Assam Rifles, along with affiliated units and other security forces, has intensified a series of community outreach and patriotic programmes across Manipur ahead of the 80th Independence Day.
As part of the nationwide ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign and programmes marking 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’, the forces have organised sporting events, cultural and artistic competitions, musical performances, environmental activities, medical camps and patriotic rallies across Churachandpur, Chandel, Pherzawl, Tengnoupal, Ukhrul and Imphal West districts.
The initiatives have focused on strengthening civil-military relations, encouraging youth participation and promoting national integration.
Sports activities formed a major part of the celebrations. The 165 Infantry Battalion (TA) (H&H) Assam organised a Solidarity Run at Tulihal in Imphal West, bringing together 116 personnel and local representatives. An inter-community friendly volleyball match was also held at SL Zougam in Chandel on August 13, with 30 participants comprising local residents, Assam Rifles and Border Security Force personnel.
A separate friendly volleyball match was organised by Assam Rifles at Thanlon village in Pherzawl, drawing enthusiastic participation from local youth. At Sehlon in Chandel, a community outreach programme on August 14 featured a women’s volleyball match between the village team and Assam Rifles personnel. Around 142 residents attended the event, which also included a cultural performance by village children.
Patriotic rallies were also organised in several areas. A Tiranga Bike Rally from Pallel to Tengnoupal saw 18 civilian riders join security personnel while carrying the national flag. At T Khongkhai village in Churachandpur, a Tiranga Run drew around 60 participants, including local youth and village authorities.
The forces also engaged students through essay and painting competitions. An essay competition on national values and the significance of Independence Day was organised for 23 students of Classes IX and X at Agape High School in Sangaikot, Churachandpur.
Painting competitions held under the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ theme involved students from schools in Hengkot, Santing L and Kangkap village. Participants presented artwork on peace, nature, culture, education and the national flag, with prizes distributed to winners.
Musical and patriotic programmes were conducted in both urban and remote locations. The pipe band of the 165 Infantry Battalion performed at Bir Tikendrajit International Airport in Imphal, presenting regimental tunes along with popular Hindi and Manipuri songs.
A pipe band display at Bakshi Ground in Ukhrul on August 13 showcased military ceremonial traditions before a large gathering. At St Mary’s School in Beheng, Churachandpur, 286 students, 11 teachers, two Sisters and two Church Fathers took part in a mass singing of the National Anthem.
In Ukhrul district, Somsai Battalion organised ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ programmes at Poi and Tusom villages on August 14, distributing gifts and sweets among around 100 villagers and children. At Machhi in Chandel, a Tiranga Yatra and mass recitation of ‘Vande Mataram’ brought together 30 participants, including nine local residents.
Agape High School in Sangaikot also held an Independence Day programme on August 14, attended by 167 students and 15 faculty members. The event featured flag hoisting, renditions of ‘Vande Mataram’ and recreational activities.
Alongside patriotic programmes, Assam Rifles also conducted initiatives focused on environmental awareness and community welfare. The 165 Infantry Battalion undertook a tree plantation drive at Tulihal in Imphal West.
At T Khongkhai village, a programme combining flag hoisting and mass singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ with a free medical camp was organised on August 14. The camp provided health check-ups, medical consultations and hygiene awareness to villagers.
An interaction on national unity, integrity and the responsibilities of young people was also held with village authorities, youth and residents.
Through the series of programmes, Assam Rifles and other security forces sought to encourage community participation, strengthen mutual trust and promote the spirit of national unity ahead of Independence Day celebrations across Manipur.
