Jammu/Kolkata/Guwahati/Chennai/Panaji/Imphal, Jan 26 (IANS) Republic Day was Monday celebrated across India with gaiety and patriotic fervour, as leaders stressed the need of rooting out corruption and working for development and asked insurgents to shun violence. The day was largely peaceful, barring two blasts in Assam and four in Manipur.
Two blasts were triggered by the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) near Assam's Digboi town, while four low intensity blasts took place near the venue of the main Republic Day function in Manipur capital Imphal. No one was injured in the two places, officials said.
Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi reiterated the government's tough stand on militancy, and urged insurgents to shun violence, while Governor P.B. Acharya expressed concern over the killing of rhinos and said preservation of the state's symbol was a collective responsibility.
Jammu and Kashmir Governor N.N. Vohra hoped an elected government would soon take over the reins in the state, and also expressed concern that the past year saw repeated violations of the ceasefire by Pakistan and attempts at infiltration.
Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh also appealed to militants to shun violence and join the mainstream for development of the state. "Violence will bring nothing good for the state and make people suffer," he said.
In Mumbai, Maharashtra Governor C.V. Rao unfurled the tricolour at Shivaji Park, and spoke about the Devendra Fadnavis government's various initiatives.
In Bengaluru, Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala unfurled the tricolour, as an air force helicopter showered rose petals at the Field Marshal Manekshaw parade ground, where Chief Minister Siddarmaiah was also present. The armed forces, police, National Cadets Corps and hundreds of school children took part in the parade.
In Aizawl, Mizoram Governor Aziz Qureshi said the state was fully committed to root out corruption in all its forms.
In Panaji, Goa Governor Mridula Sinha blamed tourists for the cultural intrusion in the tourism-friendly state.
"Tourists who come here bring with them some kind of culture. We welcome all good things which they bring. But some things which they bring distract our youth. For Goa, tourism is an important industry. People who come to Goa think it is a place only for enjoyment. I can say there are some social diseases which need control. We should know what to accept and what not to accept from them (tourists)," she said in her address.
In Tura, Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said the government has adopted new developmental initiatives to bring in rapid socio-economic transformative changes, and lauded the security forces for their achievements in the fight against militants.
In Jaipur, Rajasthan Governor Kalyan Singh said everyone should work for the state's development, and that the state was working on a strategy to provide employment to 15 lakh youth.
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar said the Left Front government will not allow any attempt to divide the northeastern state.
"A section of people are trying to split the state and disturb peace. The government will resist the move," he said after unfurling the tricolour in Agartala.
He said that despite the best efforts of security forces, terrorism was yet to be curbed, as militants still have camps in neighbouring Bangladesh.
In Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala Governor P. Sathasivam asked people to improve the quality of education and be concerned about the environment. Kerala has made big strides in education but it still remains a case of "a little done and vast undone", he added.
West Bengal Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi unfurled the tricolour in Kolkata. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee watched the proceedings, and later posted on Twitter: "On this Republic Day let us again rededicate ourselves to being a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic."
Republic Day was also celebrated across Bihar with joy and enthusiasm, while Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi appealed to people to maintain communal harmony and peace. Maoists had put up black flags in Gaya, Aurangabad, Jamui and Banka districts to protest against Republic Day.
In Andhra Pradesh, Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan exuded confidence that the state would recover the lost ground and move on a trajectory of growth and development. He also paid tributes to Pingali Venkaiah, who designed the national flag and hailed from this region.
Republic Day was celebrated across Odisha with gaiety and enthusiasm despite intelligence inputs about a possible terror strike and amidst a Maoist boycott call. Hoisting the tricolour in Cuttack, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik reaffirmed his commitment to building a prosperous state.
Tamil Nadu Governor K. Rosaiah unfurled the national flag in Chennai. Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam, his ministers and a large number of people enjoyed the various floats and dances by colourfully-attired school students.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav greeted the people on Republic Day, and hoped that they will commit themselves to take the country forward on the path of progress and prosperity.
America's reply to China on Kovid arrangements said- We are doing a scientific test for Chinese passengers
The United States said on Tuesday that the Covid test for travelers arriving from China is scientific and Beijing's rising coronavirus cases are due to a lack of transparency on the part of its
Congressman Gurudas Kamat hits back at the BJP
Mumbai, Jan 28 (IANS) A day after the BJP attacked senior Congress leader Gurudas Kamat for his comments on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's marital status, he hit back saying "Modi is not god" who
India Vs West Indies T20: Why did West Indies lose in the 3rd T20I? Captain Rovman Powell explained the reason and blamed the defeat on the batsmen
IND vs WI T20I Series 2023: The West Indies team, which performed brilliantly in the first two matches, fell on their face in the third T20 International match. The Caribbean team suffered a 7-wicket
In Corona India: Active case fell by more than 5 thousand for the fourth consecutive day, it has reduced to 4.22 lakh, this is the lowest in the last 133 days
Continuation of the decline in the active case of Corona in the country continues for six consecutive days. 5059 active cases were reduced on Wednesday. This was the fourth consecutive day when more
SC's clear statement on bulldozer action, said- Government power should not be misused.
The Supreme Court made a big comment during the hearing on the bulldozer action on Wednesday (13 November 2024). The court said that government power should not be misused. The judge is reading the
Lalu Yadav News: Lalu Yadav was released from Palamu court, the court gave 'freedom' with 6000 fines
Lalu Yadav News RJD national president Lalu Prasad Yadav appeared in Palamu court on Wednesday in connection with the violation of the model code of conduct. The matter was going on in Satish Kumar
Shah Rukh Khan: This is how Shahrukh Khan got 'Dunki', said- 'Had pitched a tent in front of Rajkumar Hirani's house'
Bollywood King Shahrukh Khan is in the headlines these days for his upcoming film 'Dunki'. Shahrukh and 'Dunki' producer Rajkumar Hirani released the announcement video of the film a year ago. In this
616 students conferred diplomas at IIM-Lucknow convocation
Lucknow, March 14 (IANS) The 29th annual convocation of the Indian Institute of Management-Lucknow (IIM-L) was held on Saturday, with 616 students being awarded their diplomas by its director,
Police started a rebellion against the Shahbaz government. Why did thousands of soldiers have to be deployed in PoK?
The situation in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) continues to deteriorate. Following the Awami Action Committee (AAC), the police in PoK have also taken to the streets to protest against the Pakistani
Pakistan: UN also accepted the increasing cases of forced conversion and marriage in Pakistan, appealed for action
The United Nations on Monday expressed concern over the increase in the number of abductions, forced marriages, and conversions of minor women from various religious minorities in Pakistan. The UN has
