SHILLONG: Unfurling the National Flag on the occasion of Independence Day at the Polo Ground here on Tuesday, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said, “Violence in any form undermines its progress. Whatever the problem, whatever the reason or provocation, there is no place for violence in our society. There is no issue that does not lend itself to solution through dialogue.”
Terming the internal security scenario in the State much better, he lauded the successful counter insurgency operations against the militant and terrorist groups by Meghalaya Police and Central Paramilitary Forces.
“The anti-national elements have suffered serious setbacks leading to large scale arrests, surrender of militants as well as recovery of huge cache of arms and ammunitions. Attempts to float a new militant outfit by some misguided youth were foiled in successful operations by the Police. The State Police is keeping a close watch on trans-border movement of terrorists from the neighbouring country and have taken up the issue with the Government of India,” he added.
The CM stated that the government took all possible steps to maintain law and order especially in the event of opposition by some NGOs to railway construction works between Tetelia and Byrnihat.
Regarding the process of implementing new initiatives to contain influx and illegal migration, the CM said, “The two Acts passed by the State Assembly, the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act, 2016 and the Meghalaya Benami Transaction Prohibition (Amendment) Act, 2016 will be implemented soon.”
“The disputed pockets along the Assam-Meghalaya border are being monitored continuously. Efforts are on to resolve these disputes at the highest level of both the States. The State Government is committed to complete the remaining fencing on the international border with Bangladesh at a fast pace besides other measures to contain illegal migration and trans-border movement of militants and anti-social elements,” he said.
Stating that crimes against women and children have become a matter of concern, Sangma said the state government had taken several steps including preventive measures to deal with this problem. “Women police stations have been set up in seven districts and the creation of the same in the remaining four districts is under consideration. Crimes against women are being investigated by women police officers. Police officers at all levels are being sensitized through training programmes and workshops on sensitive handling of crimes against women and children. A women helpline on 24×7 basis has been set up at the Directorate of Social Welfare. To bring police administration closer to the people, the state is establishing 18 new police stations.”
“For convenience of the public and in order to provide better civil administration, the state government has notified four new sub-divisions, Pynursla in East Khasi Hills, Chokpot in South Garo Hills, Raksamgre in West Garo Hills and Mawshynrut in West Khasi Hills. A new administrative unit at Ranikor in South West Khasi Hills was inaugurated recently and another new administrative unit at Rongjeng in East Garo Hills will be notified soon. In order to bring development administration closer to the people, seven new Community & Rural Development (C & RD) blocks – Mawlai, Mawpat and Sohiong in East Khasi Hills, Bhoirymbong in Ri Bhoi, Demdema in West Garo Hills, Damalgre in South West Garo Hills and Bajengdoba in North Garo Hills have been recently notified,” the CM said about efforts to bring governance closer to the people.
The marching contingents in Independence Day parade included 58 GTC, CRPF, DEF, SF-10, Border Wing Home Guard, Bharat Scouts & Guides, NCC, Indian Red Cross Society, BSF Secondary School, Pine Mount School, Army Public School, Holy Cross Secondary School, Little Flower School, Loreto Convent School, Assam Rifles Public School, Meghalaya Police Public School and the combined Brass and Pipe Band of Border Wing Home Guard, BSF, Assam Rifles and Military Band from 58 GTC led by Parade Commander Major Sandeep Halder from 58 GTC and 2nd in command Inspector R. C. Bordoloi, ABSI, DEF. The Horse contingent from Assam Rifles Public School Laitkor added grandeur to the parade.
Others highlights of the celebration in the capital city included cultural programmes, Independence Day Run and green pedal challenge. Dog show competition, skills display by dogs from BSF and Meghalaya Police Dog Squad and live band from BSF and Assam Rifles at Wards Lake. Free cinema shows at Payal, Bijou, Galleria and Gold Cinema. Food court and live performances by various artists at Khyndailad, Shillong.