State to celebrate R-Day amid tight security today
SHILLONG: Security arrangements across Meghalaya have been tightened to ensure smooth Republic Day celebrations even as East Khasi Hills district administration has directed shop-keepers to keep their shops open on Tuesday.
Shopkeepers in Meghalaya normally keep their shutters down on Republic Day on Independence Day responding to the “diktats of militant outfits”.
“A directive has been issued to shopkeepers in this regard assuring security will be provided to them,” East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner PS Dkhar said here on the eve of Republic Day.
The Meghalaya High Court last year in a significant verdict termed shutdown called by the proscribed militant groups as a violation of the citizens’ Fundamental Rights while issuing several directives to various entities, including the media.
Security has been intensified in the entire state including Shillong in view of Tuesday’s Republic Day celebrations.
In Shillong, police personnel were seen conducting checking of vehicles in different parts of the city. Police (deployment has also been intensified in different parts of the city.
Police officials said the security measures had been beefed up and anti-insurgency operation had been launched in remote areas to flush out the militants sheltering in Garo Hills region and parts of West Khasi Hills district.
Massive security arrangements have been made at all Republic Day celebration grounds, particularly at the Polo ground where the Governor V Shanmuganathan and in Tura, the district headquarters of West Garo Hills, where the Chief Minister will hoist the National flag.