President Droupadi Murmu found herself stranded in Shillong for over four hours today, as inclement weather conditions prevented the takeoff of her helicopter.
Murmu was originally scheduled to depart from Shillong for Diphu in Assam at 10 am. However, her travel plans were disrupted by foggy conditions, leading to an extended delay in her departure.
The President, who was at the Raj Bhavan in Shillong, was unable to leave as the helicopter remained grounded due to the cloudy weather situation.
After weather conditions improved and the clearance for takeoff was given, Murmu was able to depart from Shillong at around 3 pm.
However, due to the delay, she was forced to cancel her visit to Diphu and flew directly to New Delhi.
In culmination of her three-day visit to the State, Murmu today unveiled bust-sized statues of three freedom fighters of Meghalaya, U Tirot Singh, U Kiang Nangbah and Pa Togan Sangma at Raj Bhavan, Shillong.
The statues were sculpted by Riti Academy of Visual Arts.
The President was accompanied by the Governor Paghu Chauhan, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh and senior government officers led by Chief Secretary Donald P. Wahlang.
During the unveiling, Murmu was apprised of the role played by the three martyrs’ in their uprising against British rule, which led to the ultimate sacrifice of their lives for the sake of their motherland.
Before her departure from Shillong, the resident also planted a tree at Raj Bhavan.