NCC organises mini marathon in city
SHILLONG: The 41 Meghalaya NCC Arty Battery, Shillong on Thursday organised a mini marathon to commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of 21 Sikh soldiers during the Saragarhi Battle in 1897 as they held over 10,000 enemy troops for over a day. All 21 Sikh soldiers were awarded with the highest Gallantry Award, the Indian Order of Merit. It may be mentioned that battle is also taught in France and was recognized by the UNESCO in the first eight wars in the world. The British Indian contingent comprised 21 Jat Sikh] soldiers of the 36th Sikhs (now the 4th battalion of the Sikh Regiment), who were stationed at an army post and were attacked by 10,000 to 12,000 Afghans. The Sikhs, led by Havildar Ishar Singh, chose to fight to the death in what is considered by some military historians as one of history’s greatest last stands. The Marathon was flagged off by Brigadier PM Bali, Group commander, NCC group Shillong, from Rhino Training Centre. Around 50 NCC cadets took part in the event. Speaking to media persons, the commanding officer of 41 Meghalaya NCC Arty Battery Colonel, Rajeev Bagga highlighted on the 10 days combined annual training camp which began on Thursday and would continue till September 21. Around 400 cadets from Meghalaya are participating in the event. Cadets will also be selected for the Republic Day Camp which will be held in Delhi.
Meeting on child rights in Ri Bhoi
Nongpoh: The Deputy Commissioner of Ri Bhoi district in a press communiqué informed that the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) will be organising a one-day camp to address issues pertaining to violation of child rights on September 26 from 9 am onwards at the District Library Auditorium in Nongpoh. To register their complaints, individuals are requested to meet the Block Development Officers of Umling, Umsning, Jirang and Bhoirymbong C&RD Blocks, the District School Education Officer, Sub-Divisional School Education Officer, District Medical & Health Officer, Medical & Health Officer of all CHCs, PHCs, District Social Welfare Officer, Deputy Labour Commissioner, District Programme Officer, Child Development Project Officer of Umsning, Umling and Jirang, District Child Protection Officer and the Chairman of Child Welfare Committee, Ri Bhoi District, JJ Kylla.
Faulty ATM irks GH groups
TURA: Two organisations from North Garo Hills have expressed disappointment over the delay by SBI authorities to rectify a faulty ATM machine installed at Bajengdoba SBI Branch. According to AYWO and FKJGP from Bajengdoba who made the complaint, SBI officials including North Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner were informed of the problem however no attempt has been made to resolve the technical glitch even after the passing of several months. “The customers are facing immense problems. There are instances when they scuffle with each other as the machine is taking longer to process. It takes more than 10 – 15 minutes to process a single withdrawal for every such transaction,” the organisations said. With regard to power backup, the organizations said that it too was pathetic as the system shuts down immediately upon electricity power line down. Pointing out that not only local people but all those traversing the route use the ATM as it is very close to NH-51, the organizations urged the authorities to rectify the problem either by repairing or replacing it with a new one.
School children get special study kits
TURA: The children of Montfort Centre for Education, Tura were provided with teaching and learning kits during a programme held in the school campus in Danakgre on Thursday. The programme was organised by the Central Government’s National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disability (NIEPID), Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in collaboration with the office of the Commissioner of Persons with Disabilities, Shillong, Director, Social Welfare, SSA (SEMAM), West Garo Hills, CBM, Bengaluru and Montfort Centre for Education, Tura. A total of 49 special study kits were given to students with intellectual disabilities in the presence of parents and guardians.