Imphal, January 05: Even though there is speculation of the year�s Republic Day celebration to be scaled down to mourn the thousands of dead due to tsunami the Manipur Government had issued published programme for the celebrations to be held at the capital city and district headquarters on January 26.As usual the centre of State capital celebration of the Republic Day will be at Kangla Fort where public access would be tremendously eased following shifting of Assam Rifles battalion from the historic site in November last.

The actual ceremony, as schedule of the Government is to begin at 8 am with the flag hoisting and subsequent other formalities including unfurling of the national flag and playing of national Anthem and the march past culminating with the formal reception at Raj Bhavan at 3 pm.

The final celebration of the Republic Day as usual will be held at 1st Manipur Rifles with cultural programmes and presentation of prizes to march past position holders as well as Beating the Retreat at the same evening.

According to the programme, the MAHUD department has been assigned the task of route decoration starting from the 1st MR Ground, including the rehearsal, till again to the starting point via the Secretariat Road, North AOC, Raj Bhavan road and though the Jail Road.

Arrangements would also be made for accommodation of 4000 invitees including 400 VVIPs/VIPs with special enclosure for 100 physically handicapped persons and 50 gallantry award winners/ war widows.

Five elevated commentary booths would also be erected along the celebration routes including at the saluting base at Kangla, and Raj Bhavan traffic point.

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