Shillong, Risaw 10: The Garo National Council legislator Clifford Marak on Thursday brought in resolution to discuss about the demand for separate Garo land, chief minister Mukul Sangma elaborated on a slew of measures to ensure equitable development of all sections of the people of the state.
Following which Garo National Council legislator Clifford Marak withdrew his resolution seeking creating of a separate state for the Garo community.
During his reply the chief Minister said Meghalaya is a relatively small state and the Government is consciously encouraging policies to bring administration closer to the people.
Admitting that there are many challenges that confront the state, the chief minister said while there has been over all development in the state, the regional imbalances percists. He said although some pockets have remained relatively backward, “we need to address this issue and we have already factored this in our new paradigm of development.”
Emphasizing on generating new hopes for the people and not divide the state, the chief minister said the first railway line in the state would soon become a reality in the Garo Hills.
He said the House should send a strong message that the major tribes of the state, Khasi-Jaintia and Garos were united.
He informed the House that the proposal for a bridge over River Brahmaputra to link Phulbari in Garo Hills and Dhubri in Assam has already been approved. The chief minister, however, admitted that several villages in the state still lacked in communication infrastructure and said the government has prioritized construction of more roads.
While the state had only 2786 kilometers of road at statehood, it has now expanded to 9548 kilometers, he pointed out.
Dr Sangma urged members of the Opposition not to spend their strength on derailing developmental endeavors of the government and cautioned that further splintering of the state would increase the “economic vulnerability” of the people.(SP News)
