NE states celebrate 77th Republic Day with patriotic fervor

Along with the rest of India, the eight North East states celebrated the 77th Republic Day of India. The day was marked by the unfurling of the national flag, march past and speeches by governors and chief ministers.
Assam: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday, while leading the state’s 77th Republic Day celebrations at the Khanikar Parade Ground in Dibrugarh, underscored Assam’s rapid economic rise, expanding global engagement and commitment to constitutional values.
Highlighting the state’s economic momentum, CM Sarma cited Reserve Bank of India data to claim that Assam’s growth rate has surpassed the national average.
He said the state’s Gross Domestic Product is growing at an annual rate of 13 to 15 per cent and is projected to reach Rs 10 lakh crore by 2027, placing Assam among the fastest-growing states in the country. The Chief Minister said Assam’s first-ever participation at the World Economic Forum marked a historic milestone, signalling the state’s transition from a historically underdeveloped region to a globally connected and investment-ready destination.
He said the engagement reflected growing national and international confidence in Assam’s economic potential. Reviewing achievements over the past five years, CM Sarma said the state has recorded progress across sectors, including culture, employment, healthcare and peace-building. He noted that traditional dance forms such as Bihu, Jhumoir and Bagurumba have gained international recognition, while Assamese has been accorded classical language status. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister also paid tribute to the martyrs and described Republic Day as a reaffirmation of India’s democratic ethos.
He hailed Dr B.R. Ambedkar as the principal architect of the Constitution and said the Constitution continues to guide India’s democratic framework.
On employment, he said the government has focused on transparent recruitment, resulting in jobs for over 1.56 lakh youths. He also credited the Bodo Accord and the Karbi peace agreement for ensuring lasting peace and stability in the state.
Meghalaya: Meghalaya is the second fastest growing State in India after Tamil Nadu, recording an impressive 9.66 per cent real GDP growth in financial year 2025, nearly double the rate from 2018, Governor C H Vijayashankar said on Monday.
He said that Meghalaya is the only State to consistently maintain an average 10 percent real GSDP growth for three consecutive years post the COVID pandemic. “By the time Meghalaya achieves 60 years of Statehood, we are firmly on course to realising the government’s vision of tripling the size of our economy by 2032, reflecting our commitment to resilient and inclusive development,” the Governor said during the course of his speech after unfurling the national flag on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day celebrated at Polo grounds in Shillong.
Aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat, Vijayshankar said the state government has launched Mission 10 in 2022, focusing on driving investments in critical sectors through public and private partnerships, improving the quality o f education and skilling, and creating future-ready infrastructure. Mission 10 began in 2022 when Meghalaya’s GSDP stood at $5 billion, launching a bold strategy built on 10 strategic opportunities and 10 key commitments to elevate the state into India’s top 10 in per capita income and SDG performance by 2032.
Vijayshankar said, Mission 10 charts an ambitious economic leap, from $5 billion in 2022 to $10 billion by 2028 and $16 billion by 2032, tripling the Meghalaya’s economy within a decade. He said the government’s vision is backed by momentum: since financial year 2018, Meghalaya’s GSDP has already grown by 102 per cent doubling in seven years despite pandemic disruption.
Noting that the government is committed to attracting private sector investment through the Public-Private Partnership model to promote growth and provide employment to our youth, the Governor said, “In recent years, over 71,800 crore in private investments have been grounded through State initiatives.”
Moreover, he said the government aim to mobilise more than 28,000 crore in investments by 2032, generating over 50,000 direct and indirect job opportunities.
(Correspondent)
Sikkim: Sikkim celebrated the 77th Republic Day with full state honours at Paljor Stadium in Gangtok on Monday, as Governor Om Prakash Mathur unfurled the National Flag and took the salute at an impressive ceremonial parade, reflecting the state’s commitment to constitutional values and public service.
Chief Minister Prem Singh Golay, along with senior ministers, legislators, top civil and police officials, and a large gathering of citizens, attended the state-level celebration. The event underscored Sikkim’s respect for democratic traditions and the contributions of government personnel across departments.
A colourful and disciplined parade was one of the highlights of the ceremony. Marching contingents included personnel from the Sikkim Police, Sikkim Armed Police, Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB), Forest Guards, and a special contingent of the 4th Indian Reserve Battalion from Arunachal Pradesh.
The participation of the Arunachal Pradesh IRB added an inter-state dimension to the celebrations, symbolising unity and cooperation among northeastern states. The Arunachal Pradesh IRB contingent was led by Commandant Michael Sambyo, with 31 jawans marching smartly under the command of Sub-Inspector Karmar Kamki, who served as the platoon commander.
