Republic Day celebrated in Northeast despite protests

Guwahati, January 26, 2019:

Origin and significance:

As India celebrates its 70^th Republic Day today, let us take a look back at its origins. Republic Day honours the date when the Indian constitution first came into effect (on 26 January, 1950). The Constitution was adopted by the Indian Constituent Assembly on 26 November 1949, and came into effect on 26 January 1950 with a democratic government system.

26 January was chosen as India’s Republic Day because it was on this day when Purna Swaraj (declaration of Indian independence) was proclaimed by the Indian National Congress.

In Delhi, the Republic Day parade is organized by the Ministry of Defense. It commences from the gates of the Rashtrapati Bhavan through Raisina Hill on Rajpath past the India Gate.

Celebrations across the state:

In Assam, Republic Day is being celebrated with pomp and grandeur. The celebrations in Guwahati are being held at the Veterinary field playground at Khanapara where socio-cultural aspects of the state are in full display.

In Sibsagar district, a ceremony was held at Dimow playground where the Indian National flag was hoisted by circle officer Masnorama Morang.

In Kokrajhar, the flag is being hoisted by Bodoland.

Significance of this Republic Day:

The situation is tense this year in the Northeast, with the protests against the contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Bill continuing to intensify. Many factions and groups across the region (such as PRISM in Mizoram, various CSOs in Manipur, as well the umbrella rebel organizations have called for a boycott of ‘Republic Day’ in protest against the Bill.

To perhaps diffuse the situation, the central government has decided to award India’s higest honor, the Bharat Ratna, to Assam’s xudhakontho, Bhupen Hazarika.