From John K. Kaping
UKHRUL/ Aug.15: “We are proud of our freedom and democracy”, said Ukhrul deputy commissioner R.Sudhan, IAS as chief guest of the 65th Indian Independence day celebration at Hungpung Pakshi ground, Ukhrul amidst a huge number of participants and spectators.
Addressing the gathering, he further expressed his happiness over the commemoration of the vary important and bright day for the entire nation. He said, “we are proud of our values and ideals but we should also remember that it has taken the sacrifices of lakhs of Indian freedom fighters to bring us in the position where we are today”.
Our well-being, our progress have been built-up on the foundation laid by the hard works and sacrifices of our numerous unsung freedom fighters; the brave jawans of our Armed Forces, our farmers, our scientists and others great leaders of India. The true value of democracy has always been superior than the dictatorship as democracy is where we can make the decision of consensus and democracy has provided solution that is sustainable.
Sudhan also enjoined in saying that ‘Nation building is a journey’ beginning right from August 15, 1947 and still continuing.
The deputy commissioner further elaborated on some of the developments in Ukhrul district and stated that in the rural development sector under the MNREGS, 696 kilometres of rural connectivity have been provided, 65 numbers of water harvesting and conservation structures have been created in the district, forestation activities have been successfully taken-up in 2305 hectares of land whereas in the land development activities 114 kms of road connectivity have so far been taken-up and under the MOBC head development 15 water tanks have been constructed.
Referring to development in educational sector, he stated that 25 Junior High Schools have been constructed and116 projects have been implemented under BADP scheme, 484 new constructions and 344 up-gradations under IAY project have been implemented.
Highlighting development in the health and hygiene sector, the DC said that the total sanitation campaign project has the record of 238 school toilets constructed and forming of 252 Village Health sanitation Committees, six PHSCs and 24×7 hospitals under NRHM supported by the state and central governments to ensure the great ambition of “health for all”.
Furthermore, 347 schools under SSA have been established to cater to 2139 students.
Meanwhile, the celebration was also participated by around 60 students of private and government schools, social leaders, women’s organizations, various headmen representatives, state Police and Manipur Riffles (MR) personnel, district head of departments and government employees and general public. Red blankets were also distributed to the various headmen by the Chief Guest.
On the other hand, the media persons had a hard time in covering the event in trying to protect their equipments which could not be expose to the rain, as the district administration had not provided media gallery for the media team. The Ukhrul District Journalists’ Association (UDJA) have expressed in dismay over the humiliation treatment.