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Manipur celebrates Independence Day

By Sobhapati Samom

IMPHAL, Aug 16 � Independence Day was celebrated across the conflict-ridden Manipur under tight security arrangements.

The State level function was held at the 1st battalion Manipur Rifles parade ground here with the State Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh as the chief guest.

Braving the seasonal rains, the Chief Minister unfurled the national tri-colour besides inspecting a march past by 36 contingents comprising State forces and students of educational institutions.

Ibobi also formally launched the Janani Suraksha Karyakaram � a health care scheme for the pregnant women and new-born children for the first 30 days under the sponsorship of National Rural Health Mission and State Health department.

Speaking on the occasion, he categorically pronounced that the demand for the creation of Sadar Hills and Jiribam into full-fledged revenue districts of the State are genuine as per its administrative conveniences.

However, none of the State Governments in the past could fulfill the decades old demands, he said. The present government is also not going to take any hasty decision in this regard as it needed proper study and discussion.

Acknowledging the hardship faced by the State�s population due to the ongoing blockade, he appealed for withdrawal of the agitation in the interest of all communities residing in the State.

A total of 47 State police personnel were honoured with police medal for gallantry while police medal for meritorious services were given to two police officers during the occasion. Two girl children were also given bravery awards.

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