IMPHAL, Jan 21 � The Manipur government today observed the Statehood Day at the Old Secretariat Complex here today.
Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, Commerce and Industries Minister Govindas Konthoujam and Consumer Affairs, Foods and Public Distribution Minister Moirangthem Okendro attended the function held in this connection as the chief guest, president and guest of honour, respectively.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, who also holds Home portfolio, said that the people of the State should feel proud and happy in observing the day. �Since 1972, we have been enjoying the status of being a State like any other States of the country and have been getting the opportunity and liberty of developing our State in our own way,� he added. Citing this as just a beginning, he also urged the people to take a new pledge to engage themselves in making the State a self-reliant and self-sufficient State.
He assured that the government has an open door for discussing and resolving any problem with any organisation.
Expressing displeasure over the poor attendance of government officials in the Statehood Day function, he advised the officials to attend such function without fail.
Commerce and Industries Minister Govindas, in his presidential speech, said that the State government is working hard to turn the State into an economically sustainable State by 2020 so that we could compete with other States of the country.
Manipur�s Chief Secretary PC Lawmkunga, DGP Saheed Ahmed, Principal Secretary Dr Suresh Babu and other heads of departments also attended the function.
Combing operations: In the run up to the Republic Day celebration, Imphal West and East district police teams have started combing operations at various areas of Imphal town to flush out anti-socials.
A team of Imphal West Police commandos in association with the 40 Assam Rifles posted at Singjamei and Canchipur, conducted a search operation this morning and picked up around 20 persons for police verification.
