Manipur celebrates Republic Day amid boycott call by ultras

Imphal, Jan 26 (UNI) Manipur today celebrated the 59th Republic Day amid an unprecedented security in view of boycott call by insurgents.

Capital Imphal was brought under a security blanket as all available forces were pressed into service to counter any move to thwart attempt to disrupt the celebrations.

The celebrations went off peacefully in the morning.

The Manipur People's Liberation Front(MPLF), along with other insurgents of the north east like the Kamatapur Liberation Organization(KLO), Tripura Peoples Democratic Front(TPDF) and the United Liberation Front of Asom had called a general strike from 1 am to 6 pm today in the entire north eastern region.

Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh unfurled the tricolour at Kangla here and took the salute.

An all women team led the parade. Commandant of 5th IRB Mamta Wahengbam was commander of the parade. Ms G Geetanjali was the Second-in-Command. Ms Puspanjali, IPS was the guard of honour of the contingent and SI Naorem Chaoba Devi led the 7th Batch Manipur Women Police in the parade.

About 61 contingents took part in the parade.

Cultural programmes were also presented. Representatives from all the nine districts took part in the celebrations. Seven tableaux, highlighting the achievements of the government, were also displayed. In all 24 police personnel were honoured. President's Police Medal For Distinguished Service was given to Shahid Ahmad, ADGP, Police Hqrs, Imphal. Police Medal For Meritorious Service were conferred on Konsam Jayanta Singh, Superintendent Of Police, Bishnupur and Adhikarimayum Ghanashyam Sharma, Inspector Of Police(Legal), Imphal. Police Medal for Gallantry (PMG) were conferred on 21 personnel.

Meanwhile, life was completely disrupted because of the boycott and strike called by militants. People remained indoors and shops were closed. All inter and intra state bus services were cancelled.

Markets wore a deserted look.

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