‘Opportunities to be created for misguided N-E youths’

SHILLONG: In a bid to solve the issue of armed conflicts in the North East region, the Union Home Ministry will create opportunities for misguided youths to come back and join the mainstream.
Speaking to media person on the sideline of the Shillong Bypass inauguration programme at Umiam on Friday, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, asserted that security forces will have to respond accordingly against those who are under the influence of external forces and try to de-stabilize the society.
He affirmed that the policy of the Union Government is to open channels to enable the misguided youths to return to the mainstream.
“We do not want anyone to be isolated,” he told reporters while adding, “misguided youths are struggling due to the feeling of isolation and alienation and once such thoughts fade away they will definitely join the mainstream.”
Asked about the problem being faced by people from the North East in mainland India, he said that opportunities for the people would be created here in the region itself so that people remain engaged in various activities in the region itself.
He said that the Ministry will soon move an amendment in the IPC which speaks about penalty provisions. Every Ministry has been asked to formulate policies to cater to the needs and problem of the Northeastern people, he added.
Reacting to a query about the cases of racism existing in N-E against mainland people, he said that in the country as a whole, there is a need to develop closer relations through provisions of   information and creation of jobs besides inculcating respect and honour for each other.
“Unity has to be imbibed across regions and we have to mingle around with proper policies and programmes. We are committed to that and in few years people can see the difference,” he said.