
Churachandpur joins the rest of the country in celebrating 79 years of India’s Independence. A district-level program is held at Peace Ground, Tuibong. Dharun Kumar S, Deputy Commissioner of the district, hoisted the National Flag and took the Rashtriya Salute as the Chief Guest from the Parade Contingents. Jay Barange, IPS, SDPO, Churachandpur, commanded the 33 march past contingents.
Addressing a diverse gathering of officials, youth and community members after hoisting the National Flag, the Deputy Commissioner called upon citizens to uphold the values of integrity, courage and inclusive development, invoking the spirit of Operation Sindoor as a guiding force for collective progress.
The Deputy Commissioner paid tribute to the sacrifices made by citizens and security personnel in safeguarding peace across Churachandpur’s hills and valleys. He also acknowledged the disciplined efforts of district officers and civil society organisations in promoting transparent and accountable governance.

Highlighting key developmental strides, Kumar announced the inauguration of a state-of-the-art IT Centre at Churachandpur College, equipped with 200 computer nodes for online competitive examinations. “Funded by the Ministry of Home Affairs and formally launched by then Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla, this centre has already hosted examinations by SSC, IBPS and NTA, positioning Churachandpur as a regional hub for aspirants,” he said. He noted that the initiative has especially benefited internally displaced persons (IDPs), with over 1,131 academic documents retrieved and reconstructed since May 2022.
Turning to the health sector, the Deputy Commissioner said that Mission Damna, under the Aspirational Block initiative, has brought renewed momentum to citizen-centric schemes. “The College of Nursing is preparing to launch its academic session for 2025–26, marking a significant investment in long-term capacity building,” he added.

He also reaffirmed the district’s commitment to gender equity through initiatives such as the SAKHI One Stop Centre and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, which continue to provide critical services and advocacy for women and girls.
Acknowledging recent challenges, Shri Kumar said, “Torrential rains and landslides along NH-02 disrupted connectivity to several villages. In response, the Indian Air Force deployed a Mi-17 helicopter to air-drop essential supplies, including food and medicines. The Muolhoiching helipad became a focal point of coordinated relief efforts.”
Reiterating the foundational values of the Indian Republic—justice, liberty, equality and fraternity, the Deputy Commissioner urged public offices to operate with both urgency and compassion. “True leadership is tested in moments of challenge,” he said, calling on every citizen to strengthen the service chain, recognising that even a single weak link can affect hundreds.
Concluding his address, Kumar reaffirmed the district’s commitment to building a republic that lives by its highest ideals, even as it continues to navigate post-disaster recovery and developmental challenges.

The programme also featured cultural performances and traditional dances from various communities. Kumar presented appreciation certificates to 121 government employees and institutions, 144 personnel from the Manipur State Police, IRB and CAPF, and 15 individuals and NGOs for their outstanding contributions to public service.
As part of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA), a mass pledge-taking ceremony against drug abuse was held, with Shri Thangboi Gangte, ADC, administering the oath.
A publication of the District Information Office, Churachandpur, titled Churachandpur Reporter, highlighting the activities and achievements of various government schemes and programmes implemented across the district, was also distributed to dignitaries and members of the public. (DIO)

The Hills Journal
K. Salbung, Churachandpur
Manipur-795128