Imphal: Manipur celebrated the 80th Independence Day on Saturday with the state-level function held at the 1st Manipur Rifles Parade Ground in Imphal, where Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh hoisted the National Flag and took the salute at a ceremonial march-past featuring 23 contingents.
The parade was commanded by Haobam Sanghamita, MPS, CO, 9th IRB, with Pramesh Arambam, MPS, CO, 4th IRB, serving as Reserve Parade Commander. Ministers, MLAs, senior government officials and members of the public attended the celebration.
Addressing the gathering as chief guest, Khemchand strongly condemned Friday’s incident in Kangpokpi district and appealed to all sections of society to rebuild mutual trust and live together peacefully.
He said peace was the foundation of development and that lasting stability could be achieved through mutual trust, justice, dignity and participation of all communities. Acknowledging the Central Government’s support in restoring peace in Manipur, he called on the people to work collectively towards peace, development and a stronger state.
Recalling the sacrifices of freedom fighters and ancestors, the Chief Minister highlighted India’s progress in infrastructure, manufacturing, innovation and inclusive development. He said initiatives such as Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Digital India were creating employment opportunities, strengthening domestic manufacturing and expanding access to public services and digital payments.
On Manipur’s development, Khemchand said infrastructure projects were being undertaken in rural and urban areas, while healthcare services were being extended to remote hill areas through Mobile Medical Units, PM-JANMAN and the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan. He also highlighted efforts under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 to strengthen rural drinking water supply.
The Chief Minister said the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rojgar and Aajeevika Mission (Grameen) had increased guaranteed employment from 100 to 125 days and wages from Rs 263 to Rs 300. He also highlighted the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana for promoting formal employment.
In agriculture, he said a bio-reactor unit for biofertiliser production had been established at CSIR-NEIST to support organic farming and improve soil fertility.
On welfare measures, Khemchand said 35 internally displaced persons suffering from chronic illnesses had recently been provided Rs 1 lakh each, while around 2.4 lakh beneficiaries received Rs 91 crore under 17 social welfare schemes. He also said an Integrated Monthly Pension Processing Scheme had been launched for timely and transparent delivery of social security benefits.
On law and order, the Chief Minister said 477 new vehicles had been distributed to the Manipur Police and the ERSS-112 emergency response system had been launched. A Manipur Police Museum had also been established to preserve the history and legacy of the force.
He further highlighted the establishment of an exclusive Special NIA Court in Thoubal district and the launch of the Nodera Emergency Response Application in Noney to facilitate emergency reporting.
In education, Khemchand highlighted the establishment of a District Institute of Education and Training building at Salam and a school library at Heirangoithong High School. Under the 77th Van Mahotsav, 15 lakh tree saplings were planted across the state.
He also highlighted initiatives aimed at combating drug abuse among youth, including the Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan and the 10-Crore Addiction-Free Pledge Mega Campaign.
The Chief Minister also spoke about Jan-Bhagidari—Sabse Dur, Sabse Pehle and Jan Kalyan Shivir as initiatives aimed at ensuring direct and people-centric delivery of government services. Yashoda AI, a national AI literacy and digital safety campaign, was also highlighted for promoting digital awareness among women.
On sports, Khemchand congratulated Manipuri sportspersons who won medals at the recent Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and noted the successful organisation of the Durand Cup. He also lauded Manipuri sportsperson Ariha Pangambam for winning India’s first gold medal at the Asian Aerobic Gymnastics Championship in Mongolia.
The ceremonial parade featured contingents from the armed forces, police, civil departments, youth and educational institutions. These included the 2 J&K Light Infantry Sherwani Battalion, Assam Rifles, BSF, CRPF, combined Manipur Rifles and IRB units, 13th Nagaland Armed Police, civil police contingents from Imphal East, Imphal West and hill districts, 9th IRB Mahila, Manipur Jail, Forest Department, Traffic Police, Home Guards, VDF, Fire Service and Excise Department.
NCC cadets, Sainik School, T.G. Higher Secondary School and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Awasiya Vidyalaya also participated. Combined bands from the J&K Light Infantry, Assam Rifles, CRPF, Manipur Rifles, IRB, Home Guards, VDF and Sainik School accompanied the parade.
The programme also featured cultural performances by four Department of Art and Culture troupes and the presentation of a special issue of Manipur Today.
Five Special Commando personnel — Langoljam Lenin Singh, Assistant Sub-Inspector; Sidrath Thokchom, Assistant Sub-Inspector; Thounaojam Nichal Singh, Havildar; Kumar Premananda Singh, Rifleman; and Ngasepam Vim Singh, Constable — received the Medal of Gallantry (GM), Republic Day 2026.
Khuraijam Shashikanta Singh, MPS, Deputy Superintendent of Police, CID (SB), received the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM), Republic Day 2026.
The Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM), Republic Day 2025, was conferred on seven personnel, including Rajkumar Manbindu Singh, IPS; Sarangthem Ibomcha Singh; Kshetrimayum Prasanta Kumar Singh, MPS; Nehkhonlal Gante; Chungkh… Premchand Singh; Pukhram Bijen Singh; and Kamlemsang Rifleman.
The Chief Minister’s Special Citation for Outstanding Devotion to Service, carrying a certificate, plaque and cash prize of Rs 1 lakh, was awarded to A. Subhash Singh, IAS, Special Secretary (Home), for his coordination of IDP rehabilitation, Aadhaar reverification, mandatory biometric verification of children and border-fencing works in Manipur.
The Chief Minister’s Special Reward for Outstanding Devotion to Service, carrying a certificate, plaque and cash reward of Rs 1 lakh each, was awarded to Dr Mayengbam Veto Singh, MCS, and R.K. Manbindu, IPS, for their roles in the negotiation, coordination and implementation of the UNLF Peace Agreement.
The Chief Minister’s Police Trophy for Community Service was awarded to Subedar Thongbam Dalendra Khuman, Subedar Soraisham Jeevan Singh, Jemadar Oinam Shashikumar Singh, Subedar K. Dineshwar Sharma, Jemadar Ksh. Rajen Singh and Inspector Okram Jotin Singh.
The Police Trophy for Anti-Drug Campaign was awarded to G. Ginkhamlal, Subedar; T. Mangkhuam Lian Paite, Havildar; and David Naulak, Constable, all of the 1st IRB.
In solid waste management, Jiribam Municipal Council secured first position among Manipur’s 27 urban local bodies, followed by Mayang Imphal Municipal Council and Bishnupur Municipal Council.