SHILLONG: Meghalaya welcomed the New Year amid prayers, bursting of crackers and mid night swim.
At the stroke 12 am, Government sounded the official siren to herald 2014.
Several churches had evening service and mass to welcome the New Year invoking God’s blessings.
The sound of crackers filled the air as the people exchanged New Year greetings.
Several people had get together among friends at night to welcome 2014.
Hotels in parts of the State were also filled with people on the New Year eve.
As many as 26 persons including two women took part in the midnight swim organized by Forever Young Sports Club at Crinoline Swimming Pool.
60 ice blocks each weighing 50 kgs were placed in the pool to add more chill.
Mondal’s call: On the eve of New Year, the Assembly Speaker AT Mondal has asked the legislators to work hard to fulfill the expectations of the people.
According to Mondal, the legislators have to deliver better in the New Year as the expectations of the people are high.
“In a nutshell I can say that we should live up to the expectations of the people in the New Year. People will judge us if we do not deliver”, he said.
As far as the development issues are concerned, the Speaker said that what the Government promised in the manifesto will be followed up. He also said that the implementation of food security bill will ensure that the people are benefitted from the Public Distribution System.
Asked about the rampant use of red beacons by the ministers and officials even after the supreme court direction, Mondal said that the Transport department will work out the modalities in this regard.
Looking back, the Assembly speaker said that 2013 was a good year as the Assembly election was held in the delimited constituencies and it was historic as the last delimitation was several years ago.
“There are lot of changes as young and dynamic leaders were elected and personally, 2013 is memorable”, Mondal said.