Imphal, May 21 2010: The day of assassination of Late Shri Rajiv Gandhi, 21st May is commemorated annually as the Anti Terrorist Day.

As part of its campaign to sensitise the population to the perils of terrorism and to mobilize popular opinion against it, the Red Shield Division had organized a series of events which included Peace Marches, Run for Peace, Painting competitions, Peace Meetings and Anti Extortion Rally.

These were well received in various parts of Manipur and the districts of South Assam, a PIB (DW) press release informed.

In Churachandpur District of Manipur, more than 150 people from the local villages congregated at Songdo for the "Say no to Extortion rally" for a solemn oath taking ceremony.

The locals with the security forces pledged to defy all demands of extortion made by the insurgents and work together to fight the social and economic ill effects of terrorism to end the menace.

More than 200 people participated in the "Run for peace" organized at Thanlon Sub Division of the district.

The villagers participated in the event with great enthusiasm which also included 70 students from St Xavier's school who pledged to fight terrorism with the Security forces.

A peace meet was organized at Khuga and was attended by the teachers, village heads, students and representatives of the church bodies.

The theme of the meet was perils of terror and importance of peace for development of Manipur state.

The attendees shared their views on the subject and pledged to work for the betterment of the society.

In Dima Hasao district of Assam there were a variety of events, ranging from a Run for peace at Maibong on 15 May attended by almost 2000 citizens, a Painting competition at Jatinga on 15 May on the theme "Terrorism-the-Enemy of the people" attended by more than 50 students of Haflong & Jatinga and Peace meetings at Harangajao, Gunjong, Haflong and Hathikali on 21 May.

In Hailakandi district of South Assam, a seminar was conducted from 1100 hrs to 1200 hrs on 21 May wherein approximately 84 prominent personnel and villagers were present.

During the seminar, prominent persons of the area, stressed on the need for having more such seminars to cause awareness amongst the people.

They also said that continuous proactive action taken by Army against the terrorist groups has brought peace and stability in the region.

Various civil and military dignitaries attended the functions.

Citizen from all walks of life took a pledge to resist terrorism and renewed their faith in Democracy.

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