The Sub-Divisional Officer (C )Sohra Civil Sub- Division, Shri. C.V.D .Diengdoh unfurled the National Flag and took the Rashtriya salute of the marching contingents on the occasion of the 64th Anniversary of the Indian Republic Celebration which was held on the 26th Jan at Sohra stadium, Saitsohpen, Sohra.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Diengdoh said that the celebration today reminds us of the struggle for freedom and the sacrifices rendered by freedom fighters to free us from foreign yolk and on this day we cannot for- get great men and women like Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel and many others who led the country in its struggle for freedom. The freedom movement ushered in democratic values, attitudes and aspirations and as peace loving citizens we need to fight against vicious forces which are inimical to the core values of Democracy.
He stated that law and order in Meghalaya has been satisfactory and the State Police with the assistance of the Central reserve Police have done their best in containing various militant outfits. Further, he hopes that with the launching of the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network System (CCTNS) the citizens will be able to lodge their FIR online. He therefore underlined the various developmental activities of the government and appeals to the people, especially, youth to eschew violence but to maintain Peace and Harmony, without which there will be no growth and development. He called upon the people to exercise their rights of franchise freely and to maintain peace during the run up to the election in general and during the conduct of poll in particular and thereby urged them to cooperate and work together so as to make Meghalaya a shining outpost in this part of the country.
Cultural programmes, sports and games were the other highlight of the day. Gifts Packets were also distributed to the patients of N.R.H.M. Hospital and St. John Orphanage, Maraikaphon, Sohra The programme ended with a National anthem.
Maurice Patrick Secondary School, Laitryngew bagged the first prize in the March Past Contingents followed by Sohra Academy in the Second and Agape Secondary School in the Third.