From Our Correspondent
TURA: In a clarion call to the youth to shun the path of violence, Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma declared that any kind of violence cannot be accepted.
Inaugurating the Pingera Winter Festival at a colourful function in Williamnagar on Thursday, the Chief Minister deliberated on the insurgency problem in East Garo Hills in particular and Garo Hills in general.
He stressed on the need to create more job opportunities and avenues for sustainable livelihood through the Meghalaya Integrated Basin Development and Livelihood Programme, the much talked about Aquaculture Mission and need to wean away the youth from the tentacles of insurgency and create jobs for them.
The Chief Minister, who was accompanied by the Parliamentary Secretary Francis Pondit R Sangma and Commissioner and Secretary for Fisheries and C&RD, KN Kumar, arrived by chopper in Williamnagar to an eagerly-awaiting crowd of students and youths who had gathered from far and wide to witness the event.
The Chief Minister highlighted the initiatives and achievements of his government in securing more funds for developmental schemes and promoting fisheries in a major way.
He said his government shall be focusing on the building of roads and infrastructure and talked about the launch of the important Tourism Mission shortly in the state.
He also took a hard line on militancy and quoted from the ten commandants and scriptures that the law breakers invite the wrath of God and they shall be punished.
Earlier, Dr Sangma also gave a hearing to the wife, sister and kin of abducted Block Development Officer of Dadenggre, PK Boro, and assured them of all efforts by the state government to ensure his safe and early release.
The United Churches Peace Forum also met the Chief Minister and expressed their support for the peace initiatives of the state government and gave a call to end all forms of violence and preached peace, prosperity and forgiveness.
There was a prayer for peace during the inaugural programme from the church forum that was the highlight of the inaugural function.
Francis Pondit R Sangma also spoke on the need for peace and development and lauded the efforts of the district administration for organizing of the peace festival. Marcuise N Marak MLA Williamnagar and Debora C Marak MPCC President were also present at the inaugural programme.
The Chief Minister also inaugurated the District Horticulture exhibition, Industrial exhibition and over 90 governmental and other stalls and stressed on the need to organize more training modules for the stakeholders.