Khurumjari – Namaskar –

Shri Vikram Sahgal Inspector General of Police Manipur & Nagaland Sector CRPF Imphal, Family members of Shaheed Manoranjan Singh, CRPF Personnel, friends from print and electronic media, ladies and gentlemen present.

You have already been made aware of today’s programme in detail asnarrated by Shri. VikramSahgal Inspector General of Police Manipur & Nagaland Sector CRPF Imphal.

Braveheart Shaheed Manoranjan Singh was born in the holy house of (Late) Ng.Budhachandra Singh and Mrs. Ng.(O) Memcha Devi on 1^st April 1979 at Yurembam Makha Leikai in Imphal West district and joined CRPF as Gazetted Officer during the year 2007. During his basic training, he was best known as ‘RUNNING FREAK’ amongst his batchmates. On 17/09/2009, ShaheedManoranjan Singh of CRPF Manipur & Nagaland Sector – 201 COBRA Bn was deputed to launch an operation against Maoists at village Singhanmadgu, PS-Chintagufa, Distt. Dantewada. During the operation, troops under his command raided a weapon factory being run by the Maoists and neutralized one maoist camp. Seven Muzzle loaded guns, one.303 Rifle, two country made guns, thirteen barrels of guns and other incriminating articles were recovered from the site. After dismantling the factory and a training camp established alongwith the factory, the troops planned their withdrawal. As the troops were withdrawing, the Maoists waiting in an ambush opened indiscriminate fire at the troops. The Maoists then tried to encircle the troops. Observing the movement of Maoists, the brave commander Shaheed Manoranjan Singh divided his team into three formations and launched a three prone counter-attack. A fierce gun battle took place in the dense jungle which resulted in loss of life on both sides. The concerted effort and valour of brave troopers forced the Maoists to flee from the area. In this battle six brave officers and men, including ShaheedShri Ng. Manoranjan Singh sacrificed their lives while fighting bravely. Considering his unmatched bravery, undeterred determination and unparalleled devotion and conspicuous gallant action, the officer was awarded Police Medal for Gallantry (posthumously).

To honour the brave son of soil Shaheed Manoranjan Singh and to keep his memory alive, the Shaheed Manoranjan Singh Memorial State Open football tournament is being organized since 2010 and has since continued to be an annual event. The first tournament was held on 5th September’2010 at LangjingAchouba Football Ground, Imphal. This year the 8^th tournament was held at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium from 11^th Dec to 20^th Dec. 2017 in association with All Manipur Football Association and Imphal West District Football in which 16 top teams of Manipur had participated. This number has been going up every year and the tournament is becoming one of the most sought after State level Tournament.

CRPF- Central Reserve Police Force is not only the largest paramilitary force in India but also in the world which has not only discharged its dedicated and humanitarian services but has also executed its memorable and exemplary services in the state of Manipur to maintain peace and tranquility in the state. This force has not only served Manipur as per expectation of state in maintaining law and order in the state but has always been on its toes to shoulder any given responsibility and meet all challenges whenever – wherever called upon. CRPF has played a vital role in conducting peaceful Assembly Elections-2017 in the State of Manipur. CRPF has been providing security to all vital installations, guarding banks, protection to oil depots and various Govt. institutions including Doordarshan, All India Radio, protection to under construction Railway Projects etc. has been one of the biggest contribution of CRPF in development of Manipur. Deployment on NH-2 and NH-37, escorting IOCL/FCI convoys and ROP duties by CRPF has been the biggest challenge for CRPF to continue uninterrupted supply of food grains, medicines, fuel gas to bring relief to the people of Manipur during crucial economic blockade. I salute the officers and brave men of force facing odds of bad roads, inclement weather and long hours of duty every day.

CRPF had played a vital role during floods and provided prompt relief and help to our citizen including supply of food and medicines. Apart from this CRPF had also actively participated in the Swattch Bharat Mission Programme initiated by the Govt of India and assisted the state in implementing these programmes. This force had also carried out various civic action programme in various places by constructing Bus rest sheds, toilets along highways etc. for travelers. In implementing all these, I specially congratulate Shri. Vikram Sahgal IGP CRPF Manipur who has been providing effective leadership to the force with full co-operation to state administration.

In recognition of the heroic act of CRPF Manipur & Nagaland sector’s braveheart Shaheed Manoranjan, 8^th Shaheed Manoranjan Singh Memorial State Open Football Tournament had been organized to ensure that the young talented youths and players of the state are encouraged to join the force, I thank CRPF for having organized this tournament from 11^th to 20^th of Dec 2017, to motivate our youth to come forward to join these forces. I have been given to understand that CRPF during Sangai Festival had opened Recruitment Desk for recruitment in CRPF and is committed to help our boys to seek information to secure jobs in paramilitary force.

I hereby declare 8^th Shaheed Manoranjan Singh Memorial State Open Football Tournament – CLOSED.

Thankyou

Jai Hindi  -Jai Bharat