By Our Reporter
Home Minister RR Patil in Mumbai on Monday. (MIPR)
SHILLONG: A State delegation consisting of Cabinet members AT Mondal and Ampareen Lyngdoh, which is currently on a goodwill visit to the southern States wound up its tour by calling on Maharashtra Home Minister RR Patil in his office chamber in the Maharashtra Secretariat on Monday.
During the meeting, Mondal highlighted the issues that were discussed with the students and the working community from Meghalaya in Bangalore, Pune and Mumbai and thanked the Maharashtra Government for its prompt support and assistance to the affected students of the North East by providing them with adequate security and protection during the recent mass exodus of North East people and students due to some ‘perceived’ threats from anti-social elements.
Mondal also thanked Patil for his personal visit and review of the security measures in the affected areas and for also initiating formation of peace committees to re-assure the NE students of their safety. He said that such an effort of bringing the communities together for better understanding should continue, while assuring all support from the Meghalaya Government.
Ampareen informed the Maharashtra Home Minister that there were some students who are camping in the Meghalaya House in Mumbai and were apprehensive of returning back to their respective hostels in Mumbai fearing for their security. She appealed Patil to intervene and facilitate their return.
The Maharashtra Home Minister assured the delegation that the students from Meghalaya residing in Mumbai will be safe and should return to their respective hostels and educational institution without any fear. Patil also said that a youth exchange programme may be thought of in during the coming Ganesh Chaturthi Festival to create awareness among the youth about the cultural and traditional diversity of India thereby promoting the spirit of national integration.
Maharashtra Home Secretary, Dr Amitabh Rajan, was also present during the meeting.