Northeast celebrates trouble-free Independence Day

The 73rd Independence Day function passes off peacefully on Thursday in seven sister states as well Sikkim in the Northeast amid tight security.

Chief Ministers of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim unfurled the tricolour and took salute from marching contingents at state- level functions attended by a large number of people.

Amid heightened security arrangements in tune with the Centre's advisory across the country after abrogation of Article 370 that accorded special status to Jammu and Kashmir, the event took place in a peaceful environment without any untoward incident reported from anywhere in the region.

Some CMs used the occasion to allay apprehensions prevailing in some quarters if the measures taken in Kashmir (repeal of Art 370 and bifurcation of the state into two Union Territories) could have resonance in the northeastern states enjoying special status under Article 371 of the Constitution.

Some of them justified steps taken on crucial issues and also promised new welfare measures for the masses.

Even though Union Home Minister Amit Shah had clarified that the central government has no intention to touch special status enjoyed by states like Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Sikkim, Nagaland and Manipur,doubts have been expressed by some political parties and a few social organisations if NE would be the next target.

Addressing Independence day function at Itanagar, Chief Minister Pema Khandu congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his bold move in J&K, and said,"the provisions of Article 371 are inclusive in nature, but that of Article 370 are primarily divisive.The government has taken the first step towards the inclusive development of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

"I assure the people of my state that the provisions of Article 371-H will continue to stay in force and the same had been categorically assured in the Parliament by the Centre."
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang said "On the occasion of 73rd Independence Day celebrations, I pledge to protect, conserve and consolidate the Article 371(F) of the Constitution which provides a special status to our state."