IMPHAL, Aug 14 - Security has been beefed up in different parts of Manipur, particularly in the State capital, on the eve of the Independence Day celebrations.
The Independence Day will be celebrated at the parade ground of the 1st Battalion of the Manipur Rifles here tomorrow. Chief Minister N Biren Singh will take the salute from different march-past contingents on the occasion.
Meanwhile, Manipur Police have been conducting house-to-house search operations in different locations since the past few days. They also detained a few suspected persons during a verification drive. Such operations were conducted in Thoubal and Bishnupur districts.
Meanwhile, the No. 1 and No. 2 border gates along the Indo-Myanmar international border at Moreh town have been closed till tomorrow in view of the Independence Day celebrations, according to reports.
Hectic preparations are also on for the Independence Day celebrations in all district headquarters of the State. Some district headquarters, including the border town of Moreh, have been conducting rehearsal programmes.
It may be mentioned here that insurgent groups operating in the North East, including those in Manipur, have announced a boycott of the Independence Day celebrations in the region. They have also called a general strike on the day.
Agartala Correspondent adds: Tripura is all set to observe the Independence Day on Thursday amid tight security.
The main programme will be held at the Assam Rifles grounds, where Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb is scheduled to unfurl the National Flag and inspect the ceremonial parade by security personnel. Governor Ramesh Vais will offer floral tribute on a portrait of Mahatma Gandhi at the Circuit House as part of the Independence Day celebrations.
Besides cultural programmes, a special yoga session will be organised at the Assam Rifles grounds. Ministers, MLAs and senior officials will also be present on the occasion. Reports from subdivisions said a detailed programme schedule has been chalked out to celebrate the Independence Day in a befitting manner. .
Meanwhile, security has been beefed up across the State to ensure peaceful celebration of the Independence Day. All important locations are under the watchful eye of security personnel, a senior police officer said on Wednesday, adding that vehicles are being checked extensively.
The 856-km international border has also been put on high alert to thwart any intrusion bid from across the border, said a BSF official.
