By IANS
Ranchi : Jharkhand celebrated the 59th Republic Day Saturday with fervour and gaiety despite bad weather.
People braving a cloudy weather coupled with cold – the temperature dipped to 5 degree Celsius here – gathered at the Morabadi ground where Jharkhand Governor Syed Sibte Razi unfurled the tricolour and took the salute at the parade.
In his address, the governor asked Maoist rebels to shun violence, join the mainstream of democracy and contribute to the development of the state.
He also stressed the need for working towards improving women’s literacy and steps needed to curb female foeticide and atrocities against women.
Razi handed over a cheque for Rs.1 million to the widow of police constable Sunil Kumar Sahi.
Sahi died fighting Maoist rebels who had attacked a police outpost in Basanjore in Simedega Jan 2.
Police were on high alert Saturday to thwart any Maoist move to unfurl black flags in the state.