By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: As part of the 2nd phase of the Civic Action Programme, the 67 Bn CRPF deployed in Shillong and its adjacent areas on Monday came forward to donate books and bicycles to deserving young students from underprivileged families.
Altogether books worth Rs 1 lakh were distributed to the Arya Kanya secondary Vidyalaya, Laitmumkhrah for use in its library. Besides this, twenty bicycles were gifted to needy students from four schools in the city namely – St. George Secondary School, Nongmynsong, Balika Hindi Vidyalaya Secondary School, Keating Road, Nongthymmai Nepali Higher Secondary School, Nongthymmai, and Anup Chand Hindi Secondary School, Keating Road. The bicycles too cost Rs 1 lakh.
Speaking on the occassion, Urban Affairs minister Ampareen Lyngdoh hailed the efforts of the CRPF and thanked them for the noble gesture.
Mandated to look after internal security and assist local police in maintaining law and order, the CRPF also has another responsibility which often escapes media attention simply because as one officer asserted, “doing public service is our sworn duty while blowing our trumpet is not.”
“The community sharing spirit displayed today must be commended,” Lyngdoh said while addressing the gathering..
Elaborating on the event, Erdan Ekka, 2 I/C of the 67th Battalion which has been posted in Shillong for the last four years said that this was part of the regular civic action program embarked by the CRPF all over the country.
“It is an effort to come closer to the people we serve so that peace and harmony between the men and the public is maintained and strengthened,” he added.