Shillong, Jan 26 (IANS): Meghalaya Governor R.S. Mooshahary Saturday appealed to rebel groups to shun violence as thousands defied threats from guerrillas and took part in Republic Day celebrations.

Despite a shutdown call by the outlawed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC), a mass of humanity witnessed the Republic Day celebrations at the Polo ground here.

The HNLC, which conducts hit-and-run operations from hideouts in Bangladesh, wants a sovereign Khasi homeland in Meghalaya's eastern part.

"I appeal to all rebel outfits to seek a resolution of their demands through established democratic processes by peaceful means and to abjure the path of violence," Mooshahary said after unfurling the Indian flag.

Lauding the police and paramilitary forces for battling rebel outfits, the governor said: "The internal security scenario in the state is, by and large, satisfactory."

He added: "Some moribund extremist outfit tries to enforce bandh every Republic Day and Independence Day but our alert police foil their insidious design and maintain normalcy."

Mooshahary, however, said certain groups, especially in the Garo Hills, were indulging in extortion, abduction, intimidation and violence, thereby disrupting normal life.