Role of freedom fighters recalled in Meghalaya

Meghalaya today recalled the contribution of freedom fighters from the state who sacrificed their life to end the colonial rule even as people from all walks of life celebrated Independence day in a befitting manner.
"We also remember with a strong sense of pride the selfless sacrifice made by the patriots of our own state - U Tirot Sing, U Kiang Nangbah and Pa Togan Sangma and many others, in their struggle to end the colonial rule," Governor Banwarilal Purohit said in a message to the people.
"This is an occasion for us to recollect with gratitude the contributions of all the great patriots of India's freedom movement - Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru... Who provided the leadership to liberate the country from foreign rule," he said.

In his address at the Polo grounds here, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said that crime against women and children had become a matter of concern.
He said, the state government has set up a 24/7 women help line and has also created women police stations in 7 of the 11 districts apart from officers and staffs getting gender sensitisation trainings.
The state government is also bringing civil and police administration closer to the people with eight of the 18 new police stations having already been inaugurated.

"Let us rededicate ourselves in every possible way to engage in better social relations to bring peace, harmony and tolerance in our communities and ensure that all people understand the essence of being free and responsible citizens," he said.

On farming, the chief minister claimed to have brought in additional 7000 hectare area under organic cultivation with central assistance, which was aimed at positioning the state as a major player in the national organic market.
The state's flagship MegTea, an organic tea is becoming fast popular and a shipment of MegTea was sent to the Indian embassy in Brussel on the occasion of International Yoga Day to spread awareness of the brand in Belgium, he said.
Almost all schools hoisted the tri-colour to celebrate the day.
The celebration here began early here with marathons and a 50 km-long cyclothon organised by the CyclingShillong club in which nearly 70 participants took part.

Visitors thronged parks and lakes on the occasion.