Manipur observes 37th statehood day

Imphal, Jan 21: Manipur today observed the 37th statehood day with much fanfare.

Manipur obtained statehood on January 21 in 1972.

A function was held at the 1st Manipur Rifles ground with Th Devendra, state Revenue Minister as chief guest and P Parijat, Health Minister as president.

Representatives of Hindu, Sanamahi, Christian, Muslim, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist religious leaders conducted community prayers.

The artists of the Bal Mukunda Government Music college also presented patriotic songs.

Mr Devendra Singh said, " It has been a long time since Manipur attained statehood. The country is now independent and we are marching ahead. However, we still have not attained economic independence and we should spare no pains in achieving that. We should respect each other and stop meaningless killings. " " We should try to make Manipur developed so that the state could compete with other advanced states, he added.

UNI