IMPHAL, August 15: Along with the rest of the country, the 70th Independence Day was celebrated across in Manipur amidst tight security on Monday. The main observation was held at 1st Bn Manipur Rifles Parade Ground in the heart of Imphal town.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh said the state government is trying its best to introduce a Bill after consulting all the stakeholders. “Extend cooperation to the effort of the government in drafting a new Inner Line Permit (ILP)-related Bill in the Assembly.” he appealed. It may be mentioned that of the three ILP-related Bills passed by the State Assembly on August 31 last year, the Protection of Manipur Peoples’ Bill, 2015 was rejected by the President of India. The deputy chief minister Gaikhangam, cabinet ministers, MLAs and top brass of civil and security forces also attended the day’s Independence Day observation. There are also reports of Independence Day celebrations in all the district headquarters.
The normal life in the state particularly in the capital was severely paralyzed in view of the 17 hours total shutdown by Coordination Committee (CoCom), a committee formed by six major insurgent organizations and boycott called by some other armed groups in Manipur. The shut down comes to an end at 6 pm.
The busy market places, business establishments, offices both government and privates besides educational institutions remained closed from dawn to dusk due to the shut down and boycott. Most of the residents also stayed indoor during the shut down.
