By Firstdespatch Desk Aug 15, 2026
Agartala, Aug 15 (FD) Tripura celebrated the 80th Independence Day with patriotic fervour at the Assam Rifles Ground in Agartala, where Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha hoisted the national flag and paid tribute to the freedom fighters and nation-builders whose sacrifices helped India achieve independence.
Addressing the state-level Independence Day programme, Chief Minister Dr. Saha described the celebration as a symbol of national unity and the shared aspirations of citizens to build a developed and self-reliant India. He remembered the contribution and sacrifices of the great freedom fighters and urged people to uphold the values that strengthened the nation’s democratic and constitutional foundations.
Dr. Saha also highlighted Tripura’s achievements across various sectors and called upon the people of the state to dedicate themselves to fulfilling the vision of building a developed Tripura by 2047. He emphasised collective responsibility, unity and continued efforts to accelerate the state’s development journey.
A major highlight of the Independence Day programme was the felicitation of police officers and personnel who received national-level recognition for their distinguished service, dedication, integrity, efficiency and professional excellence.
The Chief Minister presented certificates and medals to police personnel who were awarded various honours by the President of India in 2025. G.S. Rao, the in-charge Director General of Police of Tripura, received the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service.
The President’s Police Medal for Meritorious Service was also presented to several personnel, including DIGP (Northern Range) Ratiranjan Debnath, Subedar Pashuram Debbarma of the Tripura State Rifles (TSR) 1st Battalion, Havildar Dilip Kumar Singh of the TSR 5th Battalion, Special Branch Constable Dhruva Kapali, Police Training Academy Constable Uttam Debnath and North District Constable Hemendra Chandra Nath.
Other police personnel recognised for distinguished service included Superintendent of Police Bijoy Debbarma, Superintendent of Police Maniklal Das, Deputy Superintendent of Police Ajay Debbarma, SDPO Pannalal Sen, Deputy Superintendent of Police Shyamal Debbarma and TSR 8th Battalion Subedar Niranjan Debbarma. The Chief Minister honoured them by presenting their certificates and medals.
Sub-Inspector Butan Jamatia was also recognised with the Union Home Minister’s Medal for Excellence in Investigation, adding another distinction to the state police force.
NCC cadets and officers who participated in the Republic Day camp in New Delhi last year were also felicitated during the programme. Among those honoured were Senior Under Officers Salka Debbarma and Joydeep Saha, Under Officers Sagarika Majumdar and Krishna Vaishnav, and cadets Shahit Debbarma and Akash Jamatia from different Tripura NCC battalions.
During the ceremony, the names of police officers and personnel selected for various President’s Medals for the 2026 Independence Day celebrations were also announced. The recipients will formally receive their certificates and medals during the Republic Day celebrations in 2027.
The Independence Day programme in Agartala thus combined patriotic remembrance, recognition of exemplary public service and a renewed commitment towards Tripura’s development. Chief Minister Dr. Saha’s call for unity and collective dedication underlined the state government’s vision of creating a developed Tripura by 2047. FD SB