Imphal: Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey unfurled the national flag at Kangla on Friday to herald the observation of the 75th Republic Day celebrations. The Governor inspected a Guard of Honour accorded by a contingent commanded by Gaurav Dogra, IPS.
About 24 march-past contingents, including different band contingents, commanded by Commandant of 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles Ksh. Ravikumar Singh, took part. Eleven different cultural troupes, including the Mounted Police and Tableaux of 13 different departments, also took part in marching contingents following the march past.
Officers and personnel of the Manipur Police Department were decorated by the Governor with the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service, the Police Medal for Gallantry, the Police Medal for Meritorious Service, the Union Home Minister’s Medal for Excellence in Investigation, and the President’s Civil Defence Medal for Meritorious Service.
President’s Police Medals for Distinguished Service were awarded to Dy. Commandant, 6th IRB Aribam Basanta Sharma, and Retd. SDPO Laimayum Amarnath Sharma, while Sub-Inspector Ningthoujam Ibotomba Singh was accorded the Police Medal for gallantry.
Police Medals for Meritorious Service were presented to Assistant Commandant, 7th MR S Takhemayum Gojendro, Subedar, MPTC Sunil Kumar, Jemadar, MPTC Yumnam Guneswor Singh, SDPO/Bishnupur Laishram Khogen Singh, Dy. SP/CID (SB) Kamei Abui Kabui, Sub-Inspector Thingbaijam Lalitkumar Singh, Sub-Inspector YumnamPrafullo Singh, and Rfn. 2nd MR Konjengbam Pratap Singh.
The Governor also accorded Inspector, OC/Kasom Khullen Marching Wungmahai, and Civil Defence Instructor (Senior), Department of Relief and Disaster Management Phurailatpam Hemolata, with the Union Home Minister’s Medal for Excellence in Investigation and the President’s Civil Defence Medal for Meritorious Service, respectively. The parade started at the 1st Manipur Rifles Ground and culminated at the same venue, where Chief Minister N. Biren Singh addressed them.
After attaining independence, Bharat gained the opportunity to bring development to the nation and improve the standard of living of its people, he said.
He said that, taking full responsibility for drafting a constitution, the Constituent Assembly drafted the Constitution of India.
The Constitution of India came into effect on January 26, 1950, which is celebrated as the Republic Day of India, he said, further paying homage to those greats who gave Bharat its Constitution.
Stating that every citizen should respect the Constitution, he continued that it is under this Constitution that the citizens of the country exercise their rights and fulfil their duties to become responsible citizens.
He further appreciated and lauded the Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly, Ministers, MLAs, officials, uniformed contingents, and all others who participated in the event. In a republic, the power is in the hands of the people, and the government is formed by the elected representatives of the people, he added. Under such a
democratic process, we should respect one another, be secular, and not hinder others in their efforts to develop and preserve their own culture, language, and traditions, he added.
Bharat has witnessed huge developmental changes since 2014, occupying a spot among the superpowers of the world in the fields of space, defence, and economy, he added.
Every Manipuri has a responsibility towards building a united Bharat, he said, urging the people to respect the
Constitution, exercise their rights, and fulfil their responsibilities to protect the unity of Manipur and the unity of India.
Expressing unhappiness with the present unwanted incidents happening in the state, N. Biren Singh also said that the present issue can be faced only when we stand united.
N. Biren Singh also expressed gratitude to the Central government for conferring the Padmashri on Machihan Sasa (Nungpi Pottery) and further congratulated the artist.
After the celebration at Kangla, Governor Anusuiya Uikey, along with Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly, Ministers, and MLAs, visited Rani Gaidinliu Park at Mantripukhri in Imphal and paid homage to the statue of Freedom Fighter Rani Gaidinliu on her 109th birth anniversary.
The celebrations were done amid tight security as various organisations imposed a shutdown from midnight until 6 p.m.
