Imphal, January 20: The statehood day celebration of Manipur will be observed on January 21 at the 1st Manipur Rifles parade ground, Imphal.

The Chief Minister, Okram Ibobi Singh will address the function.

All community prayers will be done at 9.50 am followed by presentation of patriotic songs by artists of government Music College.

Manipur had attained statehood in 1972.The Governor Dr SS Sidhu said in a message, "Thirty three years ago on Jan 21, 1972 Manipur attained statehood and the Day marked the fulfillment of a cherished aspiration of the people and gave an added responsibility to them to shape their own destiny.

No doubt, since attainment of statehood, Manipur has made progress on various fronts.

Much more has, however, to be done to catapult Manipur into a higher orbit of development.

Violence arising out of insurgency and ethnic strife amongst different communities, besides blemishing the long and glorious history of peaceful co-existence, unity and brotherhood amongst the myriad groups inhabiting this beautiful land, have been hampering the progress of development.

The wheels of development can move faster only when there is peace.

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