UKHRUL: Kangpokpi district observed the 80th Independence Day on Saturday with the district administration holding the main function at the DC Mini Secretariat Complex, while a separate Tiranga Bike Rally led by deputy chief minister Nemcha Kipgen drew over 300 bikers from different communities.
At the district administration’s programme, deputy commissioner Hemant Kumar, IAS, took the General Salute and inspected contingents comprising NCC cadets, 112 Battalion CRPF, civil police, IRB, women police, school students and EMRS students.
The National Flag was then unfurled to the National Anthem. The parade was commanded by SDPO Kangpokpi L. Lhunminlal Khongsai, MPS.
Addressing the gathering, the deputy commissioner paid tribute to the freedom fighters and acknowledged the role of the Armed Forces, police and CAPFs in maintaining peace and security in the district.
Kumar said peace was essential for development, particularly in view of the challenges faced by the region in recent years.
He said more than 2,500 displaced families, comprising over 10,000 people, had been resettled in Kangpokpi district over the past three years. He also highlighted livelihood initiatives, including black rice cultivation and local enterprise schemes.
The deputy commissioner also referred to the reopening of the National Highway for free movement and transportation, and outlined plans to improve infrastructure, connectivity and access to government services in remote areas.
He highlighted the 24/7 WhatsApp governance service and the implementation of PM-JANMAN in 61 villages. He also stressed the need for greater participation of youth, women’s self-help groups, village authorities, civil society organisations and the public in the district’s development.
Appreciation certificates were distributed to government employees during the programme, which was followed by cultural performances by the ITI Thadou-Kuki dance troupe and a Nepali dance troupe from Kalapahar High School.
superintendent of police Kangpokpi Rahul Gupta, IPS, ADM Lamminlal Simte, MCS, SH-ADC James Doujapao, MCS, SDOs, DLOs and members of the public attended the programme.
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Meanwhile, deputy chief minister Nemcha Kipgen led a Tiranga Bike Rally in Kangpokpi as part of the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign.
More than 300 bikers from different communities participated in the rally, which covered nearly 60 km from Kangpokpi district headquarters towards Gamgiphai and Keithelmanbi Military Colony in Champhai Sub-Division.
Participants carried the Tricolour on their motorcycles during the rally.
An 80-foot-long Tricolour was also carried by students in a procession covering nearly one kilometre from Brigadier M. Thomas Ground towards Downtown Kangpokpi.
The celebrations began at the residence of Nemcha Kipgen under the aegis of BJP Sadar Hills, where BJP Sadar Hills president Thangjamang Kipgen spoke on Har Ghar Tiranga and Independence Day. Kipgen then unfurled the National Flag, followed by the National Song and National Anthem.
The bike rally was later flagged off at Brigadier M. Thomas Ground by the deputy chief minister after participants were briefed on traffic and safety measures.
Kipgen, in her address, said the Tricolour belonged to every Indian and called for the spirit of unity to rise above community and political differences.
She also urged the youth to carry the spirit of Independence Day beyond August 15 and contribute towards nation-building.
The deputy chief minister was accompanied by Joel G Haokip, joint secretary to the deputy chief minister’s office and joint secretary, TA & Hills, with additional charge of RD & PR, along with the deputy commissioner and superintendent of police of Kangpokpi, BJP leaders and representatives of civil society organisations.
The two programmes marked Independence Day celebrations in Kangpokpi with official functions as well as large public participation in the Tiranga rally.
