Imphal, January 27: Yet once again the Republic Day celebration in the State was overshadowed by the Statewide general strike called by different outfits including MPLF.

Nevertheless the 57th Republic Day of the country was organised in a grand style even as public participation was negligible.

The main function of this year's Republic Day was held at Kangla with Governor SS Sidhu as chief guest.

After inspecting the Guard of Honour, the Governor unfurled the tricolour amidst the tune of National Anthem played by a troupe of the Manipur Rifles band.

The chief guest responded the salute of 56 contingents which include IRB, CRPF, Manipur Police, MR, NCC, ex-servicemen and cultural troupes.

The parade was led by CO of 2nd MR, S Lairenjao.

Eight decorated tableaus belonging to IFCD, Health Department, Horticulture and Soil Conservation, MAHUD, MANIREDA, Power and Fire Service also took part in the parade.

Moreover, international pugilists, MC Mary Kom and L Sarita who were inducted in the State Police Department, dressed in their traditional attires joined the parade atop an antique military jeep.

As in the previous years, the march past parade set off from 1st MR ground and passed through Kangla where the contingents honoured the chief guest with customary salutes and then to North AOC, Khoyathong, Kanglapat before converging at the starting point where Chief Minister O Ibobi gave vote of thanks to all participants.

In his address, Ibobi highlighted various aspects of development programmes in the country since becoming a republic on January 26, 1950.He noted that the country with its 7.2 percent economic growth rate has now become an economic power.

The Union Government is putting all efforts to bring equitable development in the hills and valley of Manipur, observed Ibobi.

The Chief Minister further called upon the people of the State to strive for unity and communal harmony and peaceful co-existence so as to bring progress and development in the State on all fronts.

The celebration culminated with a reception of leaders of the State, high ranking officials and other dignitaries hosted by the Governor at Raj Bhavan.

In consonance with the Republic Day celebration, gallantary awards were conferred to State security personnel including SP of Imphal West, Clay Khongsai, Commando OC, Krishnatombi and Addl SP Radheshyam.

It is reported that Republic Day was celebrated in all the district headquarters of the State under strict vigil and tight security.

However, public participation in the celebration was negligible and normal activities in the State were severely disrupted on account of the general strike called by the underground outfits of many North Eastern States including Manipur.

All business establishments in the State capital remained closed and all public and private vehicles stayed off the road with the exception of emergency services.

On the other hand a foolproof security arrangement was made in and around Imphal to avert any attempt to jeopardise the R-Day Celebration.

However no untoward incident was reported during the general strike.

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