Addressing the 74th Republic Day celebration, Mishra said that the state government has taken steps to move towards a permanent solution to long-standing border dispute between Meghalaya and Assam.
He said a memorandum of understanding has already been signed between the two states in the presence of the Union Home Minister for resolving six out of the 12 areas of dispute.
Terming it as a historic development, the Governor said the HNLC has expressed its willingness for unconditional talks within the framework of the Constitution of India.
“The talks have since started. In this regard, we are thankful to the Government of India for their support,” he said.
Stating that the Election Commission of India has announced the schedule of election to the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, the Governor said, “I urge the people, particular the young eligible voters, to exercise their right of franchise freely & fairly and to maintain the best traditions of peace and harmony during the elections.”
He said in the run of strengthening our constitutional democracy, the state election department has taken all steps to improve enrollment of voters, under the tagline ‘no voters should be left behind’, under the systematic voter education and enrolment programme.
The 13th National Voters Day 2023 with the theme, ‘I vote for sure, there is nothing like voting’, was sucessfully celebrated at the state and district levels on January 25, to ensure that all eligible voters exercise their franchise in a free and fair manner in the upcoming assembly elections.
Earlier sharing the good news on the occasion, the Governor said for the first time, this year, India has assumed the G20 Presidency. G20 is the leading forum of 20 countries for deliberation and coordination of core economic and policy issues.
It is a proud moment for every Indian that our country is now recognized as a global leader. India’s theme for the G20 presidency is “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” that is ‘one earth – one family – one future’.
This in itself is a reflection of the rich culture and value system of our society.
This year, as part of G20 Presidency, India will host over 200 meetings in over 50 cities across 32 different work streams which will give a good glimpse of India’s rich cultural heritage and diversity to the G20 delegates and guests. They will, for sure, become our admirers and ambassadors.
As part of G20 programmes, Mishra announced that Shillong will be hosting the “Space-20 programme” on April 17 – 18.
This programme would be in continuation of Space Economy Leaders meeting held by the National Space Agencies of G20 countries in 2020.
It was initiated with the aim of eventually making ‘space economy’ as a formal agenda item of G20 summits.
He said the objective of Space Economy Leaders Meeting of 2023 will be to discuss how the space partnership can contribute to the growth of the economy of G20 nations, in line with India’s G20 theme of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”.
Stating that on the initiative of the Government of India, the United Nations has declared 2023 as the International year of Millets, he said millets are now being grown in more than 130 countries and considered traditional food for more than half a billion people across Asia and Africa.
India’s Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, aims to promote cultivation and consumption of millets at a larger scale.
“We also aim to export millets far and wide. Traditionally, our state of Meghalaya is grower of millets and during the International Year of Millets this will certainly give impetus to our farmers’ income,” he said.
Earlier, Mishra unfurled the National Flag and took the Salute of the marching contingents comprising of the CRPF, East Khasi Hills DEF, 1st MLP Battalion, SF10, Indian Reserve Battalion from Arunachal Pradesh, NCC Boys and Girls, Indian Red Cross Society, Unitarian Higher Secondary School-Puriang, JNV-Mawphlang and Brass Band of Border Wing Home Guards.
During the programme, announcement was made for the President’s Home Guards & Civil Defence Medal For Meritorious Service to Shri Homesingh Khongjoh, Havildar (HG); Shri Bipul Khongwir, Havildar (HG); Shri Ambrush A. Sangma, Havildar (HG) and Shri Pynkhambor Harris Khongsngi, Senior Staff Officer (CD)
Announcements was also made for the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service to Shri Prodenson Sangma, Havildar, 1st MLP Bn, Mawiong and Police Medal for Meritorious Service to Shri Upendra Mothey, ABSI, 2nd MLP Bn, Goeragre; Shri Kolan Swer, Havildar and Shri Ram Bahadur Sonar, ABC/32, Tura.
Chief Minister’s Police Medal-2022 to Dr. L R Bishnoi, IPS, DGP; Shri Vivek Syiem, IPS, SP (City); Smti Queenie A B Fancon, MPS, Asst. Commandant SF10; Shri Ravi K Sangma, MPS, North Garo Hills; Shri Marbin B Marak, MPS, 5th MLP Bn, Samanda, East Garo Hills; Wisonroy Nongtdu, UBI, East Jaintia Hills; Simseng A Sangma, UBI, In-Charge Special Operation Team/Anti Narcotic Task Force, East Khasi Hills; Johnny Foster Thangkhiew, UBI, SB (HQ); Samuel Wanniang Sainsyiem, UBSI, SB (HQ); Ibashisha Kharpran, WPSI West Jaintia Hills; Nabin Chandra Barman, SBC, Special Branch; Rephika Mawlong, AB/WPC, Office of Superintendent of Police, East Khasi Hills; Wanjop Pakyntein, C.OPR, MPRO HQ, Shillong; Ibanri Syngkli, WP.BNC, 6th MLP Bn, Umran and Siddarth Thapa, BNC, 1st MLP Bn.
The Governor handed over the U Tirot Sing Award 2023 for Arts and Culture to Smti Sweetymon Rynjah, Pa Togan N Sangma Award 2023 for Social Service to Dr Jennifer V Basaiawmoit and U Kiang Nangbah Award 2023 for Sports to Shri Klingson D Marak.
Other highlights of the celebration include cultural programme and tableau presentation by the AH & Veterinary Department, DCIC-East Khasi Hills, Dairy Development, MSSDS, Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Social Welfare Department, Meghalayan Age Limited, Horticulture Department, Fisheries Department, Soil & Water Conservation Department, Forest & Environment Department and District Basin Development Unit-East Khasi Hills. The best tableau was awarded to the Horticulture Department (1st place), AH & Veterinary Department (2nd place) and DCIC-East Khasi Hills (3rd place).
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, JAN 27: Governor Brig (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd) said the overall law and order situation in the state has been peaceful.
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