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Our Correspondent
Imphal, April 14 (EMN): The 77th anniversary of flag hoisting day was observed today at Indian National Army (INA) Martyr’s Memorial Complex at Moirang in Manipur’s Bishnupur district.
The function was organised jointly by the department of Art and Culture, North Eastern Council (NEC) and Jawaharlal Nehru Manipuri Dance Academy, Imphal.
It was on April 14, 1944, that the flag of the Indian National Army was hoisted for the first time on Indian soil at Moirang.
Manipur Chief Minister, N Biren Singh, accompanied by the chairman of Manipur State Pollution Control Board L Radhakishore, MLA P Sharatchandra (Moirang), retired Lieutenant General Dr. Konsam Himalay and commissioner of Arts and Culture) M Joy were present during the day’s observation.
Speaking on the occasion, Singh recalled the invaluable contributions made by freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in liberating the country from the then colonial rule of the British. He added that the contributions made by each one of them was much impactful towards attaining the country’s freedom.
Stating that many Indian leaders had played significant roles during the freedom struggle, Singh lamented that their contributions are not known to the subsequent generations. He, therefore, expressed his desire that every citizen should pay homage and remember the past leaders and their roles in making India a free country. He further maintained that every citizen should have a sense of belongingness and bear a true spirit of nationalism, without which no person could achieve success in any field.
Biren also informed that the INA Headquarter at Moirang would be well preserved in memory of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and the Tri-colour flag would also be installed to make it a centre of attraction for tourists.
He further added that the state government has come to an agreement with the owner for purchase of land where the INA headquarters once stood adding that paperwork is under process. He appealed to the people of Moirang not to raise any objection at the time when the owner would be given an alternative space for his residence by the government. He also stressed on the need to enlarge the current INA Memorial Complex.
Singh unfurled the Indian tri-colour flag and led the other dignitaries in paying floral tribute to the statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at the INA Martyr’s Memorial complex. During the day’s function, cultural dances and songs were performed by different troupes.