State celebrates Republic Day

Pothashang News Service: Imphal, January 27, 2019: The 70th Republic Day was celebrated in Manipur at the Kangla Fort. Gracing as chief guest of the function, governor Dr. Najma Heptulla unfurled the Tricolour and inspected the guard of honour accorded by a contingent of 5th IRB (Indian Reserve Battallion commanded by Bidyapati Thingbaijam, DSP 9th IRB (Mahila).

The governor took salute from 73 marching contingents including nine band contingents and various school contingents led by Parade Commander Thaimei Gaipuiril Kabui, assistant director, MPTC (Manipur Police Training College).

The Governor handed over the President’s Police Medal for Distinguish Service to Thangkhanlal Guite, ADGP (Modernisation) and Police Medal for Meritorious Service to K. Ajitkumar Sharma, Addl. SP, Jiribam, Rudra Narayan Singh, Inspector, CID (SB), E. Bhubaneshwor Singh, Inspector, CID (SB), Yambem Anderson, Subedar of MPTC, Pebam Inaoba Singh, Havildar, 2nd IRB, Kh. Indrakumar Singh, Havildar, 7th MR and Kh. Suranjoy Singh Havildar, MPTC.

Chief minister N. Biren Singh delivering vote of thanks at 1st MR Battalion Ground assured the people of the state that the state government stands for the protection and integrity of the people of Manipur. He said the government will not take up any steps that will affect the sentiments of different ethnic communities living harmoniously in the state. He also maintained that the government will not remain silent if there are any elements in the Citizenship( Amendment ) Bill that will cause threat to the integrity of the indigenous people of Manipur.

He appealed to the people to thoroughly familiar with the contents of the bill before resorting to any forms of protests. He urged the people not to resort to any kinds of agitations like bandhs, blockades, strikes, etc.  especially in Imphal as it hampers the economic development of the entire state.

He reiterated that the Home ministry has given assurance that the bill will not be implemented in the States without the prior consent of the state government.

He urged all civil society organisations of the state for open dialogue and discussions along with legal experts. The state government took a decision regarding the introduction of the Manipur People’s Bill in the State Assembly so that the centre government may not take up anything without prior consent of the state government in connection with the citizenship bill, he added.

The Republic Day were celebrated in all the District Headquarters of the State.

The day was celebrated amid boycott by various underground organisations.

Six student bodies and five civil organisations also boycotted the day demanding immediate withdrawal of the Citizenship bill.