Manipur Governor cites President, PM’s 2025 visits as commitment to peace

Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on January 21 said the visits by the President of India and the Prime Minister to Manipur in 2025 underscored the nation’s commitment to restoring peace, advancing development and upholding constitutional values in the state.

 

Bhalla was addressing the 55th Statehood Day celebration held at the 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles Ground, organised by the state government. Attending as the chief guest, he conveyed greetings to the people on the occasion and said statehood represents the democratic ideal of government “of the people, by the people and for the people”.

 

He traced Manipur’s journey from an independent kingdom to its merger with India, describing it as an expression of the country’s unity in diversity through constitutional values, representative institutions and greater opportunities for self-governance, development and progress.

 

He noted the state’s long and “glorious history” shaped by rich traditions, struggles and a strong sense of identity.

 

“We celebrate this legacy of Statehood Day to remind us of our shared responsibility as citizens of a sovereign, democratic and republic state,” Bhalla said, adding that rights and privileges under the Union of India come with the obligation to uphold the Constitution, the rule of law, national unity and democratic values.

 

On the security situation, the Governor said the 2025 visits by the President and the Prime Minister demonstrated that the nation “does not neglect peace, development and maintaining constitutional values”. Several projects were inaugurated and foundation stones laid during those visits, he added.

 

Bhalla said coordinated efforts by the civil administration, state forces and community leaders were continuing, with a focus on maintaining law and order, fostering dialogue and rebuilding trust. “It is a collective duty to foster peace, harmony and mutual respect among communities. Differences can be resolved through dialogue and democratic means,” he said.

 

Reiterating the development agenda, the Governor said the state and central governments were prioritising infrastructure, livelihoods and digital governance to ensure inclusive growth. He cautioned, however, that progress would be difficult without stability and urged all sections of society to contribute to peace and harmony.

 

The Statehood Day programme included a march-past by 22 contingents and the presentation of awards to distinguished administrators. Senior officials and MLAs were present at the event.