Manipur prepares for Republic Day celebration

Our Correspondent

Imphal, Jan. 24 (EMN): Braving the winter rain ahead of the Republic Day celebration 2022, a fully dressed parade rehearsal with a march past parade by 17 contingents was held in Imphal on Monday.

The march past parade started from 1st Manipur Rifles parade ground and passed through main routes via. Saluting base at Kangla and converged at the starting point again.

The state authority is planning to organise the Republic Day celebration in the state capital at Imphal and all district headquarters of the state including sub-divisional headquarters on Jan. 26.

However, celebrations will be scaled down in view of the rapid increase in the number of Covid-19 cases, as well as the upcoming state assembly election 2022.

Manipur Governor, La Ganesan will attend the function as chief guest and will take the salute at Kangla fort, while chief minister, N Biren Singh will address the vote of thanks at 1st Manipur Rifles Parade Ground. Sarma Devi, commandant of 9th IRB, will be the parade commander.

There will be no programmes of reception at Raj Bhavan besides cultural programme and the beating retreat on Jan. 27 because of the Covid-19 situation.

In connection with the upcoming Republic day celebration, the traffic authority had already issued a notification enforcing traffic diversions along various major roads in the state capital in public interest.

Covid-19 appropriate behaviors will also be maintained during the celebration.

It may be mentioned that various militant organisations operating in the state have already announced to boycott the Republic Day celebration in the state asking the people to observe a complete shutdown on the day.