From Our Correspondent
JOWAI: In Jaintia hills, the Independence Day was celebrated at Jowai, Amlarem, Shangpung and Khliehriat. A large crowed gathered at Jrisalein playground and witnessed the 65th Independence Day in the district head-quarter, West Jaintia hills.
The State Urban Affairs Minister, Ampareen Lyngdoh, unfurled the National Flag and took the Rashtriya Salute of 31 contingents comprising of 26 Schools besides Police, Home Guards, Jaintia Bharat Scouts and Guides.
Addressing the crowd, Lyngdoh informed that the govt had an open mind in dealing with militant outfits in the state in which young men are drawn in to these outfits under compelling situations. “Therefore, I called upon all these young men to leave the path of violence and join the fight against hunger and poverty rather than play in the hands of anti-national elements and foreign inimical forces”, the minister said.
She also lauded the performance of the State Police in dealing militancy in the state and informed that the Government has also decided to temporarily lower the minimum educational qualification to Class X in respect of recruitment to the Armed Branch constabulary, in order to ensure employment opportunities in the police department for the youths from the interior areas of the State.
The minister also highlighted on the performance of the Government, during the 11 Eleven Plan period. Acccording to her, the Strategy of the Government for the Twelfth Plan is to tackle the constraint impeding development in the State, focusing on three broad areas: Harnessing the state’s natural resources for sustainable livelihoods, expending and strengthening the infrastructural base and building capacity among people.
The other highlights of the day include Mass Drill display by 6 six schools of Jowai town, Cultural programmes presented by different schools and localities of Jowai. Jowai Public School bagged 1st Prize in the parade while Government Boys Higher Secondary School, Jowai and St. Mary Mazzerello, Jowai bagged second and third prize respectively.
PHE Minister was the chief guest at the celebration at Khliehriat. Around 12 schools took part in the parade along with the police personnel.
Beside Amlarem, Shangpung also celebrated the I-Day in which local MLA, C. Ymbon was the chief guest. Around 14 schools participated in the parade and cash prize were also awarded to SSLC students who secured first Division in the last examination.