said in a joint statement that they called upon the people to boycott and prevent the celebration (of I-Day) as a mark of solidarity against New Delhi. The Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council separately called for a 24 hour bandh in Meghalaya.

The Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, while hoisting the national flag at Red Fort, New Delhi also mentioned the region and assured that the Union government continues in endeavours to make the states in the region equal partners in the country’s progress. He also entrusted that the road, rail and civil aviation projects of the North East (also J&K ) would be specially monitored.

“Those who think that they can seize power by recourse to the gun do not understand the power of our democracy,” reiterated Dr Singh adding that the security forces and intelligence agencies are being constantly upgraded with an aim to root out terrorist activities. He also maintained that New Delhi would succeed in its mission with full cooperation from all sections of the society.

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi unfurled the national flag at Latashil playground. Addressing the gathering, Gogoi urged the separatist groups to come forward for peace talks. He also asserted that violence and insurgency can not help in solving any of the problems of the state.

“Assam’s problems can not be solved through violence and militancy. Only through the democratic process, developmental schemes and work can its problems be solved,” he commented adding, “Due to militancy, many innocent people have died, several have been rendered disabled for life, women have become widows and children have been made orphans. The Government will never tolerate such activities of insurgents.”

Celebrations took place in every nook and corner of the state to pay tribute to the patriots and martyrs who suffered and sacrificed their lives for the freedom of the nation. The journalists and citizens gathered at Guwahati Press Club to observe the day, where the National flag was hoisted by the eminent Assamese litterateur-journalist Nirupama Borgohain.

Another veteran journalist, Dhirendra Nath Chakravarty, while explaining the significance of the day, gave an outline of the country’s struggle for freedom and said hundreds of valiant heroes, who had sacrificed their lives, are yet to find a place in recorded history. He also led a procession, where hundreds took part with the Tricolour in hand and raising patriotic slogans.

Rupam Baruah, a Guwahati based senior journalist, argues that the national flag symbolises the spirit of a nation that fought for independence from the clutches of the British imperialism. “The Tricolour is the symbol of our common strength,” asserted Baruah adding, “On the two very special days (15 August and 26 January), related to our freedom-struggle, we hoist and salute the National Flag to pay our heartfelt homage to those countless patriots and martyrs who suffered and laid down their lives for the motherland’s freedom. Because of their sacrifice we live today a free people.”

Other Northeastern states also witnessed the participation of people in the I-Day programmes, where they hoisted national flags, saluted it and sang the national anthem besides joining in processions. In Manipur, Chief Minister O. Ibobi Singh unfurled the national flag in Imphal, whereas Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio graced the I-Day celebrations in Kohima.

Similarly, the Meghalaya Chief Minister DD Lapang unfurled the Tri-colour during the government programme in Shillong, which attracted an impressive gathering even though the banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council imposed a day long bandh (strike) in the State.

The Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling hoisted the national flag in Gangtok and the Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar joined the occasion in Agartala. Arunachal Pradesh government head D. Khandu hoisted the national flag in Itanagar, whereas in the Indo-China border at Bumla near Tawang, the armed force personnel from both India and China routinely joined the I-Day celebrations.