Republic Day celebrated in Manipur amid boycott call by militants

The 61st Republic Day was celebrated today in Manipur amid tight security in the wake of boycott call by six militant organisations of the Northeastern region.

Celebrations began with unfurling of the Tricolor by Governor Gurbhachan Jagat at Kangla. The march past started from First Manipur Rifles ground and passed through Kangla, Khuyathong, and culminated at First Manipur Rifles ground.

The Governor took the salute of the Republic Day parade at Kangla witnessed by large numbers of people. E Priyokumar, Commandant of First Manipur Rifles, was the parade commander.

About 40 contingents of Manipur Police, CRPF, Indian Reserve Battalion, Manipur Fire Service, Traffic Police and school students took part in the parade. Cultural programmes were presented by various performing troupes representing different communities.

As the parade ended at Manipur Rifles ground, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh addressed the gathering and thanked them for participating in the parade.

Development in the state had taken a back seat due to disturbances from various quarters, he said. He appealed to all to work for peace.

Vigilance SP RK Meme has been selected for Police Medal for Meritorious Award this year. Three people from Manipur would also be honoured with Padma Shri awards this year. Haobam Ngangbi (Rash Leela), RK Achoubisana (Martial Arts) and Ayekpam Tomba (social worker) were the names announced.

Those honoured from the state included Gita Chopra award for Maibam Prity and bravery awards for Dijekshon Syiem and Thoi Thoi Khumanthem.

Extraordinary security measures were taken up and day and night security personnel had maintained vigil as militants had called for boycott of the celebrations. About 500 metres from the place where the salute was taken today, a bomb blast occurred last night, injuring three police personnel.

The proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP-MC) had blasted two bombs to protest the celebrations.

Six militant groups of the Northeast called for a boycott of the Republic Day celebrations and a general strike today. The Kamtapur Liberation Organisation (KLO), Manipur People's Liberation Front (MPLF), National Democratic Front of Bodoland(NDFB), National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT), Tripura People's Democratic Front (TPDF), United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) said they had been boycotting the Republic Day with a general strike every year on January 26 as a ''symbolic rejection of India's Constitution.'' All activities came to a grinding halt due to the strike and all streets were deserted.