Imphal, Aug 14: Leaving nothing to chance security has been beefed up at the capital city ahead of the Independence Day celebration, in the backdrop of the general strike imposed by different underground outfits to boycott Independence Day celebration.

The general strike called by different underground outfits of the North East region came into force from 1 am of August 15 and will be in force till 5.30 pm the same day.

Security personnel including the State police, Manipur Rifles, IRB and CRPF personnel have been pressed into service and they are being deployed round the clock at all the sensitive zones to pre-empt any strike from the militants.

Even Home Guard personnel were put on security today.

As part of the security drill, security personnel resorted to frisking the passers by at all the major roads of Imphal for the last three days.

Meanwhile a pre-Independence Day celebration was organised by 14 Assam Rifles under the aegis of Red Shield Division at Kangpokpi today.

A number of civic action programmes was organised in connection with the day.

The civic action programme included free medical camp, HIV testing and dental treatment.

Commander of 59 mountain Division, Brig Raman Dhawan and DC of Senapati Dr Prem Singh were the chief guests at the function, said PIB Defence Wing in a statement.

Prizes were distributed to the winners of the Run for Peace, spot painting competition and participants of cultural programme.

Fourteen village chiefs and women society of Kangpokpi, Purul Akutpa were also honoured with Red blankets.

The 22 Assam Rifles also organised a painting competition for school children in connection with the day at Senapati town.

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