77th Independence Day echoes nationwide, yet in muted tones in Manipur and Himachal Pradesh

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Independence Day was celebrated across states and union territories on Tuesday with colourful events and cultural programmes as some chief ministers announced new development and job schemes, while others counted the achievements of their governments. But the celebrations were muted in strife-torn Manipur and rain-battered Himachal Pradesh.

Here is a glimpse of the celebrations from states across the country:Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh hoisted the flag at the 1st Manipur Rifles parade ground in Imphal and urged all to stop the violence. «Certain misunderstandings, actions of vested interests and foreign plot to de-stabilise the country has led to loss of precious lives and properties and many are living in relief camps,» the CM said.

«To err is human so we must learn to forgive and forget,» he said. There was a dawn-to-dusk general strike called by multiple militant outfits in Manipur over the loss of lives and property over the last three months in the ethnic strife.

Across rural areas and in major parts of capital Imphal, shops and markets remained closed and streets wore an almost deserted look due to the general strike.Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga said the «unfortunate and deplorable» incidents of Manipur have «deeply aggrieved» the entire Mizo society. The chief minister said his government has kept a close watch on the situation in Manipur and taken a number of steps for the safety and security of the Mizos stranded in Imphal.