PTI, NEW DELHI: A kaleidoscope of rich cultural heritage of states and their journey towards development was on display as colourful parades marked the 70th Republic Day which passed off peacefully amid tight security, though celebrations were marred in some parts of Northeast following a boycott call by outfits against the citizenship bill.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath announced the launch of a scheme to ensure 100 days of employment every year to the youths from the economically weaker sections (EWS) in the urban areas during his address.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel announced waiver of farmers’ outstanding irrigation taxes worth Rs 207 crore during his Republic Day address in Raipur. Jharkhand Governor Droupadi Murmu hailed the state’s efforts to create a conducive industrial environment, making way for more investments and job opportunities.
Kerala governor P Sathasivam pitched for a united approach towards rebuilding the state devastated by last year’s deadly monsoon floods and cautioned against narrow politics and violent protests derailing the efforts and lowering the state’s image.
Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik said the militancy-hit Kashmir valley will once again become “the paradise on earth” as was once described by Mughal Emperor Jahangir.
Mobile internet services were suspended across Kashmir as a precautionary measure on the occasion, but mobile phone services functioned as usual. Normal life was affected due to a strike called by separatist groups, which asked people to observe the Republic Day as a “black day”.
Security was tightened in the Northeast which was rocked by protests against the citizenship bill.
Mizoram Governor Kummanam Rajasekharan addressed an almost-empty ground in Aizawl on the occasion due to a statewide boycott call given by an umbrella organisation. No member from the general public attended the function, police said, adding only ministers, legislators and top officials were present.
The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, passed in Lok Sabha on January 8, seeks to provide Indian citizenship to non-Muslims from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Several outfits in the Northeast have opposed it claiming that it would undermine the rights of the indigenous people of the region.
