Imphal, April 15: As in all over India, the diamond jubilee celebration of JAK LI Regt has also commenced in Manipur from today.

In Manipur, the two battalions of the JAK LI Regt, namely 10 JAK LI and 15 JAK LI would be organising a number of events over the year to commemorate the Diamond jubilee.

On the first day of the celebration today, 15 JAK LI organised a number of competitions at Bishnupur including a mini marathon from Ngaikhong Khunou to Ningthoukhong, a boat race in Loktak project canal and a drawing competition. The mini marathon was flagged off by CO of 15 JAK LI at 6:30 am.

The winner in the men's category was Naik Rashpal.

Runner up was Rifleman Sohan Lal and the third position was secured by Rifleman Harbhajan.

In the women's category, Sushmita Devi of Kha Khunou, Ningthoukhong won the race, followed by Prema of Kha Khunou, Ningthoukhong in second position and the third position was secured by L Dhaneshwari of Kha Khunou, Ningthoukhong.

Among children under 15 years, Th Surjit of Ngaikhong Khunou was the winner followed by S Dhanachandra of Keinou and O Dutta of Keinou Awang Leikai who were in second and third position respectively.

In the boat race, 25 teams participated.

The winner team was of Tethy of Ningthoukhong and Bijen of Ningthoukhong, with second team of Rimes of and Thoiba of Ningthoukhong.

Among women teams, the winner was from Taupokpi village comprising of Bina and Pocha with runners up from Ningthoukhong village comprising of Premi and L Manilayma.

In the painting and drawing competition, the winners were Binesh Laishram of Nachou in senior men category, W Inglemba of Phubala in under 15-year boy's category and L Gunita under 15-year girl s' category.

After the event CO 15 JAK LI congratulated all the participants and prize winner.

MLA of Bishnupur A/C Govindas, SP Bishnupur Jayanta and Chief Engineer of NHPC Lalmani graced the occasion and promised whole-hearted support to 15 JAK LI in all its efforts to promote sports in Manipur.

During the year-long celebration, 15 JAK LI would also be organising a motor cycle expedition from Imphal to Jammu via Khardungla Pass covering a distance of 7000 kms and educational tours for children of Bishnupur to Kashmir.

The JAK LI Regt is a unique Regt in the Indian Army, for it was not raised by any Govt order or Gazette.

It was raised on April 15, 1948 from the volunteers, who organised themselves to defend their motherland from the evil designs of Pakistan.

During the last 60 years, the Regt has earned the reputation of 'Friendly for people and fearsome for enemy', by its commendable performance in all wars, at Saichen and Kargil as well as in UN MSNs and other areas affected by militancy.

Today this youngest Infantry Regiment with 15 Regular Infantry Battalions and 3 TA Battalions are helping people in Manipur through various MCA programmes, according to a statement made available to the press.

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