<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222;">Meghalaya joined the rest of the country in celebrating Independence Day today where Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma hoisted the tri-colour at Polo Ground, Shillong. 22 contingents from different paramilitary, State police forces and students participated in the Independence Day parade followed by an array of cultural programmes.</span></p>''<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222;"><br />''</span></p>''<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222;">The Chief Minister during his speech remembered and showed gratitude to the sacrifices made by leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhash Chandra Bose, Sardar Patel and Bhagat Singh and also saluted the valour and commitment of the patriots from Meghalaya, U Tirot Sing, U Kiang Nangbah and Pa Togan Sangma.</span></p>''<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222;"><br />''</span></p>''<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222;">The Chief Minister also highlighted several milestones the State has achieved over the years in development, governance and service delivery. He stated that the State was recently recognized by the United Nations for governance reforms, by the Government of India for creating the best startup eco-system and by NITI Aayog for innovation. Further, the Chief Minister added that the State is recognized for the caves, the sacred groves, the living root-bridges, the roaring waterfalls and the pristine rivers. The CM also mentioned that the State had gained prominence on account of agricultural produce like lakadong turmeric, exotic fruits and forest produce and skilful artisans.</span></p>''<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222;"><br />''</span></p>''<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222;">He further said that the State Government is working with neighbouring Assam to resolve the remaining six disputed areas in the next few months. He added that the State has been peaceful in the last four and half years and there have been significantly fewer insurgency-related incidents. The proposed peace talks between the banned outfit HNLC with the Central and State Government is going forward and it will come to a logical conclusion, he added.</span></p>''<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222;"><br />''</span></p>''<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222;">The Chief Minister also highlighted different missions and programs launched over the last few years and the benefits it has brought to the citizens of Meghalaya. He also mentioned the initiatives of the Meghalaya Police on its 'War Against Drugs' and how it has transformed the State over the past few months.</span></p>''<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br />''</p>''<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222;">The day was also celebrated with gaiety in different district headquarters across the State. As part of the day, several cultural programs and patriotic activities were also conducted during the State-level function at Polo Grounds, Shillong.</span></p>