Shillong, Aug 15: Defying a bandh call given by an outlawed organisation, a large number of people in Meghalaya today took part in the 57th Independence day celebrations here with Chief Minister D D Lapang urging people to stand up against militancy.
Taking a salute after unfurling the National tricolour, the Chief Minister said "though the government has taken appropriate measures to deal with the menace of militancy and there are indications that the activities of militant outfits are under control, yet it is the duty of every citizen to stand up against militancy".
Banned militant outfit Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council had given a call for a 24-hour bandh since 6 pm yesterday in Khasi Hills district while in the Garo Hills region, a boycott call was given by another extremist group, People's Liberation Front.
The Chief Minister said the government's door was open for dialogue or discussion with the militant groups and the state would welcome initiatives taken by NGOs, groups or individuals in 'facilitating' such a peace process provided they have 'proper knowledge and consultation'.
Referring to the politician-militant nexus issue, Lapang said such a nexus would not be tolerated and 'firm steps' be taken to tackle this menace.

Earlier, contingents from Army's Gorkha Training Centre, Air Force, ex-servicemen, BSF, CRPF, Meghalaya police battalion, homeguards, NCC and Bharat scouts and guides, besides students from six schools presented a colourful marchpast with an IAF copter flying over the polo ground.

Bureau Report