Three northeastern states celebrate foundation day

IANS AGARTALA/IMPHAL, JANUARY 21 [dropcap]T[/dropcap]he northeastern states of Tripura, Manipur and Meghalaya Wednesday organised numerous programmes and events to celebrate their 43rd foundation day. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had visited the northeastern states last month, greeted the people of the three states on the occasion. “The Manipur government organised various cultural programmes comprising music and dance as well as exhibitions. The events showcased the beauty, splendour and achievements of the state,” an official said in Imphal. “Since attaining statehood, Manipur has made rapid strides in the field of development and sustained efforts are being made to keep pace with the rest of the country,” said acting Manipur Governor K.K. Paul. A Tripura government official said in Agartala : (“Acting) Tripura Governor Padmanabha Balakrishna Acharya inaugurated a five-day programme here to celebrate the statehood day.”An exhibition highlighting the development of Tripura since 1972 was also inaugurated by the governor. Acharya also holds the office of the governor of Assam and Nagaland. He came to Agartala Wednesday to flag-off the statehood day programme. The statehood day celebrations in Meghalaya involved a series of events, including sports meets in different parts of the state and motorbike show at Polo Grounds in Shillong, organised by the department of sports and youth affairs. Meghalaya Day run from Madan Iewrynghep to Jawaharlal Nehru stadium here was organised by the sports and youth affairs department Wednesday morning. The erstwhile princely states of Tripura and Manipur were merged with India in October 1949 and became full-fledged states Jan 21, 1972. Meghalaya was a part of Assam before becoming a full-fledged state under the North Eastern Region (Re-Organisation) Act, 1971.

PM Modi greets people of Meghalaya, Tripura, Manipur on their Statehood Day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday extended his greetings to the people of Meghalaya, Tripura and Manipur on their Statehood Day. “My dear sisters and brothers of Meghalaya, my greetings on your Statehood Day. I extend my best wishes for Meghalaya’s development journey,” said PM Modi. “During my recent visit to the Northeast, I was fortunate to have inaugurated the first train that brought Meghalaya on India’s railway map. This will add tremendous impetus to Meghalaya’s progress,” he added. The Prime Minister also said that he is committed to leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the dreams of Meghalaya’s youngsters are fulfilled and they get opportunities to shine. Extending his greeting the people of Tripura, PM Modi said, “My fellow citizens of Tripura, warm greetings on your Statehood Day. I have very fond memories of my visit to Tripura in December last year. I will always remember your warm nature and the excellent hospitality,” Further, the Prime Minister greeted the people of Manipur and said, “On the Statehood Day of Manipur, I convey my greetings. I hope Manipur scales newer heights of progress in the years to come. I can never forget the enthusiasm with which I was welcomed to Manipur during my recent visit. I was fortunate to join the Sangai Festival, which showcases Manipur’s rich culture.” “We are very proud of the hardwork and dynamism of the people of Manipur. We are committed to doing everything possible that will give an impetus to Manipur’s all-round development,” he added.