Manipur observed its 80th Independence Day in Imphal with a 23-contingent parade, a peace appeal by CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh and honours for police and officials.
Imphal, August 15: Manipur celebrated India’s 80th Independence Day on Saturday, with the state-level ceremony held at the 1st Manipur Rifles Parade Ground in Imphal, where Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh hoisted the National Flag and reviewed a ceremonial parade.
The Chief Minister inspected the Guard of Honour and took the salute at the march-past presented by 23 contingents. The parade was commanded by Haobam Sanghamita, MPS, CO, 19th IRB. Ministers, MLAs, senior government officials and members of the public attended the programme.
Addressing the gathering as chief guest, Khemchand condemned the incident reported from Kangpokpi district on August 14 and appealed to all sections of society to rebuild mutual trust and live together peacefully. He maintained that peace is essential for development and that lasting stability requires mutual trust, justice, dignity and participation by all communities.
The Chief Minister acknowledged the support of the Central Government in efforts to restore peace in Manipur and called on people to work collectively towards peace, development and a stronger state.
Recalling the sacrifices of freedom fighters and earlier generations who contributed to India’s independence, Khemchand referred to the country’s progress in infrastructure, manufacturing, innovation and inclusive development. He pointed to initiatives under Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Digital India, stating that they are creating employment opportunities, strengthening domestic manufacturing and expanding access to public services and digital payments.
On the Viksit Bharat vision, he said the objective is to make India a developed, self-reliant and globally competitive country by 2047. For Manipur, he highlighted infrastructure works in rural and urban areas and efforts to extend healthcare services to remote hill areas through Mobile Medical Units, PM-JANMAN and the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan. He also referred to Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 for strengthening rural drinking water supply.
???? On the 80th Independence Day, I had the privilege of hoisting and unfurling the National Flag at the 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles Parade Ground.
— Khemchand Yumnam (@YKhemchandSingh) August 15, 2026
The ceremonial parade reflected our patriotism, discipline and national unity. Let us honour the sacrifices of our freedom fighters… pic.twitter.com/C1DgP2VKhc
On rural employment, the Chief Minister said the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rojgar and Aajeevika Mission (Grameen) has raised guaranteed employment from 100 to 125 days and wages from Rs 263 to Rs 300. He also highlighted the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana for promoting formal employment.
In agriculture, Khemchand said a bio-reactor unit for biofertilizer production has been established at CSIR-NEIST to support organic farming and improve soil fertility.
He also outlined welfare measures, stating that 35 internally displaced persons suffering from chronic illnesses had recently received Rs 1 lakh each. Around 2.4 lakh beneficiaries received assistance of Rs 91 crore under 17 social welfare schemes, while an Integrated Monthly Pension Processing Scheme was launched to facilitate timely and transparent delivery of social security benefits.
On law and order, the Chief Minister said 477 new vehicles had been distributed to the Manipur Police and ERSS-112 launched to strengthen emergency response. A Manipur Police Museum has also been established to preserve the history and legacy of the force. An exclusive Special NIA Court was established in Thoubal district, while the Nodera Emergency Response Application was launched in Noney for reporting emergencies.
In education, he highlighted the establishment of a District Institute of Education and Training building at Salam and a school library at Heirangoithong High School. Under the 77th Van Mahotsav, 15 lakh tree saplings were planted across Manipur.
The Chief Minister also referred to campaigns aimed at addressing drug abuse among young people, including the Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan and the 10-Crore Addiction-Free Pledge Mega Campaign. Jan-Bhagidari—Sabse Dur, Sabse Pehle and Jan Kalyan Shivir were cited as initiatives for more direct and people-centric delivery of government services. Yashoda AI, a national AI literacy and digital safety campaign, was also highlighted for promoting digital awareness among women through the National Commission for Women.
On sports, Khemchand congratulated Manipuri athletes who won medals at the recent Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and noted the successful organisation of the Durand Cup. He also praised Manipuri sportsperson Ariha Pangambam for winning India’s first gold medal at the Asian Aerobic Gymnastics Championship in Mongolia.
The 23 parade contingents represented the armed and security forces, police, civil departments, youth and educational institutions. They included the 2 J&K Light Infantry Sherwani Battalion, Assam Rifles, BSF, CRPF, combined Manipur Rifles and IRB units, 13th Nagaland Armed Police, civil police contingents from Imphal East, Imphal West and hill districts, 9th IRB Mahila, Manipur Jail, Forest Department, Traffic Police, Home Guards, VDF, Fire Service and Excise Department.
NCC cadets, Sainik School, T.G. Higher Secondary School and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Awasiya Vidyalaya also participated. Combined bands from the J&K Light Infantry, Assam Rifles, CRPF, Manipur Rifles, IRB, Home Guards, VDF and Sainik School accompanied the parade.
The programme featured cultural performances by four Department of Art and Culture troupes and the presentation of a special issue of Manipur Today.
Several police and government personnel were also honoured during the ceremony. Five Special Commando personnel—Langoljam Lenin Singh, Assistant Sub-Inspector; Sidrath Thokchom, Assistant Sub-Inspector; Thounaojam Nichal Singh, Havildar; Kumar Premananda Singh, Rifleman; and Ngasepam Vim Singh, Constable—received the Medal of Gallantry (GM), Republic Day, 2026.
Khuraijam Shashikanta Singh, MPS, Deputy Superintendent of Police, CID (SB), received the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM), Republic Day, 2026.
The Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM), Republic Day, 2025, was conferred on seven personnel: Rajkumar Manbindu Singh, IPS; Sarangthem Ibomcha Singh; Kshetrimayum Prasanta Kumar Singh, MPS; Nehkhonlal Gante; Chungkh... Premchand Singh; Pukhram Bijen Singh; and Kamlemsang Rifleman.
The Chief Minister’s Special Citation for Outstanding Devotion to Service, carrying a certificate, plaque and cash prize of Rs 1 lakh, was awarded to A. Subhash Singh, IAS, Special Secretary (Home), for coordinating IDP rehabilitation, Aadhaar reverification, mandatory biometric verification of children and border-fencing works in Manipur.
The Chief Minister’s Special Reward for Outstanding Devotion to Service, carrying a certificate, plaque and cash reward of Rs 1 lakh each, was awarded to Dr Mayengbam Veto Singh, MCS, and R.K. Manbindu, IPS, for their roles in the negotiation, coordination and implementation of the UNLF Peace Agreement.
The Chief Minister’s Police Trophy for Community Service went to Subedar Thongbam Dalendra Khuman, Subedar Soraisham Jeevan Singh, Jemadar Oinam Shashikumar Singh, Subedar K. Dineshwar Sharma, Jemadar Ksh. Rajen Singh and Inspector Okram Jotin Singh.
The Police Trophy for Anti-Drug Campaign was awarded to G. Ginkhamlal, Subedar; T. Mangkhuam Lian Paite, Havildar; and David Naulak, Constable, all of 1st IRB.
In solid waste management, Jiribam Municipal Council secured first position among Manipur’s 27 urban local bodies, followed by Mayang Imphal Municipal Council and Bishnupur Municipal Council.
Independence Day programmes were also held at district headquarters under the respective district administrations and at various institutions across the state.
