Imphal, March 6 (UNI) – Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh said the Army protects the nation and they have put everything behind including their families to protect and serve the country, and it is the responsibility of the people to show them respect, honour and to support them.
N. Biren Singh interacted with ex-servicemen at Koirengei here on Monday and announced that a girls’ only Sainik School will be opened in the Bishnupur district.
Further recounting the sacrifices and contributions of the Army personnel from the State including Major Jotin’s sacrifice in Afghanistan and Major Bob Khathing’s contribution to nation-building, the Chief Minister said that the State government has earmarked Rs 3 crore to setup a Martyrs’ Memorial at the ex-servicemen office complex so that people can show their respect and pay homage to the martyrs every year.
The Chief Minister said today the relation between the people and security forces has improved tremendously and there is harmony.
He also informed the audience about various welfare schemes for ex-servicemen undertaken by the State Government like Enhancement of Cash Rewards to Gallantry Medal Awardees and Infrastructure Development projects of Rajya Sainik Boards.
CM also felicitated war widows, Gallantry Medal Awardees and Paid Homage to the bravehearts of Manipur, who had laid down their lives in the line of duty.
Speaking on the occasion, Brigadier Neil John, SM Deputy GOC Red Shield Division welcomed the veterans and their family members. He thanked them for their sacrifice and services to the nation and urged them to keep contributing towards social and nation-building.
Lt Gen LN Singh ( Retd) also addressed the gathering conveying gratitude to all the veteran’s community of Manipur. On the occasion Grievance Cells from Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (Pensions), Record Offices of various regiments and services, SPARSH & SUVIGYA cell were set up to ascertain and resolve the issues faced by the veterans and their families. Information Stalls of Army Recruitment Office, ECHS Polyclinic, Director General of Resettlement, Skill Development & Social Welfare Department, Govt of Manipur; RSB & ZSB; UdChalo, SBI, Axis, ICICI, PNB & HDFC Banks, were also established at the Rally site.
The special medical camp organised with various specialists at the rally site provided on-the-spot medical care and consultancy to over a thousand Veterans and War widows.
Brig Neil John, SM, Dy GOC, 57 Mtn Div said Manipur, a vibrant region with a rich culture of 2000 years has historically been a land of valour and sacrifice.
The contribution of the brave sons and daughters of Manipur in nation-building and the Indian Army is unparalleled and second to none, he said.
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