Weather plays spoilsport in I-Day rehearsal in TML

From Daniel Kamei

TAMENGLONG | Aug 11

Inclement weather in Tamenglong is playing spoilsport as the district is gearing up to celebrate the 71st Indian Independence day celebration of the country in the district headquarters on August 15, 2017.

While the district administration making hectic preparation amidst the weather condition, those who are taking part in the rehearsal of the march past parade particularly students are experiencing untold hardship.

According to Zonal Education Office (ZEO) Tamenglong, as many as 35 contingents including students, police, ASHA, band party, Manipur Rifles and VDF are taking part in the rehearsal at the lower ground of Tamenglong district head quarter.

The contingents particularly students are made to participate in the rehearsal in the muddy lower ground and amidst rain.

On seeing the ground reality of Lower ground (Apollo Ground) Tamenglong, many have raised their eyebrows on the district administration on social media.

Nevertheless, it is learnt that the district administration has no other options to organise such a big event in Tamenglong district headquarter.

Despite the weather condition the joint rehearsal will continue till Saturday and all participants are asked to come with full uniform, it has been informed.

Meanwhile, parents of the students who are taking part in the parade rehearsal have expressed their strong concern on the safety of the children.

A parent, under condition of anonymity, told Imphal Free Press that her son returned home with torn shoes after participating in the rehearsal at muddy ground.

Another parent further informed that his son has fallen sick after practicing in the rehearsal in muddy ground and amidst rain.

It has been witnessed that most of the children had to rehear with their bare feet due to the dilapidated condition of the ground.

The children cannot escape rehearsal as they fear that they might get punishment in the school.

As a result, parents have asked the concerned authority to cancel or omit the students from participating in the rehearsal.

One of the teachers, who are supervising the rehearsal, alleged that they were not getting refreshment of any kind.

The teacher further disclosed that in the previous years the district administration gave Rs. 10 per students daily for tea refreshment excluding teachers guiding the contingents.

Armstrong Pame, IAS, Deputy Commissioner Tamenglong is going to unfurl the tricolours national flag of the country as chief guest during the Independence celebration.

With the construction work of the sport complex in district headquarter is yet to be completed, the ground is left isolated.

Recently the district administration has repaired the ground for football tournament, which made the condition of the ground worse.