AIZWAL/SHILLONG: This year, the Republic Day celebrations in Mizoram would be completely different as the general public would not be attending the function and only six armed contingents (army, paramilitary and state police) would participate in the parade at Aizawl’s Assam Rifles ground on Saturday.The situation arose out of a boycott call by the NGO Coordination Committee— a conglomerate of civil societies and student bodies— in protest against the proposed legislation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016.Though members of the civil society agreed to some compromises enabling the state governor to unfurl the tricolour at the Assam Rifles ground, only officials of the rank of scretary and above would attend the Republic Day function while ministers and legislators would also attend. No schoolchildren and unarmed contingents would participate in the parade.In the district, sub-divisional and block headquarters, only the deputy commissioners, SDO (Civil) and Block Development Officer (BDOs) would unfurl the national flag without any attendance by government employees and the general public.No central government offices would also be allowed to organise separate functions in their respective offices by the Coordination Committee.Meanwhile in Shillong , in a unique show of solidarity among sister states in the northeast, the Mizoram State Police will take part in the Republic Day Parade at the Polo Grounds.A senior state police official said this year’s attraction will be the Mizoram Police who have been invited by the Meghalaya government as guest participants for the march past. Governor Tathagata Roy will unfurl the tricolour and take the salute at the Polo Grounds. Preparations are on to celebrate R-Day on Saturday across Meghalaya.Security has been tightened across the state with a thrust on checking vehicles on highways and in the capital. National Voters’ Day was also celebrated here today at Ward’s Lake along with the rest of the country.Addressing the gathering, additional chief secretary Hector Marwein said, “We are privileged to be a part of the largest democracy in the world but this democracy becomes meaningless unless the people actively participate in the election process without fear or favour.” Stating that the State Election Commission has been working tirelessly to ensure every eligible person votes, he urged the electorate to be wise and ethical in exercising their franchise.He also launched the 1950 VVIP (Voter verification & Implementation Programme) Helpline through which voters can confirm and verify their names and other details. Prizes for various competitions, including a ‘Run for democracy’—held earlier in the morning— were also distributed. Photo identity cards were also distributed among new voters at the function. Photography competition, Zumba fitness and a rock concert were other highlights of the celebrations.

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