Imphal, January 27: As in other parts of the country, the 58th Republic Day was celebrated in the State yesterday amidst boycott and general strike called by underground organisations even as the Assam Rifles was accused of forcing villagers sing to their tune.

A statement issued by DIPR informed that the function of the Republic Day was held at Kangla with Governor Dr SS Sidhu as the chief guest who also took the salute of different march-past contingents.

To mark the occasion, Dr Sidhu unfurled the National Flag.

Later the Governor gave away Police Medal for Gallantry and Meritorious Service and Jeevan Raksha Padak Award 2006. Those honoured with Police Medal for Gallantry Awards include SI H Devendra, Jamadar A Subash, ASI Sonayo R Shimray, Havildar P Arunkumar, Havildar Md Abdul Matalib, Rifleman Md Abdul Barique, Head Constable H Ishworchand, Head Constable Wilson Haokip, Head Constable Md Muhasim, Head Constable Kumar Chothe, Jamadar N Ashok Kumar, Havildar Th Bijen and Head Constable K Kiran.

Police Medal for Meritorious Service was conferred to Inspector Md Abdul Salam while the Jeevan Raksha Padak Award 2006 was given to Master Nelson Karam of Lilong Karam Awang Leikai.

The Republic Day parade was commanded by Elangbam Priyokumar, commandant 1st Bn MR.Altogether 51 contingents participated in the parade.

In connection with the Republic Day celebration, DGP Anup Kumar Parashar was adorned with the President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service.

Moreover, prison terms of 12 convicts currently lodged in Sajiwa and Central Jails were reduced by 15 days.

It is also reported that Republic Day was also celebrated in the district head-quarters of Chandel, Churachandpur and Senapati with the respective Deputy Commissioners as the chief guests.

Marking the end of Republic Day celebration, a folk dance festival and Beating of the Retreat were held today at 1st Bn MR ground with Governor Dr SS Sidhu as chief guest.

The folk dance competition was won by Geeta Ideal Dance Training Academy, Khanarok Imphal East while the second and third positions went to Sihai Youth Club, Ukhrul district and Yangkhelchang Khuntha Youth and Cultural Dance Troupe, Chandel district respectively.

The chief guest later gave away prizes to the winners of the folk dance festival and also to winners of the Republic Day parade.

Moreover, the Governor distributed red blankets to the village chiefs of hill districts.

The Beating of the Retreat function was also attended by FCS Minister Th Debendra besides top civil and police officials.

Villagers forced to sing to AR tune: In the aftermath of the ambush undertaken by a UG group against 4 AR yesterday at Takhel, all the men folks of the village were called out and forced to sing "Sare Jahan Se Acha, Hind stan Hamara ...." today morning.

One personnel of 4 Assam Rifles sustained injuries when they came under attack from an UG group at Thumbi Ching, Takhel, about 7 kms South West of Lamlai Police Station yesterday at around 3 pm.

The AR personnel were patrolling on foot when the UG cadres attacked them using automatic rifles and lathode guns.

The injured AR rifleman is identified as Pancha (24) .

His left shin has been severely split.

He is being treated at RIMS.

Coming back to Takhel today morning, AR personnel called outside all the men and women of the village and interrogated them.

A team of reporters who visited the village today observed all the women folks herded at Takhel Panthoibi Bazar while all the men were forced to sit on the road and sing "Sare Jahan Se Acha, Hindustan Humara ...." with their hands put up.

The reporters were able to hear some AR personnel commanding the villagers to sing loud and not in low voice.

Only after a team of Imphal East commandos arrived at the scene and talked with the AR personnel, the villagers were allowed to go home at around 11 am.

According to the villagers, the AR personnel who arrived at the village since wee hours today thrashed four 12 year old boys going for tuition besides caning and slapping every youth they see.

The youths were forced to shout, "Long Live India, PLA Murdabad".

Any body who did not respond to the singing were beaten, the villagers conveyed.

Moreover, only two passenger vehicles were allowed to leave Takhel today.

Asking whether they knew the reasons for parading them outside, the AR personnel threatened to slay all the males of the village in case any incident similar to yesterday's recur ever again in the village.

They said that it was the final warning, the villagers disclosed.

Meanwhile, secretary of Takhel Youth Welfare Organisation E Ranjitkumar has appealed to all concerned not to repeat such activities in the village in future.

On the other hand, at many places people shouted various slogans against the Republic Day celebration saying that it was not relevant to the people of Manipur.

The places include Khaidem, Laiphrakpam, Iram Siphai, Moirang Bazar, Nongmaikhong, Arong Khunou, Khordak, Ningthoukhong, Ngaikhong Khunjao, Mayai Koibi, Chingamakha, Naorem Leikai, Singjamei Kongba Road, Thoubal Haokha, Kiyam Siphai Babu Bazar, Kiyam Siphai Khongmanbi, Tentha, Khoirom Makha Leikai, Wangjing Bazar, Khongjom Bazar, Kamong, Awang Khunou, Salam, Maklang, Konthoujam, Moidangpok and Tharoijam.

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