National security a collective responsibility: Manipur Guv

Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Sunday said national security is a collective responsibility and called upon citizens to strengthen peace and harmony as India advances to achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Bhalla made the remarks during the observance of Kargil Vijay Diwas in Imphal, where he, along with Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh, paid heartfelt tributes to slain soldiers. Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorates India’s historic victory in the Kargil War and celebrates the spirit that safeguarded the nation’s sovereignty.

In his address, the governor paid tributes to the brave soldiers of the Indian Armed Forces, who have, across generations, defended the nation against external aggression with unwavering courage and selfless devotion.

Highlighting Manipur’s rich legacy of service in the Indian Armed Forces, Bhalla encouraged the youth to draw inspiration from the nation’s brave soldiers and dedicate themselves to serving the country with discipline, commitment and patriotism.

“National security is a collective responsibility,” the governor said, urging citizens to “strengthen peace, harmony and national integration as India advances towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047”.

Bhalla recalled the valour of the Kargil heroes and acknowledged the sacrifices made by the country’s armed forces in safeguarding India’s sovereignty, including their recent role in Operation Sindoor.

He said that their service continues to inspire the nation and paid “homage to the ‘Veer Naris’ (war widows) and ‘Veer Matas’ (women who lost their sons in conflict), whose strength, resilience and sacrifices remain an enduring source of inspiration for the country”.

Bhalla said Kargil Vijay Diwas stands as an enduring symbol of patriotism, sacrifice and national pride, and urged everyone to honour the martyrs and their families.

Delivering his speech, the chief minister stated that Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed across the nation, including Manipur, to commemorate India’s victory in the 1999 war and maintained that the victory was made possible through the courage, valour and unwavering determination of the Indian Armed Forces.

Singh recalled that during the war, the Indian Army launched Operation Vijay, which lasted for 78 days.

The operation claimed the lives of around 527 soldiers, including five bravehearts from Manipur.

The chief minister appealed to the people of the State to work together with a sense of shared responsibility and collective commitment towards building a stronger and more developed nation.