Defying a bandh called by an insurgent outfit, thousands joined the Republic Day celebrations in Meghalaya today amid a tight security blanket thrown across the state.
Unfurling the tricolour in the state capital, Governor R S Mooshahary said the state remained peaceful without any "law and order threatening situation". "Due credit for this must go to our vigilant police as well as to our peace-loving people. The importance of peace and order for the growth and development of an economy cannot be over emphasised," Mooshahary said, hoping that the peace in the state will continue.
While many people turned out for the Republic Day function, shops and business establishment remained closed in the Khasi-Jaintia region in response to the 24-hour bandh call given by the banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC).
Mooshahary said a multi-pronged strategy has been taken to increase food grain production and productivity through a package comprising high yielding crop varieties, improved scientific inputs and appropriate technology.
In Tura, deputy chief minister Mukul Sangma hoisted the tricolour and slammed groups resorting to violence and bandh calls, saying such forms of agitation were detrimental to the development of the state.
He appealed to the youth to shun such activities and come forward in building a strong and prosperous Meghalaya.