August 16, 2004

Shillong, August 16, 2004: Together with the rest of the Country, Meghalaya also joined hand to celebrate the 57^th Independence Day on August 15, 2004 at different Districts and Sub-divisions of the State, in a grand note.

In Shillong, the State Chief Minister, Dr. D. D. Lapang unfurled the National Flag and took the Rashtriya Salute at an impressive function held at Jawaharlal Nehru Sports Complex, Polo.

In his speech, Dr. Lapang said that our state has been affected by militant activities during the last few years, he also said that it is however, heartening to see a break through with one of the militant outfit of the state, namely, A.N.V.C., which has come forward and sign an agreement for peace a few days back. He also said that the joint monitoring group comprising representative of the Government of India, State Government and A.N.V.C., has been setup to oversee the implementation of ground rules in this regard. He further said that the State has also seen the surrender by a large number of H.N.L.C. cadres, which is a good sign for peace in the State. He also added that the Government has always kept its doors open for dialogue with all groups of people, and solutions can be found to any grievances.

The Deputy Speaker of Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, Mr. P. W. Muktieh unfurled the National Flag at Paham Syiem N.S.C.A. Mini Stadium, Nongpoh and took the Rashtriya Salute at the impressive parade by the police and the students contingents.

Speaking at the function, Mr. Muktieh informed that the Government is trying to enlarge the present hospital at Shillong, Tura and other places and with the completion of the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute for Medical Science (NEIGRIMS) in Shillong it would be a great benefit to the people of the State.

At Patharkhmah Administrative Unit of Ri Bhoi District, the EAC, MS A L Mawlong unfurled the National Flag and took the salute at a impressive function held at Patharkhmah Government Secondary school.

The Deputy Commissioner Mr. D. K. Dkhar hoisted the National Flag and took the Rashtriya Salute held at New Nongstoin. To mark the day a bravery award was conferred to Skiwtidoris Lyngkhoi a 12 years old girl from Markasa village with a citation, medal and cash award of Rs. 30,000/- (Rupees thirty thousand). Two meritorious students from the district was also awarded along with four incentives awards to Anganwadi Workers.

In Mawshynrut Administrative Unit of West Khasi Hills, the Parliamentary Secretary, Mr. B. L. Nongum unfurled the National Flag and took the Rashtriya Salute. To mark the Independence Day Celebration the Mawshynrut Sports Association organized a football tournament on the August 14, 2004 where Parliamentary Secretary Mr. Francis Pondit Sangma gave away the prize to the winner.

P.W.D. Minister, Dr. Mukul Sangma unfurled the National Flag and took the Rashtriya Salute before a large gathering at Chandmari Playground, Tura.

Addressing the gathering Dr. Sangma informed the people of the plans and programmes in the offing for development of the State in various sectors like Roads, Power and Communication, Tourism, Education, Agriculture etc. adding that these could achieve success only when all the Government Employees worked with utmost commitments in the interest of the people.

Minister for Sericulture & Weaving etc., Mr. Sayeedullah Nongrum unfurled the National Flag and took the Rashtriya Salute at Rongrenggre Higher Secondary School, Williamnagar.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Nongrum informed that the developmental work of the State Government has given due emphasis for additional generation of Power, adding that Thermal Power Plan in East Garo Hills has been taken by the Power Department for implementation.

C& RD, Minister, Mr. C R Sangma unfurled the national Flag and took the Rashtriya salute held at the campus of the Government Higher Secondary School.

In his speech, Mr. Sangma said that Meghalaya is not lacking behind in terms of development, adding that the State had given the topmost priority to give facelift to the State. He also said that the ceasefire agreement between the ANVC and central Government and the State Government as well, eventually had paved theway for restoration of peace in the State.

Minister for Urban Affairs, Mr. Fridsay Lyngdoh unfurled the NationalFlag and took the ceremonial salute at a remarkable function held at Madan Mot Tirot.

Minister of State, i/c of Border Area Development, Mr. N Lyngdoh unfurled the National Flag and took the ceremonial salute at an impressive held at Khliehriat Secondary School.

Parliamentary Secretary, Mr. R. L. Tariang hoisted the National Flag and took the Rashtriya Salute at Maharam Secondary School Playground, Mawkyrwat.

Parliamentary Secretary i/c Agriculture & C & RD, Mr. Sengman R. Marak hoisted the National Flag amidst a huge gathering.

Parliamentary Secretary i/c Urban Affairs, Mr. Billykid Sangma hoisted the National Flag and took the Rashtriya Salute in a grand manner.

The Meghalaya Minister for Food and Civil Supplies Mr. M. N. Mukhim unfurled the National Flag and took the Rashtriya Salute at Madan Khadshurai Ground, Sohra.

The Parliamentary Secretary i/c Planning, Co-operation and Tourism Mr. C. Pyngrope unfurled the National Flag and took the Rashtriya Salute at Government Boys’ Secondary School playground, Resubelpara.