Meghalaya govt bid to draw crowd in I-Day celebrations

With several underground outfits giving a boycott call to the August 15 celebrations, Meghalaya government has appealed to the people to freely participate in the festivities.

With several underground outfits giving a boycott call to the August 15 celebrations, Meghalaya government has appealed to the people to freely participate in the festivities, which would include 'Independence Day Run' and a rock music concert in Shillong.

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State's Home (police) Minister HDR Lyngdoh in the appeal said, "Let us relive the glorious reputation that we are a peaceful state that is poised for accelerated growth and development. This image will bolster and boost the tourism potential and other development sector and also usher in an era of lasting peace and prosperity."

Meanwhile, official sources said the threat perception in this year's celebrations was not that significant as the banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC), which generally called a bandh on the day was almost a 'spent force' as most of its cadres either surrendered or were arrested.

Though, without taking any chance, the administration was taking 'utmost care' with adequate security arrangement to ensure a peaceful celebration. Regular checking by the state police was being carried out, the sources said.

But the authorities were little worried over the possible 'huge' turnout this time as the day falls on Sunday with majority of the people being slated to go for church service. However, "We are not imposing anything on anybody."

Celebrations for the national event this year here would commence with the 'Independence Day Run' starting from the Fire Brigade Ground to culminate at the Polo Ground, the venue of the ceremonial parade.