Agartala/Imphal/Shillong, Jan. 21 (IANS): The three north-eastern states of Tripura, Manipur, and Meghalaya on Sunday celebrated their 46th Foundation Day with various programmes and events.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished the people of the three states on the occasion and said he hoped they will continue to achieve new heights in all-round development. In view of the next month’s Assembly elections in Tripura and Meghalaya, the statehood day celebrations in these two states were low-key.
In Tripura, the main function was held at the Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan where Chief Secretary Sanjeev Ranjan, renowned academician Mihir Deb and Information and Cultural Affairs Department Secretary M.L. Dey spoke about the state’s success in the past 45 years.
Deb, also President of the Tripura Board of Secondary Education, said that as the state was already power surplus, this must be utilised for industrialisation and generation of more employment.
“The northeastern states have huge opportunities in developing tourism. Through tourism, numerous problems, including unemployment, would be resolved,” he added.
In Imphal, Governor Najma Heptulla wished the people on the occasion.
In her message, the Governor said: “Manipur attained statehood on January 21, 1972 after it became a member state of the Indian Union. “Statehood Day is always remembered by the people with pride and happiness, a joyous occasion to celebrate and walk alongside other states in taking the country forward.
“It is also a day for introspection as to what we have achieved so far and evolve a strategy to move forward for a secure tomorrow. Our state has progressed as a result of our collective efforts and we have come a long way since the day of our statehood.”
The statehood day celebrations in Meghalaya involved a series of events, including sports meets.
The erstwhile princely states of Tripura and Manipur were merged into Indian Union in October 1949 and became full-fledged states on January 21, 1972.
Meghalaya was part of Assam before becoming a full-fledged state under the North Eastern Region (Re-Organisation) Act, 1971.
Modi greets states
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday wished the people of the Northeastern states of Manipur, Meghalaya and Tripura on their statehood day and hoped they continue to achieve heights in all-round development.
“On their Statehood Day, my greetings to the wonderful people of Manipur. May Manipur continue to scale new heights of growth in the times to come,” Modi said in a series of tweet. In his another tweet, Modi said: Greetings to my sisters and brothers of Meghalaya on their Statehood Day,” Modi said in a series of tweet. I will always cherish the affection of the people of Meghalaya.
The states’ natural beauty is enchanting. I Pray for good health and wellbeing of the people of Meghalaya.” He also greeted Tripura on the Statehood Day and said: “Best wishes to the people of Tripura on their Statehood Day. Tripura is blessed with glorious history and industrious youngsters, whose aspirations we are committed to fulfilling.” Under the North-Eastern Areas (Re-organisation) Act. 1971, Manipur, Meghalaya and Tripura attained statehood on January 21, 1972.
