Manipur Celebrates I-Day Amid Tight Security

Imphal, August 15, 2019:

Amid tight security in the backdrop of boycotts called by various underground organizations across the region, Manipur on Thursday celebrated the 73rd Independence Day with the State level function held with Chief Minister N. Biren Singh hoisting the National Tricolour amid playing of National Anthem at the 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles ground, Imphal.

The Chief Minister also reviewed the guard of honour and later took salute from 57 march-past contingents of police, security forces, home guards and school students. Assistant Director of Manipur Police Training College (MPTC) Sarangthem Asana, MPS, was the parade commander. The Chief Minister also handed over medals, commendation certificates and trophies to different armed personnel, Government employees and civilians at the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, N. Biren Singh said that that passing of the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2019, popularly known as the Triple Talaq Bill and the recent abrogation of Article 370 and 35A had made this year's Independence Day celebration more meaningful. Terming Central Government's move as historic the Chief Minister stated that the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019 would empower Muslim women and enable them to enjoy their rights. On the other hand abrogation of Article 370 and 35A would bring Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh to the path of development.

Ministers, MLAs, top civil, police and military officers, Government employees and general public also took part in the celebration.

Meanwhile, in the response of the reiterated appeals made by various insurgent groups including PLA, PREPAK, KCP, UNLF, ULFA-I to boycott the celebrations, normal life has been thrown out of gear in the state on Thursday. Imphal city wore deserted look and transportation of private vehicles was very thin. However, no major untoward incident has so far been reported.

Join us as we continue the awareness campaign to preserve the only Ramsar site in Assam which is facing immense threats (A Ramsar site is a wetland site designated to be of international importance under the Ramsar Convention). We need your help to preserve this site of great ecological importance. Join the #LetsSaveDeeporBeel campaign and tweet about it, and do tag us on Twitter. It is time to create awareness.