Biren Singh says there is an assurance to take the opinion of the people of the state before any conclusion is made on Centre-NSCN(IM) peace talks.
Our Correspondent
Imphal, Aug. 13 (EMN): Manipur observed the Patriots’ Day on Thursday, Aug. 13 to commemorate the 1891 Anglo-Manipuri war in which scores of people sacrificed their lives to safeguard the independence of the land.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh led by ministers and officials paid floral tributes at places including Hicham Yaichampat, Moirangkhom, Thangal General Temple Complex, Palace Compund, Kangla Uttra,Kangla and Saheed Minar at Bir Tikendrajit Park, all in and around Imphal.
A contingent of Manipur Rifles sounded the last post and offered gun salutes to the martyrs. Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, Chief Secretary, DGP, top civil and police officials and others attended the function.
Speaking to media persons on the sideline of the day’s observation, Chief Minister Biren said that this day reminds us of the supreme sacrifice made by our forefathers for freedom and sovereignty of our motherland and this sense of patriotism should not be forgotten by the present generation.
When asked about the Centre-NSCN(IM) peace talks, Biren said that there is an assurance to take the opinion of the people of the state before any conclusion.
The Patriots’ Day observance began with ‘Prabhat Pheri’, morning round, commencing from Directorate of Information and Public Relations Office in Imphal at 4 am. Patriotic songs were played imbibing the sense of patriotism and martyrdom at various locations of Imphal East and Imphal West districts.
On the occasion, the Manipur government announced a list of police personnel and officers who will be given awards by the Chief Minister’s Police Medal for Gallantry and Manipur Chief Minister for outstanding Devotion to Duty.
The Chief Minister’s Police Medal for Gallantry will be awarded to thirteen police personnel while the Chief Minister’s Police Medal for Outstanding Devotion to Duty will be awarded to seven others.