Shillong, Feb 16: Congress veteran leader and former chief minister, D.D. Lapang said that the period of turmoil and unrest is no longer there due to stable government under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister, Dr Mukul Sangma.

Lapang, who is also the adviser to the Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) said in a statement issued here on Friday that earlier the people of the state could not even celebrate Independence Day due to bandhs but now, all the people can participate in the Independence Day celebrations and rejoice the freedom along with the nation.

Lapang however expressed concern that the spirit of freedom which is the essence of India and its unique diverse culture is being threatened by vicious forces from outside, and is trying to make backdoor entry into Meghalaya.

“The people of Meghalaya need to be vigilant against such divisive forces,” he said.

Lapang said Sonia Gandhi had immense love for the tribal people of Meghalaya and the North East and had always given top priority to the needs the state and he maintained that the Congress Party under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi has got new vigour and strength that will take the country and young Indians to new height.

The veteran leader also criticized opposition parties for trying to spread falsehood about the ruling party and its role in the development of Meghalaya.

“If we go down the history, we cannot brush aside the contribution of stalwarts towards the people of the state,” Lapang, who is also the adviser to the Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) said in a statement issued here on Friday.

He reminded that Late Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru had come down to Shillong from New Delhi to meet the Khasis, downtrodden and minorities.

“He (Lt Nehru) met late Rev JJM Nichols Roy, who was later known as the architect of the Autonomous District Councils, both of them along with other community leaders shared ideas, put their hearts together and through such deliberations the foundations for the adoption of the Sixth Schedule and formation of the Autonomous District Councils were laid down,” he said.

The former MPCC chief also said that the people of Meghalaya cannot forget the Congress for preserving their land and the customary traditions of its people.

“The people of Meghalaya can never forget the contribution of the Congress party and Indira Gandhi towards the creation of the state in 1972. Indira came here and adorned in her golden Khasi Jainsem she announced “we give you a state of your own so that you can grow according to your own genius”,” he said.

He further stated that the Congress party gave a lot of importance to education and to give the youngsters of the region exposure to knowledge the NEHU, IIM, Engineering Colleges, state of art Medical Colleges like NEIGRIHMS were established.