Shillong, Aug 14: On the occasion of Independence Day, the Additional Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills has informed that entry to Phan Nonglait Park (previously Lady Hydari Park) and Ward’s Lake will be free for the public on August 15.
At Ward’s Lake, programmes will start from 2pm onwards as part of the Independence Day celebrations.
Additionally, free cinema shows will be screened at Anjalee Cinema and Bijou Cinema on the same day at 9am.
Lok Bhavan will also be thrown open to the public on Saturday (1:30pm to 8pm) and Sunday (11am to 8pm).
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has also invited the public to attend an open house exhibition on Saturday from 10am at the Met Centre. Visitors will be able to learn about weather forecasting and different IMD services along with demonstrations of meteorological instruments and interactive sessions.
A different sort of event will also take place at Police Bazar from 3pm, namely a national signature campaign on the need to ‘Protect Religious Freedom for Christians in India’.
The campaign seeks to provide citizens with a peaceful and democratic platform to express their views and voluntarily sign a petition concerning religious freedom, human dignity, constitutional values, the protection of legitimate charitable and educational institutions, and the need for meaningful dialogue regarding proposed FCRA changes.
Citizens who wish to participate are invited to attend, add their signatures and, if they wish, bring written comments, suggestions or representations for inclusion with the campaign submission.
The collected signatures and representations will be submitted to the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister for their consideration.
The campaign also carries a message of peace, reconciliation and healing for Manipur, and appeals for continued efforts to restore peace, dignity and harmony among communities.
Official programmes to hoist the national flag will also take place in Shillong, district headquarters and the headquarters of civil sub-divisions, etc. These will be led by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma in Shillong, Deputy CM Sniawbhalang Dhar in Williamnagar and Deputy CM Prestone Tynsong in Resubelpara.
FLAG CODE
Although the central government has been promoting its Har Ghar Tiranga initiative, the authorities also cautioned that the fervour for the national flag should not spill over into disrespect for the tricolour.
As per the Flag Code of India, the national flag made of paper may be waved by the public on occasions of important national, cultural and sports events. Further, on such occasions of important national, cultural and sports events, flags used by the public made of paper are not to be discarded or thrown on the ground after the event. Such flags are to be disposed of, in private, consistent with the dignity of the tricolour.
Rules and prohibitions regarding the flag can be found on the Union Ministry of Home Affairs website mha.gov.in.
DRY DAY
The Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills has declared Independence Day as a ‘dry day’ in the entire district.
All bonded warehouses, IMFL on and off licence shops, homemade wine licensed premises, wine and beer bars, home delivery licensed establishments, canteens and outstills shall remain closed on the day.
Similar restrictions will apply in other districts.
