Students not to take part in parade Toned down R-Day parade on the card

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jan 22: The Republic Day Parade in Manipur will be scaled down and no contingent of school children, college students, cultural troupes  and civil organisations will take part in the parade on January 26 due to COVID-19 pandemic.
The Home Department has issued an order to this effect. The parade will be strictly for uniformed contingents and tableau of Departments, said sources in the Government.
Meanwhile, intensifying security measures ahead of January 26 Republic Day, State police conducted cordon and house to house search operations at different places today.
Imphal West commandos and Singjamei police personnel conducted search operations at Singjamei Sapam Leikai and Leishangthem Leikai this morning. About 80 houses were searched and 180 persons including 10 UG (underground) bail outs were verified. None was detained or picked up by the combined team.
In Imphal East, commando personnel and Porompat police conducted cordon and search operations in and around Palace Gate, Andro Parking and Pureiromba Khongnangkhong from 3 pm to 4.15 pm.
The security personnel verified identities of more than 500 people and picked up 11 persons. The 11 persons have been handed over to Porompat Police Station for further verification.
During the operation, police personnel removed tinted films from around 20 vehicles.
In Thoubal district, a combined team of commandos and police personnel conducted house to house search operations at Khekman Mathak Leikai Huirongbam area and verified the residents.
In addition, police also conducted a search operation at Lilong Sambrukhong from 6 am to 7.30 am and searched about 150 houses. Around 600 people were verified during the operation.
India is celebrating 72nd Republic Day on January 26 and it is observed every year at State and district level.
Due to COVID-19 pandemic, the Government is scaling down the celebration this year and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson had recently cancelled his Republic Day visit to India citing the pandemic.