Shillong, Aug 14: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma will take the salute and unfurl the National Flag on Independence Day at the Polo Grounds on Saturday.
“In view of the pandemic, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has issued certain guidelines, protocols and precautionary steps for celebration of Independence Day this year,†an official notification said.
East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Matsiewdor War Nongbri said the number of contingents in the programme will be restricted to around 250.
The march past will be conducted only by three contingents – CRPF, 1st MLP battalion and Meghalaya Police Radio Organisation and the brass band will be played by Home Guard personnel.
“There will be thermal screening of visitors to the ground due to the COVID situation,” the DC said.
In Tura, the district headquarters of West Garo Hills, the Independence Day celebrations will be held at the P A Sangma Stadium, Dakopgre from 9 am with a limited number of participants.
West Garo Hills DC, Ram Singh, said that the programme will be held by adhering to all protocols including maintaining social distance, wearing masks, proper sanitization besides restricting attendance of elderly persons above 60 years and children below 10 yearsâ€.
The Raj Bhavan in Shillong city, usually thrown open to the general public during National Days every year, will remain closed this year on Independence Day due to the prevailing pandemic situation.
Meanwhile the Shillong All Faiths Forum (SAFF) has greeted the people on the eve of the 74th Independence Day and prayed for peace, harmony and good will among all people.
