Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 381/16

MEGHALAYA CELEBRATES 70TH INDEPENDENCE DAY WITH NATIONAL FERVOR

: Meghalaya joined the rest of the country in the celebration of 70th Independence Day with full national fervor and gaiety on August 15, 2016. Chief Minister Dr. Mukul Sangma unfurled the National Flag and took the Rashtriya Salute during the ceremonial parade held at the Polo Ground here. A helicopter from Eastern Air Command flew past the parade ground showering petals as soon as the Tricolor was unfurled during the ceremonial programme. The parade of 19 marching contingents, including 58 GTC, BSF, CRPF, Meghalaya Police, DEF, Home Guards, NCC, Bharat Scouts & Guides, school contingents and the combined Brass Band, was led by Parade Commander Major T. S. Singh from 58 GTC and 2nd in command Inspector R. S. Bordoloi from Meghalaya Police. The Horse contingent from Assam Rifles Public School Laitkor added grandeur to the parade. The names of the recipients of Police Medal for Gallantry, Meritorious Service and Fire Service Medal for Meritorious Service were also announced during the celebration. Shri Viveknand Singh,IPS, Deputy Commandant 5th MLP Battalion, Samgong, Shri Silnang Marak, Battalion Constable, 1st MLP Bn. Mawiong, Shri Pynshaiborlang Sohshang, Battalion Constable, 1st MLP Bn. Mawiong, Shri Richard Ranee, Battalion Constable, 1st MLP Bn. Mawiong and Shri Anand Mishra, IPS, SP, South Garo Hills, Baghmara were awarded Police Medal for Gallantry. Shri Rymphang Pde,MPS, DySP, Hqr, Ri Bhoi District,Nongpoh, Shri Emorbha Kyndiah, Reserve Inspector, 1st MLP Bn. Mawiong, Shri Johnson Marak, Subedar Major, 1st MLP Bn. Mawiong, Shri Janardhanan AP. AB Inspector, 2nd MLP Bn. Goeragre and Shri Lachai Basumatary, Head Constable, East Khasi Hills, DEF, Shillong received the Police Medal for Meritorious Service. Shri Lekiarson A. Marak and Shri Ruperson M. Sangma, Fireman, Fire and Emergency Services received the Fire Service Medal for Meritorious Service. Home Guard and Civil Defence Medal for Meritorious Service were awarded to two Sub Inspectors, Home Guard Shri Mintu Sarkar and Shri Phrangsngi Kharir. The Chief Minister also handed over the awards to the 108 EMRI personnel: Best Emergency Response Officer to Shri Khraw Kupar Lanong, Best Emergency Medical Technician to Smti Nyllarilin Mawa and Best Pilot to Shri Peter Watson Nongkhlaw. St. Joseph’s Girls Higher Secondary School, Jaiaw bagged the first prize in the March Past while Meghalaya Police Public School, Mawroh and Army Public School, Happy Valley bagged the second and third prize respectively. Others highlights of the celebration in the city include cultural programs, tree plantation in Polo ground by the Chief Guest and others dignitaries, Independence Day Run, fishing competition at Wards Lake, free cinema shows at Payal, Bijou, Galleria and Gold Cinema and flagging off the vintage car rally from Old Assembly Building, Kyndailad by the Chief Minister. Food court, games and music stalls were also set up at Kyndailad, Shillong besides distribution of gifts and food items by the NGOs.