Peaceful movement powerful : Sangma

SHILLONG, JAN 21: Celebrating the 43^rd years of statehood of the state, Meghalaya chief minister Mukul Sangma reminded the misguided youths- militants- that Meghalaya was carved out of the composite Assam through a ‘peaceful movement’ which he said is a rich legacy . He was of the opinion that “peaceful movement” is more powerful than any other modes of movements to achieve certain goal.

Addressing the 43^rd Meghalaya Day celebration at U Soso Tham auditorium on Wednesday, Sangma said, “Through this celebration want to send a strong message that a peaceful movement is the form of movement and much more powerful than any other mode of movements, in bringing people in harmony and unity to achieve any objective.”

The official celebration of the Meghalaya Day at U Soso Tham auditorium organized by the Meghalaya government drew huge crowds where both officials and public came out in droves to witness. The huge compound was decked up and even two inflatable bouncers were kept for children to play and there was a display of Bonsai organized by the Meghalaya horticulture department.

With militancy rocking the state, especially Garo hills,  Sangma said, “We need to use this rich legacy of peaceful movement as a message to remind our friends, the power of peace and harmony to achieve any objective for the benefit of the present and future generation.”

Referring directly to those who have taken arms and joined militant groups, Sangma said,  “It –celebration- is also with a purpose to send a strong message to friends who are engaging in futile exercises by indulging in crimes and violence in the name of certain agendas.”

Sangma also said it is important to send a strong message beyond the boundary of state to the neihbouring states where in the name of movement to achieve certain objective, people are indulging in crimes, violence and  killing people. He said, “It is so painful to see that.”

Meghalaya, according to Sangma, is a leading example of a rich legacy of peaceful movement.  He said,“This should remain as an example to be replicated by one and all, not only within the walls of our state but across the nation.”

Saluting all the leaders who were instrumental in getting statehood without a bloodshed, Sangma  said, “It is all out of love and compassion for our people that our leaders have with so much of far-sightedness understood the need to bring people in harmony and unity to enable the creation of this beautiful state, which we are proud to be part of.”

Sangma, however, did not fail to  remind that only seven years is left for Meghalaya to celebrate its 50^th anniversary and, therefore, he said there is a need to create success stories, which can give hope for everyone and sense of well being to each citizen. He said this is the objective of the government.

Sangma said the objective of the government  is to ensure that within a reasonable period of time that objective of creating that environment where everyone will have sense of well being is achieved.

Stating that the strength of the state is on its resources, Sangma  said, The people of the state therefore, must be able to take leverage upon these resources to achieve the objective of creating environment and dream of having sense of well being.”

Emphasizing that Meghalaya will have to focus on few things, Sangma said, “As far as the government is concern, I would like to reaffirm our commitment and reiterate our effort to achieve that objective.”  He said the state must be able to take care the challenges in the field of education, health and problem of unemployment, as well as the challenge of employability.

Sangma said education, health and focus on creating the state as investment and tourist destination will make everything else fall in line.  He said, “As we prepare ourselves to celebrate the 50^th anniversary, we therefore, need to look at these sectors, we must mob up resources so that the demand for investment and resources we generate will commensurate, these are the challenges.”

Sangma along with other dignitaries including Meghalaya government chief adviser DD Lapang, and ministers also presented the Meghalaya Day Excellence Awards to employees from the different departments of the government besides prizes to the winners of various competitions.-By Our Reporter