SHILLONG: Along with the rest of the country, Meghalaya celebrated the 68th Independence Day on Friday.
Chief Minister Mukul Sangma unfurled the National Flag at Second Ground, Polo in the State capital and took the salute at an impressive march past led by Major Saurabh Choudhury of 58th GTC, Shillong.
During the celebrations, President’s Police Medal for Gallantry, Police Medal for Meritorious Service and Fire Service Medal for Meritorious Service were also announced.
The awardees for President’s Police Medal for Gallantry include Ringrang T.G. Momin, Additional SP, Robert A.M. Sangma, sub-inspector, Rajendra P. Kahit, Bn. constable, Probinstar Kharbani, Bn. constable, Jitden Sangma, Bn. constable and Rapsalang Wahlang, Bn. constable. The recipients of Police Medal for Meritorious Service include Kullendra R. Sangma, sub-inspector and Bokhraw Songthiang, UB-constable.
The awardees for Fire Service Medal for Meritorious Service include Stronger Nongrem, Station Officer and Binoy Kumar Medhi, leading fireman.
The Chief Minister also handed over the Village Level Entrepreneurs Award 2014 to Damangshwa Wahlang of Tynring Common Service Centre (CSC) as the best performing CSC for Khasi-Jaintia Hills Division.
District headquarters, subdivisions, administrative units celebrate freedom
The 68th Independence Day was also celebrated in all the district headquarters, sub-divisions and administrative units. At Tura, West Garo Hills, Speaker, Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, AT Mondal unfurled the Tricolor and took the Rashtriya Salute of 38 strong marching contingents at the M P Stadium.
At Jowai, West Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya Health & Family Welfare Minister, AL Hek unfurled the National Flag and took the Rashtriya salute of 27 marching contingents at Jrisalein Playground.
At Nongpoh, Ri Bhoi District, DD Lapang, Chief Adviser to the State Government unfurled the Tricolor and took the salute of the 16 marching contingents at the NSCA Mini Stadium, Pahamsyiem.
At Williamnagar, East Garo Hills District, Home Minister, Roshan Warjri unfurled the National Flag and took the Rashtriya Salute of the 35 marching contingents at Rongrenggre Higher Secondary School playground.
At Nongstoin, Clement R Marak, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs unfurled the National Flag and took the salute of the 20 marching contingents at St. Peter’s Higher Secondary School playground.
At Baghmara, South Garo Hills District, PWD (R) Minister S. Dhar unfurled the National Flag and took the salute of the 24 marching contingents at District Sports Complex, Baghmara.
At Resubelpara, North Garo Hills District, Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister, R C Laloo unfurled the Tri Colour and took the Rashtriya salute of the 24 parade contingents in the presence of Chairman Planning Board, S C Marak. At Ampati, South West Garo Hills, Meghalaya Social Welfare Minister, Deborah C. Marak unfurled the Tricolor and took the Rashtriya Salute of the 20 marching contingents.
At Mawkyrwat, South West Khasi Hills District, Independence Day was celebrated in a befitting manner at the Maharam Government Secondary School Playground where Meghalaya Minister for Urban Affairs Ampareen Lyngdoh unfurled the Tricolor and took the salute of the 24 parade contingents. At Khliehriat, East Jaintia Hills, Transport Minister, HDR Lyngdoh unfurled the National Flag while at Mairang, Zenith Sangma, did the honours.