Three northeastern states celebrate foundation day

The northeastern states of Tripura, Manipur and Meghalaya Wednesday organised numerous programmes and events to celebrate their 43rd foundation day.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had visited the northeastern states last month, greeted the people of the three states on the occasion.

"The Manipur government organised various cultural programmes comprising music and dance as well as exhibitions. The events showcased the beauty, splendour and achievements of the state," an official said in Imphal.

"Since attaining statehood, Manipur has made rapid strides in the field of development and sustained efforts are being made to keep pace with the rest of the country," said acting Manipur Governor K.K. Paul.

A Tripura government official said in Agartala : ("Acting) Tripura Governor Padmanabha Balakrishna Acharya inaugurated a five-day programme here to celebrate the statehood day."

An exhibition highlighting the development of Tripura since 1972 was also inaugurated by the governor.

Acharya also holds the office of the governor of Assam and Nagaland. He came to Agartala Wednesday to flag-off the statehood day programme.

The statehood day celebrations in Meghalaya involved a series of events, including sports meets in different parts of the state and motorbike show at Polo Grounds in Shillong, organised by the department of sports and youth affairs.

Meghalaya Day run from Madan Iewrynghep to Jawaharlal Nehru stadium here was organised by the sports and youth affairs department Wednesday morning.

The erstwhile princely states of Tripura and Manipur were merged with India in October 1949 and became full-fledged states Jan 21, 1972.

Meghalaya was a part of Assam before becoming a full-fledged state under the North Eastern Region (Re-Organisation) Act, 1971.