From Our Correspondent
TURA: Home Minister H.D.R. Lyngdoh unfurled the national tricolor at Tura MP stadium on the occasion of the 63rd Republic Day celebrations and in a deliberate reference to the GNLA outfit for their recent kidnapping of two engineers from Rongkhon MeECL warned against targeting government officers on communal lines.
He said that the nefarious activities of the militants who are trying to break the unity of the state by targeting officials on communal lines is uncalled for and unacceptable.
Lyngdoh stressed on the need of the public to be educated on the potential harm militancy can cause to the socio-political fabric of the state and the selfish designs of the mercenary militant groups need to be exposed.
Ampareen takes salute in Ampati: Urban Affairs minister, Ampareen Lyngdoh unfurled the National Flag before an impressive gathering during the Republic Day celebrations at Ampati Students’ Field.
Five parade contingents, including that of 2nd MLP battalion, Ampati Fire Service and Scouts & Guides participated in the march past during the celebration. Later, a colourful cultural show was displayed by various cultural groups, school students and NGOs as part of the celebration.
Williamnagar celebrations peaceful: Despite the burning problem of militancy, particularly by the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) in East Garo Hills district, the celebrations was a success with East Garo Hills police providing a full-proof security and thereby encouraging participation of several thousand people.
The official celebration took place at Rongrenggre Higher Secondary School Playground, East Garo Hills, Williamnagar.
Parliamentary Secretary and MLA Francis Pondit R Sangma, took the salute of 14 Parade Contingents including police and school students.
The highlights of the day included cultural show by school children and other local talents, distribution of fruits, etc to hospital patients, jail inmates and destitute.
Baghmara celebrations: In South Garo Hills C&RD minister Saleng A Sangma unfurled the national tricolor at Government higher Secondary School playground. The minister was accompanied by local MLA Satto R Marak.
The minister in his speech addressed the need for peace and tranquility and called on the people to strive in that direction otherwise development would be adversely affected. He also spoke on the government programs and schemes such as the Indira Awas Yojna, Backward Region Grant Fund and the launch of housing for BPL families.
Later power tillers and water pumps were distributed for the beneficiaries for the government scheme for the year 2010-2011.
Jowai: Republic Day was also celebrated in various part of Jaintia Hills including Jowai, Amlarem, Shangpung and Khliehriat.
The celebration was witnessed by hundreds of people besides police personnel, homeguard personnel and students of various schools who participated in the parade and other cultural programmes.
Education Minister, Dr. RC Laloo unfurled the National Flag and took the salute.
Addressing the crowd, Dr. Laloo highlighted the achievements and visions of the State Government in various sectors like agriculture, animal husbandry, PHE, tourism, education, including the implementation of Integrated Basin Development & livelihood programme and others.
Other highlights of the celebration included cultural programme, distribution of prize and display of fire balloons.
The prize for the best march past was bagged by St. Mary Mazzerrelo H.Sec.School, Jowai . Second by H.K Singh Sec. School, Jowai and Police Public Sec. School, Jowai bagged the third prize. The prize for the best tableau was awarded to Water Resources Department, District Medical & Health Officer and Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan bagged the second and third respectively.