By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma on Monday termed the North East region as a ‘caged bird’ that has not been allowed to fly and find its own feed.
The Chief Minister made the remark while speaking at the concluding function of a one-day seminar under the theme ‘Challenges in Border Management in North East Region & Road Ahead’ organized by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) in the city in the context of long international borders that the North East region shares with India’s neighbours.
Dr Sangma pointed out that the entire border management in the region calls for a re-strategy to the approach, while adding that greater trade and commerce between the neighbouring countries would improve the economic condition of people living in the border areas.
He was also of the view that more border haats should be opened for improving the socio economic condition of people residing in the border areas.
He also added that the Northeastern states are often seen as states with ‘begging bowls’ by the Centre though it is understandable considering the scenario in the region.
While admitting that fund is a constraint for the entire region, he said that survey work is being done for connecting all Land Custom Stations along the International border in the State with railways.
While clarifying his stand on illegal activities going on along the International border, Dr Sangma said the socio-economic condition of the people living along these areas is to be improved to address the problem.
“No man can sit and watch his children starve. People with no other means of income will resort to these kinds of illegal activities and if this is to be addressed, there should be a socio-economic uplift of the people residing in border areas.”
“If a man does not have these key elements in place, he will constantly be in a search to fulfill these needs and will not have time to think of his loyalty to his country and this leads to alienation,” he added.