Manipur Police Half Marathon: 3,000+ runners mark 135th Raising Day
Synopsis
Over 3,000 runners — including a large number of women — turned out for the Manipur Police Half Marathon in Imphal, marking the run-up to the 135th Raising Day. The use of chip-enabled bibs for precision timing was a first, and the turnout signals notable public goodwill toward the force at a sensitive moment for the state.
Key Takeaways
More than 3,000 runners participated in the Manipur Police Half Marathon in Imphal on 18 October 2026 .
The event was flagged off by DGP Mukesh Singh and forms part of celebrations ahead of the 135th Manipur Police Raising Day .
Chip-enabled bibs were used for the first time to record timings and ensure transparency in results.
Chief Secretary Rajeev Singh Thakur presided over the prize distribution ceremony.
The Manipur Police traces its origins to April 1891 , following the Anglo-Manipur War , and evolved from the State Military Police into the Manipur Rifles .
More than 3,000 runners, including a significant number of women, took part in the Manipur Police Half Marathon in Imphal on Sunday, 18 October 2026, as the state police kicked off celebrations ahead of the 135th Manipur Police Raising Day. The event drew widespread public participation and was seen as a demonstration of growing community enthusiasm for fitness and sporting culture in the state.
How the Event Unfolded
The half marathon was flagged off by Manipur Director General of Police Mukesh Singh, signalling the official start to what organisers described as one of the largest running events the force has hosted. In a notable step forward for the race's credibility, organisers deployed chip-enabled bibs to record runners' timings with precision — a technology-driven move aimed at ensuring transparency and accuracy in results.
Manipur Chief Secretary Rajeev Singh Thakur presided over the prize distribution ceremony, personally presenting awards to top performers across various categories. The ceremony recognised participants for their dedication, perseverance and sporting achievement.
Purpose Behind the Marathon
A senior police official stated that the half marathon was conceived to promote physical fitness, sporting excellence and community participation, while simultaneously strengthening the bond between the police force and the general public. The Manipur Police expressed gratitude to all participants, public supporters, sponsors and event partners for ensuring the smooth conduct of the event.
This comes amid broader efforts by state police forces across India to improve public perception and community outreach through sporting and cultural events — a trend that has gained momentum in recent years.
Historical Significance of the Raising Day
The 135th Manipur Police Raising Day carries considerable historical weight. The origins of the force trace back to April 1891, when the British assumed administrative control of the princely state following the Anglo-Manipur War. According to the force's historical records, the State Military Police was subsequently organised under Political Agent Crawford, who served as its first commandant. The unit later evolved into the Manipur Rifles.
Over subsequent decades, the force expanded in both strength and scope, playing a critical role in maintaining law and order and countering insurgency in the state since the late 1950s. The force's 1st Battalion of Manipur Rifles has been recognised for its long institutional legacy, and many personnel have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
What This Signals
The large turnout — over 3,000 participants — reflects a meaningful degree of public goodwill toward the Manipur Police at a time when the state has faced extended periods of civil unrest. Community events of this scale are increasingly being used by state forces as a tool for bridge-building. As the 135th Raising Day approaches, the marathon sets a tone of civic engagement and institutional pride for the commemorations ahead.
Point of View
000 participants is a modest but telling data point for a state force that has operated under acute public scrutiny during prolonged civil unrest. The deliberate emphasis on community engagement — chip timing, public prize ceremonies, women's participation — reads less like a sporting event and more like a calculated outreach exercise. Whether goodwill generated on a race track translates into sustained trust between the Manipur Police and the communities it serves is a harder question, and one the 135th Raising Day programme alone cannot answer.
NationPress
18 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Manipur Police Half Marathon 2026?
It is a half marathon organised by the Manipur Police in Imphal on 18 October 2026, as part of the celebrations leading up to the 135th Manipur Police Raising Day. Over 3,000 runners participated, including a significant number of women.
Who flagged off the Manipur Police Half Marathon?
Manipur Director General of Police Mukesh Singh flagged off the event. Chief Secretary Rajeev Singh Thakur later presided over the prize distribution ceremony.
What is the significance of the 135th Manipur Police Raising Day?
The 135th Raising Day marks the force's origins dating back to April 1891, when the British organised the State Military Police following the Anglo-Manipur War. The force has since evolved into a full-fledged state police service with a history of countering insurgency and maintaining law and order.
What technology was used at the Manipur Police Half Marathon?
Organisers used chip-enabled bibs to record runners' timings, ensuring transparency and accuracy in determining race results — a step up from conventional manual or gun-timing methods.
Why does the Manipur Police organise a half marathon?
According to officials, the event is intended to promote physical fitness, sporting excellence and community participation, while strengthening the relationship between the police force and the general public.
