Manipur observed Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) on Tuesday celebrating the birth anniversary of the first Home Minister of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.<br />'' <br />''Manipur Chief Minister, N. Biren Singh, who attended the programme, took the general salutes and inspected the parade consisting of nine contingents.<br />'' <br />''Speaking at the programme, Shri Biren said that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel always stood against the oppressive rule of the British and took leading roles in freedom movement. He said that the State Government, following the ideals of the freedom fighter, had been working hard with a firm stand to protect the unity and integrity of the State and making the State a developed one.<br />'' <br />''<span style="color: #222222;">During the programme, the Chief Minister led everyone present in the venue in administering Rashtriya Ekta Diwas Pledge.</span><br />