Imphal, Jan 14 (Reporter) Manipur CM N Biren Singh sought the cooperation and support of Armed Forces veterans in improving the law-and-order situation in the State. Addressing veterans and their families during the observance of the 9th Armed Forces Veterans' Day-2025, held at the 1st Battalion, Manipur Rifles Banquet Hall, Imphalon Tuesday the Chief Minister said all positive suggestions and advice from the veterans toward restoring peace and normalcy in the State are also welcomed. He highlighted the importance of Armed Forces Veterans' Day, noting that it is observed to remember and honor the sacrifices of the armed forces for the nation and appealed to all to know the contributions of soldiers. The Chief Minister announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 10 lakhs for soldiers who have laid down their lives in the line of duty. He said the government has already sanctioned Rs. 3 crore for the construction of a memorial park for soldiers from the State who have laid down their lives for the nation. A site measuring half an acre has been identified at Lamphelpat. Once constructed, this site will serve as a venue for any events related to veterans and soldiers of the Armed Forces, he added. N. Biren Singh stated that the State has produced two Army officers in the rank of Lieutenant Generals in the Indian Army. He mentioned that he had met the Commanding Officer of a nuclear submarine, who happened to be from the State, and noted that around 350 individuals from the State are currently serving as officers in the combined defense forces. The nation's dependence on foreign countries for the procurement of defence machinery has been minimized, he said. This was made possible through the implementation of the Atmanirbhar Bharat program, which aims to make the country self-reliant in defence sector. He praised two other natives of the State, Major Laishram Jyotin Singh, who sacrificed his life while trying to protect civilians in Afghanistan, and Major Bob Khathing, for their valor and courage in performing their duties. N. Biren Singh further spoke at length about the need for people to properly understand the land's history. He mentioned the recent release of a 22-minute-long film, Chahi Taret Khuntakpa, will soon be broadcast on the History Channel. He emphasized the historical significance of Chahi Taret Khuntakpa and said that the signing of the Treaty of Yandaboo once again recognized the sovereignty of Manipur. The renaming of Mount Harriet as Mount Manipur by the central government has shown the central leaders' care and in-depth knowledge of the State's history, Biren Singh continued. Additionally, the Chief Minister stated that the rejuvenation work of Lamphelpat Water Bodies, covering around 430 acres, is being undertaken at a project cost of approximately Rs 650 crore. Forest Minister Th. Biswajit Singh stated that the State has been observing Armed Forces Veterans' Day since 2017 and continues to honor the armed forces personnel for their courage and dedication to the nation. He added that both the present and future generations must continue to honor the sacrifices made for the protection of the nation. During the program, the Chief Minister felicitated distinguished and gallant award-winning veterans and Veer Naris as a mark of respect for their service to the nation...////...