Tight security for Republic day celebrations

Imphal, Jan 25 (UNI) Elaborate security measures have been put in place and police have intensified counter-insurgency operations to thwart any attempt to disrupt tomorrow's Republic Day celebrations in the state.

The move came in view of over two dozen militant groups -- operating in the state -- who called for boycott of the celebrations.

The Manipur People's Liberation Front, along with other insurgents of the Northeast like the Kamatapur Liberation Organisation, Tripura Peoples Democratic Front and the United Liberation Front of Asom had called a general strike from 0100 hrs to 1800 hrs tomorrow in the region.

The Army, Assam Rifles, Border Security Forces, CRPF, IRB and all available forces would be utilised tomorrow for security purpose.

Governor Shivinder Singh Sidhu will inaugurate the celebrations at Kangla while Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh would address the participants at the parade ground of Ist Manipur Rifles.

An all women team will lead the parade. About 61 contingents would participate in the parade and seven tableaux displayed along with various cultural programmes.

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