Salutes paid to '71 Heroes on Vijay Divas
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 16 2009: As in other parts of the country, Vijay Divas was observed in the State remembering the Indian martyrs of the 1971 Indo-West Pakistan for the liberation of East Pakistan now known as Bangladesh.

Held at Bir Tikendrajit Park here, the main observance function was organised by the State Government with Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh as chief guest, Health and Family Welfare Minister Ph Parijat as functional president.

A large number of ex-servicemen of Indian Army was present at the occasion.

CM Ibobi laying wreaths at martyrs sites at Bir Tikendrajit Park, the main observance function was organised by the State Government with Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh as chief guest, Health and Family Welfare Minister Ph Parijat as functional president

The Chief Minister led the congregation in offering floral tributes to the martyrs.

A two minutes silence was also observed as mark of respect to the departed souls even as a contingent of Manipur Rifles presented guard of honour.

Speaking at the occasion, the Chief Minister assured that necessary welfare measures and programmes would be taken up for the retired Army personnel as well as members of Rajya Sainik Board.

There is no question of the Government neglecting them at any time.

Reacting to the charges of violating the election code of conduct levelled against him by some political parities over his remarks in observance of World Disabilities Day few days back, the Chief Minister asserted that he had not violated any election code of conduct in saying something which is already under implementation.

No new commitment had been given.

He further said that since Manipur is a part of India today, every Manipuris are free citizens of India.

So as citizens of India, it is the duty of each one of us to protect the integrity and sovereignty of India.

We should also honour the Indian Army who were martyred in the 1971 Indo-Pak war.

The fact that there were three Manipuri soldiers among those who sacrificed their lives in the said war should make us proud all the more, the Chief Minister added.

In his presidential address, Health and Family Minister Ph Parijat observed that the that the fact that Manipuri people have always played a major role in protecting the integrity and sovereignty of India has been illustrated time and again by the sacrifices made by Manipuri soldiers in every battlefields.

Taking advantage of the occasion, the ex-servicemen expressed their wishes for the Government of Manipur to pay special attention to their welfare from time to time and ensure development of Rajya Sainik Board.