Independence Day was celebrated in Manipur amid tight security deployment in view of the boycott calls given by major insurgent organisations.
Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh who hoisted the national flag at First Manipur Rifles Battalion ground in Imphal took the salute from participants in the marchpast.
Speaking on the occasion, Singh appealed to insurgents and other militant organisations to lay down arms and join the mainstream by participating in development programmes implemented by the government.
He also stressed the need for peace as without peace, development programmes could not be implemented successfully.
The celebrations were held amid heavy deployment of forces in view of the boycott call given by Manipur People's Liberation Front (MPLF) which has been fighting for an 'independent' state for four decades now.