Police Medal for Meritorious Service and Union Home Minister’s Medal for Excellence in Police Training. Recipients of the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service were Inspector (Vigilance & Anti-Corruption) W. Ashok Kumar Singh and Havildar of 2nd Battalion Manipur Rifles Sambhulal Pardhan.
IGP (Prison) Lunsieh Kipgen, Inspector (Vigilance & Anti-Corruption) Thokchom Manihar Singh, Inspector, Kangpokpi N.G. Anthony Suresh, Sub-Inspector of CID (SB) L. Debananda Singh, Subedar of 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles Khaikhojam Thahgen, Jemandar, MPTC Md. Lal Mohammad and Havildar of 6th Indian Reserve Battalion Shri Wangkheirakpam Robindro Singh received the Police Medal for Meritorious Service. While Jemandar, MPTC Laishram Chingkheinganba and Rifleman, MPTC Thongram Ajit Singh were accorded with the Union Home Minister’s Medal for Excellence in Police Training.
The celebration was also attended by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, Ministers, MLAs, high ranking officials, among others.
Giving the Vote of Thanks at the 1st Bn. Manipur Rifles Parade Ground, Chief Minister N.Biren Singh greeted and wished the people of the State on the occasion of 73rd Republic Day of India.
He said that the day is a very proud day for the nation. After attaining Independence on 15th August 1947, the Indian Constitution came into force on this day in 1950.
With the rights guaranteed by the Constitution, all Indian citizens are able to enjoy being dutiful and responsible citizens of the country. And for this, the day the Constitution came into being is celebrated as the Republic Day of the country, he said.
We are able to celebrate this day because of the efforts of our forefathers who fought for India’s freedom, he said.
Further stating that the Constitution provides a framework for the country and its people to work towards a self-reliant and progressive future, the Chief Minister also showed respect to the freedom fighters of the country and those who drafted the Indian Constitution.
Independent and Republic India has become a major power in the world today, he said.
Chief Minister N.Biren Singh said the COVID pandemic has affected us all, and added, unfortunately due to the pandemic, this year the Republic Day celebration is organized in a limited manner by maintaining proper Standard Operating Procedures laid down by the government.
Elaborating that COVID has claimed many precious lives and for long affected the normal daily activities of us all, he added that in this critical juncture, both the Centre and State governments have been extending all possible assistance to the people.
Further stating that the day also reminds us all of how we should work for the development, progress and upliftment of our lives, he said. We all have responsibilities in building a strong Manipur, he said, adding that, we should all be united and work for a peaceful, prosperous and developed Manipur.
The Vote of Thanks Ceremony held at the 1st Bn. Manipur Rifles Parade Ground was also attended by Ministers, MLAs, high ranking officials, among others.
Meanwhile, the results of the various categories of competitions held during the Republic Day Celebration, 2022 were also announced.
Among the Uniformed Contingents of the March Past Category, the BSF contingent came first, CRPF contingent second and 5th Battalion Manipur Rifles came third.
Among the Mahila Contingents of the March Past Category, 9th IRB Mahila Battalion Contingent, Combined Civil Police Imphal East and West and Traffic Police came first, second and third respectively.
CRPF Band Party, 9th IRB Mahila Band Party and Combined 2nd MR and 2nd IRB Band Party were adjudged first, second and third among the Band Party category. For Gate Construction, Department of Trade, Commerce & Industries, Manipur Aids Control Society and Forest Department were declared first, second and third.Commandant, 1st Bn. Manipur Rifles, Imphal, Director, IPR, Manipur, Chief Engineer (PWD), Manipur, Chief Engineer (PHED), Manipur, Managing Director (MSPDCL), Maipur, Commissioner, IMC and Parade Commander, Khoisnam Sarma, MPS CO 9th IRB were selected for Special Prizes. Distribution for the said prize winners and participants shall be notified separately.
