Tight security arrangements for peaceful I-Day celebrations

Aizawl, Aug 12 (UNI) The Mizoram government has stepped up security arrangements throughout the state for Independence Day celebrations in view of the boycott call given by four different Northeastern insurgent outfits.

''Preparations are in full swing for a peaceful Independence Day which will be celebrated in all the district capitals and towns,'' an official said here today after a preview meeting at the Aizawl DC office.

Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga will unfurl the Tricolour as part of the the main observation at the Assam Rifles Ground here and receive salute from 27 march past contingents.

Among others, relief packages will be distributed to Mautam famine victims during the observations.

Meanwhile, a spectacular final match of the I-Day football tourney was played at the AR Ground here today between the First Mizoram Armed Police and Kulikawn Football Club.

This year's I-Day football match was more attractive due to the fact that five foreign footballers had participated in it.

Earlier, four underground outfits - the Kamtapur Liberation Organisation (Manipur), Manipur People's Liberation Front, Tripura People's Democratic Front and United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) - called for a general strike on August 15 as part of boycott of the Independence Day celebrations in the region.

UNI ZS DPM RL PM1505