Meghalaya on alert for PM’s visit today

SHILLONG, Feb 15 – The capital of Meghalaya has been put on security alert ahead of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit tomorrow, official sources said today.

The Prime Minister is to address an election rally of the Congress at the Polo Grounds here which would be attended by candidates and party workers from Khasi and Jaintia Hills region.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi is scheduled to address rallies in Jowai and Tura on February 19 and the party vice president Rahul Gandhi will campaign at Nongpoh, Nongstoin and Williamnagar the following day.

Special teams of the Special Protection Guards are in the city to foresee the security preparedness for the PM’s visit and for the tour of the other VVIPs as well, Home department officials said.

Meanwhile, Meghalaya Chief Secretary WMS Pariat today proceeded on 15-day leave as his brother-in-law is one of the 341 contenders for the February 23 Assembly elections in the State, official sources said.

He has taken a 15-day leave as per the directive of the Election Commission and to ensure a free and fair election in the State, sources said.

Additional Chief Secretary PBO Warjri has taken over charge until February 28, they said.