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City revives soldiers’ march
By
Our Reporter - 15-08-2002 |
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Malawi Army soldiers yesterday marched through the streets of Blantyre to commemorate the 37th anniversary of their being granted the “Freedom of the City of Blantyre” on July 25, 1965.
Blantyre City Mayor John Chika-kwiya said at a reception after the march the Army is disciplined and it is for the people of Malawi because there is total freedom in the country.
“Our soldiers are not engaged in oppressing the citizens. They freely brush shoulders with the people and this is a commendable gesture which we are proud of,” he said.
The soldiers marched from National Bank of Malawi Chichiri branch through Ginnery Corner to the Civic Centre where they were met by Chikakwiya and Malawi Rifles First Battalion Commanding Officer Col. Ignancio Maulana.
Chikakwiya told the soldiers that Blantyre is their city therefore it is their duty to protect it from local and external enemies.
The mayor also encouraged Blantyre residents to mix with their soldiers to build sound relationships with them.
Maulana said the parade and the freedom of the city status are in line with the Ministry of Defence’s policy of promoting civil-military relations.
He said it is through such gatherings as the parade that the Army and civilians can understand each other better.
This was the first parade since councillors were voted in November 2000 after a six-year absence and Maulana said during the period, both the army and the citizens of Blantyre missed the traditional occasion dating back to 1965.
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