Chief Minister ,Manipur inspecting guard of honour at 1st MR Parade Ground during INDEPENDENCE DAY observation
IMPHAL, August 16 NNN : Manipur chief minister O Ibobi Singh re-affirmed to protect the territorial integrity of Manipur saying any attempt to split Manipur will be a ‘futile effort.’
Ibobi Singh also rejected the demands for an ‘Alternative Arrangement’ for the Nagas in Manipur and a ‘separate state’ for the Kukis in the state and said these are ‘not achievable.’
Ibobi Singh made these comments on the 67th Independence Day celebration in Imphal on Thursday. The Independence Day celebrations were held in Manipur in high
spirits with the state Chief Minister unfurling the Tri Colour at 1st Manipur Rifles Parade Ground here yesterday.
Barely one hour before the celebration had begun suspected militants exploded a powerful bomb near Hicham Yaicham Pat, about 200 metres from the 1st Manipur Rifles Parade
Ground that was garnished for the celebrations. No one was injured in the blast. Earlier on August 10,
the proscribed People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) triggered a bomb in front of the state Chief Minister’s bungalow gatenand again, a blast had also occurred near City Convention Centre, Imphal on August 14. No human casualties were reported in the explosions, too.
Meanwhile, altogether 35 contingents from schools, colleges and other social organizations and another nine band contingents from different parts of the state participated in the celebrations. Chief Minister O Ibobi gave salamis to the contingents attired in different colourful dresses during the march past on the occasion.
The Chief Minister also distributed Police Medals to 13 state police personnel at the occasion.
Making a speech at the occasion, Ibobi reaffirmed to protect the state territorial integrity, saying any attempt to split Manipur will be a ‘futile effort.’
He rejected the demands for an ‘Alternative Arrangement’ for the Nagas and a ‘separate state’ for the Kukis in Manipur and said these are ‘not achievable.’
Making a clarification on the Indo-Myanmar Border Fencing, the Chief Minister said there are still nine Border Pillars to be settled by both the countries.
He said the Centre has been urged on the need for a joint re-survey on the border by the two neighbouring countries, saying the state Government has set up a committee to monitor the border fencing works.
Ibobi appealed to the people not to panic about losing Manipur’s land to Myanmar.
He said militancy in the state has been a great hamper to developmental activities and appealed the militant organizations to feel and understand the pulse of the people.
Ibobi said peace process has begun with some militant organizations which have understood the sentiment of the masses and appealed to other such organizations to come to the negotiating tables for talks.
The Chief Minister pledged the Government will not remain silent if militant organizations which are under Suspension of Operation (SoO) are found violating the Ground Rule of the truce.
Police Medal for Gallantry was conferred to S Ibomcha, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Imphal West, Kh Basantakumar, Sub-Inspector, Imphal West, P Tarunkumar, Sub-Inspector, Imphal West, T Khogen, Sub-Inspector, Imphal West, Kh Sunilkumar, Sub-Inspector, Imphal West and Biboy Irom, Jemadar, 6th Manipur Rifles.
President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service was given to N Ibohanbi, Inspector, CID (S/B) and Police Medal for Meritorious Service was awarded to Clay Khongsai, IPS, Deputy Inspector General of Police Range-I, H Kullachandra, Superintendent of Police (Telecom), N Chandrajini, retired Subedar, 1st Manipur Rifles, Badra Bakta Rai, Havildar, 4th IRB, A Tombi, Havildar, 2nd IRB and L Ibotombi, Havildar, Manipur Police Training Centre.
Ministers, MLAs, Parliamentary Secretaries, top officials of both civil and police also took part in the function marking the Independence Day.
The Independence Day was also marked in other districts of the state by organizing functions by district administrations.
Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/independence-day-observed-manipurs-territory-sacrosanct-cm/