Their crisp drill and synchronised movements drew appreciation from dignitaries and spectators alike.
As part of the celebrations, Meritorious Service Awards were conferred on government officials and personnel for their dedicated and exemplary service in their respective fields. Among the award recipients were Rinzing Paljor Bhutia, Superintendent of Police (Vigilance); Rajiv Philip, Deputy Director, State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT); Anil Kumar Bagdas, Additional Secretary, Department of Personnel; and Pravin Lamichaney, Assistant Superintendent of Police, Gangtok.
Mizoram: Mizoram Governor, Gen Vijay Kumar Singh (retd), on Monday said that the state government is firmly committed to enforcing prohibition laws, curbing drug abuse, and safeguarding public health and social order.
Addressing the 77th Republic Day celebrations after unfurling the national flag at the main state function held at Lammual Ground here, the Governor said that from April 2025 till date, Mizoram Police have intensified their sustained campaign against illicit drugs and narcotic substances, resulting in seizures valued at around Rs 816 crore.
He said that during the period, over 217 criminal cases were registered and 338 persons were arrested in connection with illegal drug trafficking.
The Governor said that in a parallel drive against smuggling, Mizoram Police seized a large consignment of illegally imported foreign arecanuts (betel nuts) worth about Rs 17.8 crore, leading to the arrest of those involved. During the same period, the police seized 42 arms along with a substantial cache of ammunition and magazines, resulting in multiple arrests and criminal cases. Fake Indian currency notes of the Rs 500 denomination were also detected and seized, and the offenders were proceeded against in accordance with the law.
“These concerted actions underscore the unwavering commitment of Mizoram Police to safeguarding public order, curbing organised crime, and ensuring the safety and security of the people,” the Governor said.
He said that during the financial year 2025–26, the Excise and Narcotics Department undertook strong enforcement measures against drug trafficking, leading to the arrest and prosecution of 611 offenders, seizure of 474 kg of contraband drugs, and destruction of illegal ganja plantations.
On liquor prohibition, the Governor said that the Mizoram Liquor (Prohibition) Amendment Act, 2025 and the Mizoram Liquor (Prohibition) Rules, 2025, were formally notified in October 2025, providing a strengthened legal framework for enforcement. Following the notification, rigorous implementation of the Act resulted in the arrest of over 4,000 persons and registration of a large number of cases for violations. As a result, revenue exceeding Rs 1.69 crore was collected during the year against the prescribed annual target, he added.
The Governor said that the overall law and order situation in the state during 2025–26 remained peaceful, with no major incidents reported due to the proactive role and constant monitoring by the Mizoram Police. He said that police personnel continue to perform arduous duties to prevent disturbances along the inter-state boundary areas with Assam by deploying adequate security forces. In addition, to secure international border areas with Myanmar from anti-national elements, Mizoram Police, in coordination with border guarding forces such as the Assam Rifles and the BSF, conducts regular joint patrols.
Arunachal: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt. General K.T. Parnaik (retd) on Monday said that the state plays a vital role in India’s clean energy future, with 1.2 GW of hydropower capacity operational and another 4.8 GW under construction.
Unfurling the national flag on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day at Indira Gandhi Park here, the Governor said that the state government has declared 2025-2035 as the “Decade of Hydropower” and is formulating the Arunachal Pradesh Energy Vision 2047 to ensure sustainable and community-centric growth.
He said a major milestone has been achieved with the commencement of commercial operations of one 250 MW unit of the 2,000 MW Lower Subansiri Hydropower Project, while the remaining units are expected to be commissioned by the end of the year, further enhancing the state’s hydropower capacity.
The Governor noted that on September 22, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stones for the 186 MW Tato-I and 240 MW Heo hydropower projects, underscoring Arunachal Pradesh’s critical role in India’s renewable energy transition.
According to him, the state government is also working towards achieving 150 MW of rooftop solar capacity by 2030 under the ‘PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana’, with priority being given to schools and government offices to reduce dependence on conventional energy sources.
Highlighting infrastructure development, Lt. General Parnaik (retd) said that air connectivity has been significantly strengthened with the inauguration of the new terminal at Donyi Polo Airport and the launch of daily direct flights between Itanagar and Delhi, along with regular services to Kolkata.
He said that Arunachal Pradesh marked 50 years of its Legislative Assembly in August 2025, reaffirming its democratic legacy.
