Imphal: The state-level observance was held at the Banquet Hall of 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles with Chief Minister N Biren Singh and Deputy Chief Minister Y Joykumar Singh as the chief guest and functional president respectively.
Addressing the function, N Biren said that every citizen of the country should contribute and support in making a strong and united India. He said that any external threat can be warded off if the country is united. The Chief Minister maintained that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the world has recognised the potential and capabilities of India. During the last few years, India’s international and diplomatic relations with different countries have improved a lot. The Chief Minister further stated that in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, we have extended support to more than 100 countries in terms of supplying COVID-19 vaccines, medical items and logistics etc.
Speaking about Atmanirbhar Bharat, N Biren Singh said that building advanced fighter jets like Tejas for the Indian Air Force will strengthen the movement to create a self-reliant India. He mentioned that it is really sad that some politicians of the country are trying to defame and criticize every move of the government and the progressive spirit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister recalled the courage and valour of thousands of soldiers who defeated Pakistan in less than 13 days in the 1971 War. He urged the underground outfits to come to the negotiating table. He would extend the needful to bring a solution, he added.
Delivering his speech, Y Joykumar said that concerted threats to the country from different sides were neutralised up to a large extent due to the victory of the war. On this day in 1971, General Amir Abdullah Khan Niazi, along with around 98,000 troops surrendered to the Indian Army, he added.
Ministers, MLAs, Chief Secretary, DGP, administrative €ecretaries, heads of departments, high ranking civil and police officials attended the function.
