I-Day in Shillong

SHILLONG, AUG 16: Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said the state government has taken effective measures to strengthen its internal security apparatus – resulting in better outcomes in pursuit to restore normalcy and sustained peace for the progress and prosperity of the state.

“The challenge of law and order situation in the State is being dealt with effectively,” Sangma said while addressing at the 70th Independence Day celebration in the state’s capital on Monday

He said that the state government has provided an enabling environment for the members of the insurgent and the militant groups to withdraw from their criminal and anti-national activities and avail the rehabilitation package to assimilate themselves with the national mainstream.

Informing that the state has also launched the “safe and secured city” programme recently, which will further be implemented across state, he also announced that a new scheme for dedicated highway patrolling and citizens’ police portal for better police-citizen interface is being launched.

On the issue relating to illegal immigration and influx, Sangma said the state government, in consultation with the civil society organisations and other stakeholders has passed The Meghalaya Benami Transaction (Prohibition) Amendment Act, 2016. The Meghalaya Residents’ Safety and Security Bill, 2016 is under consideration of the Select Committee of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly. In addition, locations have been identified to set up Facilitation Centres at the entry and exit points to enable the concerned authorities to put effective measures to deal with illegal infiltration. The process for acquisition of land for the purpose has been taken up in right earnest.

Reffering to the recent Uranium Corporation of India Ltd. (UCIL) issued an Expression of Interest (EoI) for open-pit mining of uranium in the State, Sangma said, “The Government is of the view that uranium mining should not be taken up till such time when the people of the State are taken on board. UCIL has been requested to keep its EoI in abeyance and the permission given in 2009 for pre-mining activities on and approval for lease of the 422 hectares of land at Nongbah Jyntrin, Mawthabah has been revoked.”

Stating that the State is availing funds from various sources to achieve better road connectivity which will boost the economy, he informed that the “Garobadha to Dalu (NH-51) Road” of 93.40 KM length has been taken up as an Externally Aided Project under the North Eastern State Roads Investment programme (NESRIP) and is progressing well and about 30% of the works is completed.

“The Special Plan Assistance has been utilised to sanction 208 projects for construction of new roads as well as for improvement of existing ones in the State at a cost of Rs.601 crore,” he added.

He further stated that in order to achieve 100% village and rural household electrification in the entire State, the scheme Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY), has been implemented in all the districts of Meghalaya at a total sanctioned cost of Rs.395.117 crores.

The existing programme of RGGVY has been subsumed as a separate rural electrification component under the Deen Dayal Upadhya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUJGY) since December, 2014. Under this scheme, electrification of 894 un-electrified villages will be taken up at an approved cost of Rs.282crore, he said.

Recalling the two strong earthquake shocks experienced by Meghalaya since January, he said, “By God’s Grace no damage occurred to life and property. But it underlines the need to maintain preparedness at all times.”

He informed that the State Disaster Management Authority in collaboration with the District Disaster Management Authorities are taking up various activities to build capacity to respond to such calamity and propagating measures which can be taken to increase resilience to such disasters.

“I call upon the government and the people to redouble their efforts for making Meghalaya a safe and resilient society,” the CM appealed.

Earlier, the chief minister unfurled the national flag and took the Rashtriya Salute during the ceremonial parade held at the Polo Ground.

A helicopter from Eastern Air Command flew past the parade ground showering petals as soon as the Tricolor was unfurled during the ceremonial programme.

The parade of 19 marching contingents, including 58 GTC, BSF, CRPF, Meghalaya Police, DEF, Home Guards, NCC, Bharat Scouts & Guides, school contingents and the combined Brass Band, was led by Parade Commander Major T. S. Singh from 58 GTC and 2nd in command Inspector R. S. Bordoloi from Meghalaya Police. The Horse contingent from Assam Rifles Public School Laitkor added grandeur to the parade.

The names of the recipients of Police Medal for Gallantry, Meritorious Service and Fire Service Medal for Meritorious Service were also announced during the celebration. Viveknand Singh, IPS, Deputy Commandant 5thMLP Battalion, Samgong, Silnang Marak, Battalion  Constable, 1st MLP Bn. Mawiong, Pynshaiborlang Sohshang, Battalion  Constable, 1st MLP Bn. Mawiong, Richard Ranee, Battalion  Constable, 1st MLP Bn. Mawiong and Anand Mishra, IPS, SP, South Garo Hills, Baghmara were awarded Police Medal for Gallantry. Rymphang Pde,MPS, DySP, Hqr, Ri Bhoi District,Nongpoh, Emorbha Kyndiah, Reserve Inspector, 1st MLP Bn. Mawiong, Johnson Marak, Subedar Major, 1st MLP Bn. Mawiong, Janardhanan AP. AB Inspector, 2nd MLP Bn. Goeragre and Lachai Basumatary, Head Constable, East Khasi Hills, DEF, Shillong received the  Police Medal for Meritorious Service.

Lekiarson A. Marak and Ruperson M. Sangma, Fireman, Fire and Emergency Services received the Fire Service Medal for Meritorious Service.

Home Guard and Civil Defence Medal for Meritorious Service were awarded to two Sub Inspectors, Home Guard Mintu Sarkar and Phrangsngi Kharir.

The Chief Minister also handed over the awards to the 108 EMRI personnel: Best Emergency Response Officer to Khraw Kupar Lanong, Best Emergency Medical Technician to Nyllarilin Mawa and Best Pilot to Peter Watson Nongkhlaw.

St. Joseph’s Girls Higher Secondary School, Jaiaw bagged the first prize in the March Past while Meghalaya Police Public School, Mawroh and Army Public School, Happy Valley bagged the second and third prize respectively.

Others highlights of the celebration in the city include cultural programs,tree plantation in Polo ground by the chief minister and others dignitaries, Independence Day Run, fishing competition at Wards Lake, free cinema shows at Payal, Bijou, Galleria and Gold Cinema and flagging off the vintage car rally from Old Assembly Building, Kyndailad by the Chief Minister. Food court, games and music stalls were also set up at Kyndailad, Shillong besides distribution of gifts and food items by the ngos.-By Our Reporter