SHILLONG: Unlike the past, the Republic Day celebrations in Meghalaya are likely to be normal affair without any security threat.
Together with the rest of the Northeast militant outfits , the HNLC had called the ritual bandh on January 26 which, however, is unlikely to affect the Republic Day celebrations and the participation of people.
The frequent calls for shut down by HNLC militants resulted in the spontaneous boycott of the bandh by the people of the state on a few occasions in the past.
Recently, the Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma has urged the people to boycott the bandh called by HNLC on Republic Day.
The Government has made elaborate arrangements for the people to come out in large numbers at Polo Grounds, the main venue of the Republic Day celebrations.
Though there was no direct threat by HNLC, police are keeping vigil to ensure that there is peace and normalcy.
None of the militant organizations boycotted the Republic Day celebrations in Garo Hills, but there is unrest in the region due to the rampant extortion and kidnappings by various militant groups. West and South West Khasi Hills are also not free from militant activities.
A senior police official on Saturday said that the law and order situation will be normal in the whole state since people long for peace.