Defying the diktat of some separatist militants, the residents of the trouble-torn region thronged to the government sponsored and community celebrations on the occasion of the Republic Day on January 26 and remembered the sacrifices of numerous martyrs for protecting India.
The auspicious day began with six blasts in Manipur and Assam, but the patriotic citizens ignored the caveats, issued by few banned armed outfits of the land-locked region, and joined the nation to hoist the Indian Flag that symbolises the supreme sacrifices of all the known and unknown martyrs of India.
As the nation glued to the television sets to experience the celebration in New Delhi, the habitants of far-eastern localities also joined in the festivity. Unfurling the Tricolor in Kohima, Governor PB Acharya also highlighted the necessity of maintaining peace in the region, which is surrounded by many foreign countries state. Talking about the ongoing peace talks between militants and the government, the Governor expected an amicable settlement of the issue of insurgency. Tripura chief minister Manik Sarkar also pointed out that terrorism must be curbed for the development of the nation. Attending the Republic Day function in Tura, Meghalaya chief minister Mukul Sangma launched the Destination Meghalaya plan with emphasis on education, healthcare and harnessing renewable energy for each and every family of the State. Mizoram Governor Aziz Qureshi hoisted the national flag in Aizawl and disclosed the commitment of the State government to root out corruption from all sectors. The Governor emphasised on promoting trade relationship with Burma (Myanmar), which adjacent to the Southeast Asian nation. Sikkim Governor Shreeniwas Patil unfurled the Tricolour in Gangtok and Arunachal Pradesh Governor Nirbhoy Sharma hoisted the National Flag in Itanagar, where both the Governors urged the people to pursue democratic values and principles rising above selfish interests and also join hands in the prosperity of the region.
The journalists and conscious citizens of Guwahati, as they did earlier years, assembled in Guwahati Press Club to hoist the national flag. Hoisting the Tricolour, senior journalist Pramod Kalita called upon one and all Indians to pay respect to the spirit and sacrifices of numerous freedom fighters.
—NJ Thakuria from Guwahati
