R-Day security beefed up

SHILLONG: As Meghalaya gears up for Republic Day celebrations, security is being tightened across the state.
In the city, inspection by top police officials, bomb and dog squad is being carried out at Polo Grounds, the venue for the day’s celebrations. Governor Tathagata Roy will unfurl the tri-colour and take salute.
East Khasi Hills SP Davis Marak said security has been stepped up and patrolling intensified while adding that elaborate security arrangement have been made.
Asked if the police are taking special security measures considering the current resentment against the CAB, Marak said elaborate security arrangement is in place but added that there will be no disturbances.
Garo groups to boycott celebrations
The All Garo Hills Joint Action Committee (AGHJAC), a conglomeration of organisations, has decided to boycott the Republic Day celebrations in Garo Hills on Saturday in protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016.
In a letter addressed to President Ram Nath Kovind, Balkarin Marak, the committee’s convener said, “Amidst widespread protest from the region, the Lok Sabha has passed the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill that seeks to provide citizenship to non-Muslims from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Therefore, considering the bill necessitates stronger protest, the AGHJAC has decided to boycott the Republic Day celebrations in Garo Hills”.