Williamnagar, Jan 27: The ongoing law & order situation in Meghalaya’s Garo hills has cornered the government to an extreme. On 64threpublic day, government reinforced its commitment to root out insurgency and sought for people’s co-operation.
Transport Minister H D R Lyngdoh unfurling the national tri-colour at Williamnagar in East Garo Hills asked outfits to opt for dialogue for resolution of all conflicts. He also urged people to fight against the vicious cycle, who pose challenge for the democracy.
On the growing activities of Garo National Liberation Army and splinter factions of A’chik National Volunteers Council, Lyngdoh said government is committed to deal with the situation. He emphasized that peace should be maintained at all cost.
Hoping to ink peace parley with ANVC before Lok Sabha election, Lyngdoh said that government is keen and determined in restoring normalcy in Garo hills. He also urged the GNLA leadership to come forward and join the mainstream.
“Violence only begets more violence and causes all round misery”, said Lyngdoh.
On the introduction of inner line permit (ILP), Lyngdoh said, “It is a retrograde step and would cause severe damage to the perception of the sate thereby revising the momentum of growth and progress”. On the growing influx in the state, he said, “A more pragmatic and effective mechanism would be need to deal with the issue and not ILP”.
Terming that Meghalaya under the leadership of Mukul Sangma has witnessed sustained economic growth, Lyngdoh sought for people’s participation and cooperation in welfare programme.
The transport minister also stated that government is dedicated to improve rural connectivity in the state. He said, “Government has launched the black topping of rural road scheme in convergence with the MGNREGS, which has helped connect villages with all-weather roads”.
At Resubelpara in North Garo Hills, social welfare minister Deborah C Marak, stressed on the efforts made by the government for empowerment of women. She announced that the government is chalking out a detailed programme for chief minister’s wedding assistance scheme for orphaned girls.
In an endeavour to reach out to rural pockets, she said that government has envisaged a new scheme – Meghalaya Rural Infrastructure initiative, which will be launched this year. She also stated that attention is being given to ameliorate the living conditions in the urban areas, as well.
“Reforms at local body level and state level have been undertaken in order to achieve efficient delivery of services and maintenance of assets created”, said Marak.
She also congratulated the people of North Garo Hills for welcoming the newly built Dudhnoi – Mendipathar railway line, which will be commissioned in April this year.
On rail link to Khasi hills, she said, “It is a bit ironical that while people in other regions agitate to demand railway lines, we witness agitations in our state opposing railway lines, which are being liberally sanctioned and funded by central government”.(SP News)
