Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 173/12

CM LEADS TURA CITIZENS IN ANTI-TERRORISM PLEDGE

Shillong, May 21, 2012: The Chief Minister of Meghalaya Dr. Mukul M. Sangma led the citizens of Tura in taking the pledge to oppose all forms of terrorism and to promote peace and social harmony on the occasion of Anti-terrorism Day at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office premises today.

The 21st May, which is the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Late Rajiv Gandhi, is observed as Anti-terrorism Day across the nation and similar pledge is taken in all government establishments and institutions to root out all forms of terrorism.

Addressing the gathering before taking the pledge, Dr. Sangma said that it is important for the people to understand the menace that terror can create and the uncertainties of the future generations through acts of terrorism.

“Terrorism does not have any boundaries and it is not confined to one nation or state”, he said, adding that the country as whole and even the State of Meghalaya has suffered a lot due to terrorism and violence.

He stated that grievances cannot be solved by use of force and stressed the need for sustained peace for progress and development of the State and urged upon the people to make a strong resolve to come together to fight terrorism.

C&RD Minister Mr. Saleng A. Sangma, Co-chairmen of the State Planning Board, Mr. Zenith M. Sangma and Clement Marak, Chief Executive Member, GHADC, Mr. P.K. Sangma, MLA of Dadenggre Mr. Augustine D. Marak, Deputy Commissioner Mr. Pravin Bakshi and Superintendent of Police Mr. M. K. Singh also participated in taking pledge, besides the officials and staff of various government departments, institutions, NGOs, members of Tura United Christian Peace Forum and teachers and students from various schools in and around Tura.

Press Release No. 174/12

INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY CELEBRATED

Shillong, May 22, 2012: For the first time in Meghalaya, International Day for Biological Diversity was celebrated at the U Soso Tham Auditorium, Shillong today, May 22, 2012 wherein the Minister of Forests and Environment, Mr. Prestone Tynsong was the Chief Guest. The function was chaired by the Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Meghalaya, Mr. P B O Warjri. Also present was Mr. M S Rao, Principal Secretary, Forests & Environment, Mr. V K Nautiyal, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & HoFF, Meghalaya, Mr. T T C Marak, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (T) and Prof. S K Barik of the Department of Botany, North Eastern Hill University. The function was also well attended by teachers and students from various schools of the city.

It may be mentioned that since the proclamation of 22nd May as the International Day for Biological Diversity (IBD) by the United Nations, many commemorative ceremonies are held all over the world on this day to increase awareness and understanding of biodiversity issues.

In his address as the Chief Guest, Mr. Tynsong said that biological diversity is the presence of a variety of life forms and divided into two parts, economic and ecosystem services which include appropriate usage of living things and protection of water bodies, natural resources and so on. Therefore, he said that all of us need to share with families and friends that biodiversity is important for a sustainable livelihood.

Lamenting on the fact that in Meghalaya, biodiversity is under threat due to deforestation, habitat destruction, mining and jhum cultivation and encroachment to forest covers which may put the next generation in a catastrophic situation, Mr. Tynsong said that the time has come for each and every individual to take the pledge to conserve bio-diversity, both for ecological balance and economic security.

Mr. Nautiyal, in his speech, said that people should be conscious that forest wildlife is integral part of all living beings and have the right to live in the planet as human beings. He also said that India, which is one of the 12 major biodiversity in the world, is severely under threat and therefore there is an increase urgency to spread this message so that the biological diversity is preserved.

In his chairman’s remarks, Mr. P B O Warjri said that as responsible citizens we should understand that there is a tremendous need for us to appreciate and respect the richness and wealth present in nature because we are inter-dependent of different things around us. Therefore, he called upon the gathering especially the students to spread the message to schools, colleges and villagers on the need to preserve and respect nature.

Others who spoke on the occasion were Mr. M S Rao, Prof S K Barik who present a power point presentation and Mr. T T C Marak who offered the vote of thanks. To commemorate the day, essay and painting competition were also held earlier for school students and prizes to the winners were distributed during the function.