AIZAWL: In a move to bridge the already widened gap between Assam and Mizoram following the recent boundary fiasco, Barak Valley Peace Delegation on Sunday met Mizoram Chief Minister Lalthanhawla at his residential bungalow, and held a discussion with him on boundary issue and other important inter-state related matters.
Lalthanhawla said that the boundary issue is to be settled by the two states of Assam and Mizoram as well as the central government. As it will take time to settling the problem, the chief minster suggested that the best way to solve the problem is to negotiate and solve all the problems through table-talk.
Regarding the erection of boundary pillar at Mizo paddy fields and demolishing the same is but a coward act, the Chief Minister said.
He also mentioned his plan to discuss the boundary issue with higher authority.
Regarding entry of labourers at Vairengte without ILP referred to by Peace Delegation member, Chief Minister replied that “it is the best to continue what has been carried on since long time before. As we are all citizens of India, what we want most is to live with showing respect to each other” CM lalthanhawla said.
Regarding Hindustan Paper Mill in Cachar, Lalthanhawla said that bamboo is a national asset, and therefore it is planned to be utilised it helpfully and skilfully, for which Mahal system has also been stopped.
A chipping plant has been set up so that the Mizo people can profit from bamboos. The Mizo chief minister assured the delegation members that he will decide on how to provide such chipped bamboo to meet the requirement of the Paper Mill.
Lalthanhawla also talked on the proposal and request of the delegation members to place a Public Relations Officer at Mizoram House in Silchar and to set up a Grievance Cell in order to bring immediate solution in time of any arising of problems between the two states.
They also proposed to set up Integration Camp both in Barak Valley and in Mizoram.
Delegation leader Sharif Laskar appreciated Lalthanhawla as possessing a leadership quality and a man who stands on his promise, and thanked the Chief Minister..
The delegation comprises 21 members; one of them being a representative of minority students’ body from Guwahati.
Media persons and advocates also participated in the meeting. The visiting delegation left Mizoram on Sunday. (NNN)