Manipur bids adieu to outgoing Governor

Imphal, Jul 17: The state government today accorded a befitting farewell to outgoing Manipur Governor Dr S S Sidhu, who will be leaving Imphal tomorrow to take charge as Governor of Goa.

Raj Bhawan officials said Dr Sidhu met senior leaders and also visited Kangla, the ancient capital of Manipur, to see the replica of Kanglasha and Shree Shree Govindajee Temple which is presently under renovation to restore its original shape and grandeur as well as Brindavanchandra Temple.

Commissioner (Arts and Culture) P Bharat Singh and high officials of other departments accompanied Dr Sidhu during his visit to Kangla and showed him the various development activities taken up.

A book, entitled ''Kangla'', edited by N Khelchandra Singh, Padmashri Sapam Bheigya and S Rupoban Singh, was presented to the outgoing Governor by the Commissioner.

Dr Sidhu also visited Shree Shree Govindajee Gurudwara, Thangal Bazar, Imphal and offered prayers with the Sikh brethren. A Siropa and a Kripan were presented to him.

He was given a farewell in an impressive function at IGAR (South), attended by the senior officials of the state government and Centre, distinguished citizens and senior Army officers.

During his speech, the Governor praised the efforts of the Army and Assam Rifles in helping the civil administration to maintain law and order in the state.

He also hoped for an early resolution on the insurgency situation in the state and congratulated the Assam Rifles for the excellent job being done in the state. Conveying his best wishes, Dr Sidhu praised Assam Rifles as true Sentinels of North East.

Speaking on the occasion, Maj General A K Choudhary IGAR(S) said that the outgoing Governor had contributed immensely towards bringing peace, development and harmony in the state.

He also contributed a lot in encouraging sports in the state which has been producing sportspersons both at national and international levels.

The Governor also interacted with the students of Sainik School.

Mr Gurbachand Jagat will be formally sworn in as the new Governor of Manipur on July 21, officials informed.

UNI