Republic Day peaceful in Mizoram

Aizawl, Jan 26 (UNI) Despite the cold, people of Mizoram thronged the Assam Rifles Ground here today to celebrate the 59th Republic Day.

Governor Lt Gen (rtd) M M Lakhera unfurled the tricolour and received salutes from five armed contingents, seven unarmed contingents, 11 schools and four pipe bands during the parade.

''As proud citizens of this great country, it is our duty to nurture and strengthen the systems and values enshrined in our constitution,'' Lt Gen Lakhera said.

He also highlighted that government's initiatives on various fronts to build a stronger, surer and self-reliant state, which has been fighting against insurgency since long.

''I am glad that the law and order situation during last year remained peaceful and under control. There has been a 7.12 per cent decline in the crime rate,'' he announced, adding the state achieved the second position in literacy with 89.42 per cent.

He also assured measures to mitigate natural disasters like periodic bamboo flowering (Mautam).

The Governor also handed out Police Medal for Meritorious Service to two police officers.

Reports from others places of the state said the celebrations elsewhere was peaceful.

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