GUWAHATI, Aug 16 - The North Eastern Hill States celebrated the 72nd Independence Day with elaborate programmes on Wednesday. Our Correspondents report:
SHILLONG: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma hoisted the Tricolour during the 72nd Independence Day celebrations at the Polo Grounds in Shillong on Wednesday, in which thousands of people were present.
In his address, Sangma said: �Great nations can be built only with the contribution and hard work of one and all. However, violence in any form undermines its progress. The path of peace and reconciliation can be difficult, but we must persist, as this alone will enable our State and our nation to develop and progress.�
Urging the citizens of the State to hold on steadfastly to democratic values, Sangma said discussions and negotiations are the way forward to achieve development and progress. �The Government is committed to the ideals of peace and prosperity and all-round development of the State,� he added.
An Indian Air Force helicopter hovered over the crowd and showered flower petals.
Different organisations celebrated the day at their headquarters. The Inspector General of Police, North Eastern Sector, CRPF, Prakash D hoisted the flag at its headquarters in Shillong.
The IGP distributed commendation certificates and medals to the awardees on the occasion and also distributed sweets among the jawans.
Border Security Force Frontier Headquarters, Meghalaya, celebrated the day with the flag hoisting by L Mohanti, Inspector General of the Frontier.
The Indian Institute of Management, Shillong, and the NEIGRIHMS also celebrated the event.
IMPHAL: Manipur celebrated the 72nd Independence Day on Wednesday. The State-level observation was held at the 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles ground with Chief Minister N Biren Singh hoisting the Tricolour.
The Chief Minister also reviewed and took salute from the contingents of the BSF, CRPF, State police, India Reserve Battalion, Fire Service, Home Guards, VDF and college and school students.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister urged the people of the State to join hands to protect the oneness and integrity of the State and the country.
Later, the Chief Minister decorated three police officers with the President�s Police Medal for Distinguished Service and presented the Police Medal for Meritorious Service to 13 officers and personnel.
CorCom, the coordination committee of insurgent groups in Manipur, called a total shutdown on August 15 to boycott the Independence Day celebrations in the region.
ITANAGAR: The Independence Day was celebrated across Arunachal Pradesh with patriotic fervour on Wednesday.
Hoisting of the Tricolour, ceremonial march past, band displays, announcement of State awards comprising 28 gold and 26 silver medals and 22 commendation certificates for people from various fields, cultural presentations under �Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat� programme, etc., were the highlights of the celebration.
Hoisting the Tricolour at the IG Park in Itanagar, Chief Minister Pema Khandu paid homage to the country�s freedom fighters and visionary leaders �who made a lot of sacrifices so that we could live as a free nation.� He also paid tribute to members of armed forces, police and paramilitary forces for valiantly guarding the country�s borders and defending the pride and honour of our motherland.
Highlighting the State Government�s development initiatives, the Chief Minister said there has been visible improvement in the work culture in the last two years. �The Team Arunachal mantra has ignited minds of our employees to deliver goods to the people of the State. This has resulted in increase of the State revenue,� he said.
�While it was just Rs 927.18 crore in 2015-16, we generated Rs 1,253.57 crore in 2016-17. In 2017-18, our income stood at Rs 1,598.49 crore,� he stated.
Before concluding, the Chief Minister said, �As we celebrate our freedom, let us all pledge to serve the State and our nation with renewed promise.�
AGARTALA: Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb on Wednesday reiterated that the BJP-led Government in the State would fulfil all promises given in the party�s vision document unveiled before the 2018 Assembly polls.
�Our target is to make Tripura a wealthy State free from corruption and drug addiction by taking all possible steps,� Deb said while delivering his first Independence Day speech as the Chief Minister at the Assam Rifles ground where the main programme was observed.
�The State Government has already announced a new employment policy for job seekers. It will ensure transparency as well efficiency in governance,� the Chief Minister said.
Deb highlighted the Government�s achievements in execution of various Central Government schemes including Ujjwala, Fasal Bima and Saubhagya. �Around one lakh households have got LPG connections under the Ujjwala Yojana, while 1.40 lakh families have got electricity under Saubhagya till date,� the Chief Minister pointed out.
Deb said steps had been taken to make Tripura an IT hub with the Central Government extending a helping hand.
Earlier, the Chief Minister hoisted the national flag and took the salute in the presence of ministers and high officials. A cultural programme was also organised on the occasion. The Independence Day celebrations passed off peacefully across the State amid tight security.
