Shillong, Aug. 15: Independence Day was celebrated across Meghalaya today with chief minister Mukul Sangma unfurling the Tricolour at Polo Ground.

Various programmes, including a tree plantation drive at Polo Ground, an Independence Day Run, fishing competition at Wards Lake, free cinema shows and a vintage car rally, besides others, marked the day.

Addressing the gathering at Polo Ground, Sangma said the state government has taken effective measures to strengthen its internal security apparatus, which resulted in restoration of normalcy and sustained peace.

He also said that the state government has provided an enabling environment for members of insurgent and militant groups to withdraw from their criminal and anti-national activities and avail of the rehabilitation package to join the mainstream.

On the inter-state boundary dispute with Assam, he said a resolution of the same would require “mutual engagement”? to evolve a solution acceptable to the people of both the states. “We have sought a mutually convenient time to resume the dialogue at the level of chief ministers and the chief secretaries for effective, outcome-oriented engagement,” Sangma said.

On illegal immigration and influx, he said the Meghalaya Residents’ Safety and Security Bill, 2016, is under consideration of a select committee of the Assembly.

Locations have been identified to set up facilitation centres at the entry and exit points to enable the authorities to put effective measures to deal with illegal infiltration. The process for acquisition of land for the purpose has been taken up in right earnest, he said.

On uranium mining, he said Uranium Corporation of India Ltd (UCIL) had recently issued an expression of interest (EoI) for open-pit mining of uranium in the state.

“The people have serious concern on the ramification of uranium mining on health and environment. Therefore, the government is of the view that uranium mining should not be taken up till such time when the people of the state are taken on board. UCIL has been requested to keep its EoI in abeyance,” Sangma said.

Sangma also reminded the people about two major tremors experienced by Meghalaya since January. He said the State Disaster Management Authority, in collaboration with the District Disaster Management Authorities, are taking up various activities to respond to such calamity. In the Garo hills, people came out in large numbers to take part in the independence Day celebrations.

No militant outfit had called for any boycott. The turnout at Tura is being dubbed as the biggest in the last five years. Similar crowds were seen other parts of Garo hills.

In Tura, health minister A.L. Hek unfurled the Tricolour. “Police has gained the upper hand over militants in Garo hills through Operation Hill Storm – III,” he said.

Additional reporting by Saidul Khan in Tura