Imphal (Manipur),Jan 26 : Amid unprecedented security arrangements, the 71st Republic Day was celebrated across Manipur on Sunday with Governor Najma Heptulla unfurling the national flag in the main function at the historic Kangla Fort here.
The Governor also inspected the parade of the combined forces and took salute at an impressive march past by armed forces and state police personnel.
Around 120 contingents comprising Manipur police personnel and commandos, Border Security Force, Central Reserve Police Force, and other cultural troupes took part in the ceremonial parade.
Chief Minister N. Biren Singh also attended a separate event celebrating the Republic Day at the 1st Manipur Rifles Parade ground in the state capital.
While addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that balanced development, peaceful co-existence and mutual respect among all ethnic groups of the state are the need of the hour.
Singh has urged everyone to safeguard the integrity of the country including the state.
Highlighting the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government”s plan and vision, the Chief Minister said that the main aim of the state government is to bring equal development of all sections of people and regions in the state.
“The state government has taken up multiple projects for the all round development in the mountainous areas of the state,” he added.
In the Kangla Fort ceremony, a senior police officer was awarded the President”s police medal for his distinguished service while six others got the police medal for their meritorious services.
Four officers were awarded the Union Home Minister”s medal for excellence in police training.
According to the police and civil administration officials, the Republic Day celebrations across the state passed off peacefully and no untoward incident was reported despite the boycott call by some terrorist outfits.
(With IANS inputs)
