SHILLONG: Shillong joined the rest of the country in celebrating the 66th Republic Day amidst fanfare and gaiety with hundreds of people thronging Polo Ground to attend the official function despite the customary bandh called by HNLC on Monday.
Deputy Chief Minister RC Laloo unfurled the Tricolour and took the Rashtriya Salute of the 14 March Past contingents which comprise of ARC, BSF, CRPF, ITBP, MLP, District Executive Force both Men & Women contingent, Border Wing Battalion of the Home Guards, NCC Boys, NC Girls, Boys Sports Company, Scouts & Guides and Phudmuri Presbyterian Secondary School. The marching contingents were led by Captain Vikash Thapa of the ARC.
Later, in the presentation of tableaux, various Government departments and Agencies which include Social Welfare, Health and Family Welfare, Tourism, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary, District Rural Development Agency, East Khasi Hills, Forest and Environment, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Meghalaya Aids Control Society, Soil and Water Conservation, Deputy Commissioner (Election) Office, Commerce and Industries, Public Health Engineering, Agriculture, Horticulture, District Police, East Khasi Hills and Deputy Commissioner Office, East Khasi Hills District participated.
Other highlights of the celebration included cultural programmes, fly past by helicopters of the Indian Air Force over the parade ground, football match, hoisting of the National Flag at all government and private institutions, offices and private residential buildings and free cinema shows for children in local cinema halls.
As part of the celebration, a variety programme was also held at Khyndailad in which cultural dance drama, music and dance, games, food court and free entry to Ward’s Lake and Lady Hydari Park were organised by the District Administration.
Besides, Republic Day was celebrated in all the District Headquarters, Sub-Divisions and Administrative Units with great fanfare and grandeur.
In Nongpoh, Assembly Speaker AT Mondal unfurled the Tricolour and took the salute.
At Resubelpara, Deputy Chief Minister Rowell Lyngdoh unfurled the Tricolour and took the salute.
At Ampati, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Zenith M Sangma unfurled the Tricolour and took the salute.
At Williamnagar, Parliamentary Secretary in charge of PWD (R) Cherak W Momin unfurled the National Flag and took the salute.
At Nongstoin, Cabinet Minister Prestone Tynsong unfurled the National Flag and took the salute.
At Mawkyrwat, Republic Day was celebrated in a befitting manner with Cabinet Minister HDR Lyngdoh unfurling the Tricolour and taking the salute.
At Khliehriat, PWD Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar unfurled the National Flag and took the salute.
At Jowai, Urban Affairs Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh unfurled the National Flag and took the salute.
At Baghmara, Cabinet member Deborah C Marak unfurled the National Flag and took the salute.
At Dadenggre Civil Sub-Division, Power Minister Clement Marak unfurled the National Flag and took the salute.
At Mairang Civil Sub-Division, Parliamentary Secretary Kennedy Khyriem unfurled the National Flag and took the salute.
At Amlarem Civil Sub-Division, Parliamentary Secretary Stephanson Mukhim unfurled the Tricolour and took the salute.
At Sohra Civil Sub-Division, Chief Adviser to the Government of Meghalaya, DD Lapang unfurled the National Flag and took the salute.
At Patharkhmah Administrative Unit, the Republic Day celebration was attended by Parliamentary Secretary Celestine Lyngdoh who unfurled the National flag and took the salute.
At Mawshynrut Administrative Unit, Parliamentary Secretary Sengnam Marak unfurled the Tricolour and took the salute.