AGARTALA, Aug 15 (TIWN): Along with the whole nation, Tripura on Monday celebrated 70th Independence Day with unfurling of the national flag at Assam Riffles ground by Chief Minister Manik Sarkar. Addressing the program CM Manik Sarkar said that central led BJP government is snatching powers from the state government and creating a situation to beg from the central. He further said that central The central government has been continuously trying to grab and snatch the powers of the state governments. Efforts are also on to turn the states into beggars," Sarkar said after unfurling the tricolour at the Assam Rifles ground here. Federal structures in the country will be shaken if the central government continues to snatch the power from the state government, added Sarkar. Pomp, pageantry and patriotic fervour marked in the air on Monday as the 70th Independence Day was celebrated across the state with flag hoisting ceremonies, and the military parades, cultural extravaganzas and pledges to work for a developed and peaceful state Tripura at Assam Rifles ground. Like every year the main programme of the 70th Independence Day celebration was held at Assam Riffles Ground on Tuesday with the uniformed police platoon saluting the dignitaries during their ceremonial parade. CM Manik Sarkar also gave award on the occasion 70th Independence Day celebration. The medal was awarded in recognition of their meritorious services.

Several wings of the Tripura Police comprising of the TSR battalions, West PS, West Women PS, Traffic Unit and Home guard along with the Assam rifles wing participated in the parade. However, CM Manik Sarkar inspected the colourful parade and later received a grand salute on the dais. Addressing the 70th Independence Day celebration program on Monday at Assam Riffle ground extended greetings to the people.

Independence Day, observed annually on 15 August, is a National Holiday in India commemorating the nation's independence from the British Empire on 15 August 1947. India attained independence following an Independence Movement noted for largely nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience.

During the programme today Chief Minister Manik Sarkar along with  DGP K. Nagaraj and other police officers remained present in the program.

Along with the Jawans the students of several schools also participated in the celebrations of the Independence Day.

To mark the celebration of Independence Day, almost all the schools, colleges, government and non-government organizations participated in the cultural program.

A red alert has been sounded in the state and at the different vulnerable places in the urban areas security personnel have been deployed and the dog and bomb squads are conducting regular checking. Security in the national high way, bus terminus, busy market places and in the airport has been increased.

Different drop gates have been established at different points of entry to the capital, Agartala.

Police informed that adequate security measures have taken and is confident that like previous years this time also the Independence Day celebrations will  be peaceful.