Manipur celebrated the country’s 74th Republic Day amidst the boycott and shutdown called by the insurgent organisations.
The state-level Republic Day celebration was held at Kangla with Governor of Manipur, La Ganesan, unfurling the National flag and taking the salute from different march-past contingents.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh, cabinet ministers, Lokayukta of Manipur, members of parliament, members of legislative assembly constituencies, chief secretary, and director general of police and senior civil and police officials also took part in the celebration.
The celebration began with the Governor inspecting the guard of honour accorded by a contingent of 6th Battalion Manipur Rifles (MR).
Twenty cultural troupes and tableaux of 14 different departments also took part in the celebration.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh said the Centre has included two personalities from the state, Thounaojam Chaoba Singh (public affairs) and K Shanathoiba Sharma (sports) in the list of Padmashri awardees.
Singh was delivering the vote of thanks at the 1st Manipur Rifles Ground as part of the Republic Day celebration.
Highlighting the seriousness of the State government in its war on drugs, he said the five Manipur Police personnel arrested recently with illegal drugs have been terminated with immediate effect.
The chief minister further warned that there will be no compromise against anyone found involved in illegal drugs and poppy plantation.
Stating that India has assumed the presidency of the G-20, Singh also informed that Manipur will also be hosting meetings as part of the presidency and colivited support from the people for the successful hosting of the meetings.
“Today, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has become a leading nation in various fields including defence production, economy, automobile,” he said.
Meanwhile, normal life was affected in Imphal in view of the boycott of Republic day celebration and shutdown called various insurgent groups.
The insurgents groups in separate statements to media houses however informed that the shutdown would be relaxed for religious functions, medical services and emergency services.
