State defies HNLC bandh, to celebrate R Day

Shillong, Jan 24: Defying the diktats of the 'demoralised' proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC), Meghalaya is all set to celebrate the 58th Republic Day.

Yesterday, the proscribed HNLC, which is fighting for a 'sovereign Hynniewtrep homeland', had called for a 24-hour bandh from 1800 hours of January 25 protesting the Republic Day celebrations within the entire Khasi-Jaintia Hills region of the state.

''We shall not bow down to HNLC diktats and we will celebrate the Republic Day like other fellow Indians,'' said a localite John Dkhar here today.

Like him many others have also decided to witness the national celebration.

State Home Minister Robert Garnet Lyngdoh said the government has taken steps to ensure smooth and peaceful celebrations on Republic Day.

Urging the people to come out and join the celebrations, Mr Lyngdoh said the government had taken all steps to ensure the celebration passes off peacefully without any untoward incident.

Security had also been tightened across the state in view of the the ongoing ULFA activities in neighbouring Asom.

Police officials said anti-insurgency operations have been launched in remote areas to flush out militants sheltering in the state and have arrested at least 10 militants including four ULFA cadres from different parts of the state.

The police, with the help of state's Special Operation Team (SOT) have also conducted raids in this regard.

Police personnel were seen checking movement of vehicles in and out of the city.

The government had chalked out elaborate programmes to mark the the main function at Jawaharlal Nehru Sports Complex, where Governor M M Jacob would unfurl the tricolour.

UNI