Judicial infrastructure has also been strengthened with the inauguration of the Gauhati High Court’s Itanagar Permanent Bench, marking 25 years of the judiciary in the state, along with the establishment of a modern Forensic Science Laboratory to ensure timely and credible justice.
On surface connectivity, he said mega projects such as the Rs 55,000 crore Frontier Highway and the Vibrant Villages Programme — covering over 1,000 km of roads connecting more than 125 border villages — are improving last-mile access, border security and national integration.
Tripura: Tripura Governor Indra Sena Reddy Nallu on Monday said that over 1.08 lakh women in the state have become ‘Lakhpati Didis’, making Tripura a national frontrunner in rural women entrepreneurship.
A ‘Lakhpati Didi’ is a member of a Self-Help Group (SHG) whose annual household income exceeds Rs 1 lakh. Unfurling the National Flag at the main Republic Day function held at the Assam Rifles ground here, the Governor said that women empowerment remains one of the priority sectors of the Tripura government.
To support higher education of girl children from Antyodaya families and to prevent child marriage, the state government has launched a new scheme titled ‘Mukhyamantri Balika Samriddhi Yojana (MBSY)’. Under the scheme, a one-time financial assistance of Rs 50,000 will be provided to each eligible girl child belonging to Antyodaya families and born on or after April 1, 2025.
Only two girl children from an Antyodaya family will be eligible for benefits under the scheme.
The Governor said that another new scheme, ‘Mukhyamantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana’, has also been launched during 2025-26. Under this scheme, a girl aged 18 years and above from an Antyodaya family will be provided Rs 50,000 for marriage purposes.
Highlighting the state’s performance in the education sector, Reddy Nallu said Tripura achieved a historic milestone by being declared a fully literate state on June 23, 2025, becoming the third state in the country to attain this status.
He said that through successful implementation of the ‘ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society) – New India Literacy Programme’, the state’s literacy rate has risen to 95.6 per cent, well above the national average.
The Governor informed that the state government has approved the proposal to upgrade the existing Women’s College into a state university to be named ‘Tripura Government Women’s University’.
He said the government has also initiated the process to upgrade the Tripura Institute of Technology (TIT) into a State Technical University to strengthen higher education infrastructure. Additionally, a new Women’s College will be set up at Nalchar in Sepahijala district to create more opportunities for female students.
Manipur: Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Monday said that the state, with its rich cultural heritage, unity in diversity and indomitable spirit, has consistently played a significant role in strengthening the fabric of the nation.
In his Republic Day message, the Governor said that the courage, resilience and talent of the people of Manipur, particularly in the fields of sports, arts, culture and public service, continue to inspire the entire country.
He said that Republic Day marks a historic moment when the Constitution of India came into force on January 26, 1950, establishing the nation as a sovereign, socialist, secular and democratic republic.
The day, he said, serves as an occasion to reaffirm unwavering faith in the constitutional values of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity, which form the foundation of the nation.
“As we celebrate Republic Day, let us collectively resolve to uphold the ideals enshrined in our Constitution, strengthen peace and harmony, and work with dedication towards inclusive development and social justice,” the Governor said. He added that the occasion should renew the collective commitment to nation-building and to ensuring progress, dignity and equal opportunities for all citizens.
The northeastern state joined the nation in celebrating the 77th Republic Day, with the Governor unfurling the National Flag and taking the salute from various march-past contingents at the historic Kangla Fort. Later, the Governor unfurled the Tricolour amid the playing of the National Anthem and took the salute from 67 march-past contingents, including band contingents and mounted police, commanded by the Commandant of 8th Manipur Rifles N. Madhunimai Singh.
As many as 14 cultural troupes and tableaus representing different government departments also participated in the parade.
Delivering the vote of thanks at the 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles Parade Ground, Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel said that the Constitution guarantees fundamental rights that uphold the dignity and freedom of every citizen.
He said that citizenship entails both privileges and responsibilities, including respect for the rule of law, preservation of national unity, promotion of harmony, protection of public property and contribution to the nation’s progress, while remembering fundamental duties. This harmonious balance of rights and duties remains a source of enduring pride for all Indians, he said.
The Chief Secretary expressed gratitude to the people of Manipur for their cooperation, resilience and faith in democratic institutions, which he said remain the true foundation of the Republic.
Goel appealed to the people to renew their commitment to the ideals of the Constitution, strengthen peace and harmony, advance inclusive and sustainable development, and work together for a prosperous, united and resilient Manipur within a strong and vibrant India.
The Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly, MLAs, the Security Advisor, the Director General of Police, and senior civil and police officials also attended the celebrations.