Govt appeals to public to participate in ID celebration

Shillong, Aug 8 (UNI) The Meghalaya government today appealed to the people to participate in the Independence day celebration in a befitting manner.

Chief Minister D D Lapang, who also holds the Home portfolio, chaired a high-level meeting with top government and security officials and discussed the law and order situation in the state ahead of the national day.

''We appeal to all members of the public to come out with their families and friends to participate in the Independence Day celebration,'' General Administration Department Minister P Tynsong told reporters here.

Mr Tynsong said the government had also arranged transport facilities at normal routes to pick up participants to celebrate the day at the Polo ground.

''We want to send a positive signal to the entire country that Meghalaya and the rest of North East stand for national unity, integrity, peace and development,'' he said.

The state government has arranged various programmes to mark the 60th year of Independence. These include rock show, cultural dances, football match, freedoms run and ceremonial parades.

The main programme of the day include 'freedom lap' from 7 am to 8 am, ceremonial parade from 9 am to 10 am, exhibition football match between Meghalaya vs Rest of North East India from 10:30 am to 12 noon followed by cultural programme and rock show.

The state government has urged interested runners to register their names with the District Sports Officer, Shillong at JN Complex, Polo Grounds. There will be two age categories for the freedom lap and attractive cash prizes and certificates.

UNI