By Anup Biswas

Haflong : A three day programme for celebration of the 73^rd Independence Day of India starts from today i.e. 13^th August to 15^th August at various places in Dima Hasao. The programme was scheduled by the Deputy Commissioner Amitabh Rajkhowa during the meeting held on 8^th August last at his conference in Haflong.

As per schedule series of competitions such as essay writing, speech and painting were held for school as well as college students at Govt. Boys Higher Secondary School, Haflong. The first part of the day began with Swachh Bharat Abhiyan by cleaning of public places such as parks, prominent places, ponds etc.

Cleaning of statues of the freedom fighters, martyrs and leading citizens, Veer Sambudhan Phonglo,  Rani Gaidinliu, Bhanu Bhakta Acharya, Chengjapao Doungel, Shivaji  was done by the Haflong Municipal Board, 11 Assam Rifles, , Assam Gorkha Sanmilan and Kuki Inpi  respectively in Haflong.  SDO(C) of Maibang took charge to clean statues of the freedom fighters installed in Maibang, whereas BDO Harangjao arranged to clean the statue of princess Dishru, Umrangso Town Committee cleaned statue of Durga Malla and BDO, Diyungbra ITDP cleaned the statue of J.B. Hagjer.

A cultural programme is being organized in the evening today at Cultural Institute Hall, Haflong where there will be a patriotic song and drama competitions.

On 14^th August i.e tomorrow, a quiz competition will be held on India’s Freedom Movement. There will be games and sports in every school and colleges, a street play on “Drug Awareness campaign” at 4:00 P.M at the Haflong market traffic point and Independence run for unity for students and citizens at Haflong is being organsied at 6:00 A.M starting from SP office.

The above programme will be followed by the grand celebration at the playground of Assam Rifles, Sarkari Bagan on 15^th August in presence of VVIPS, VIPs with Debolal Gorlosa, Chief Executive Member, NCHAC as the chief guest. Throughout these days government buildings and offices will be illuminated with decorative lights to mark celebration of the national festival.