SHILLONG: The former ANVC-B leader Bernard Marak, who joined the BJP and became president of Tura district unit, has given credit to BJP-led NDA government at the Centre for signing peace pact, while blaming the state government that it had only delayed the whole process.
In a statement issued to the media on Tuesday, the BJP leader said that the state government is still delaying the disbursement of rehabilitation package to ANVC cadres.
While praising the BJP at the Centre, Marak said that while Central government had signed peace pact within six months of assuming office, the state government had delayed the process for 10 years.
“I joined BJP immediately after I was informed by the high ranked officials that Centre has decided to sign the final settlement with our organisations at Delhi on September 24, 2014″, Marak said,
According to Marak, this was a great news for the people of Garo Hills who were infact anticipating peace and growth through the settlement.
Marak said that he is looking forward to executing the agreed text of settlement with the help of the higher authorities as the agreement focuses on tackling the grass root issues which have for long pushed Garo Hills backward.”
The agreement is sure to transform Garo Hills into a self sustaining and fast developing area if executed properly. It also aims in strengthening the local administration and local self governance at the grassroot level”, Marak said. However, he criticized the State Government by stating that it has its own agenda by delaying the process and not executing the agreed text of agreement
According to Marak, the State Level Committee meant to monitor the execution of the agreed text is yet to be formed.
“Even former cadres are yet to receive the package and stipends. What is worse is that certain state government official handpicked certain names from the cadres’ list depriving them of their due packages and they are even building up false reports since we have joined BJP “, Marak said.
The BJP leader also pointed out that the state government even failed holding official meetings to review and clarify issues.
“Now they want us to submit only SBI accounts which is possibly to release a portion of amount as loan just like many self help groups in Garo Hills who were duped.
He said deviating from the norms and resorting to corrupt practices had ruined Garo Hills and brought about revolutionary movements.
” For this reason, I joined politics and chose BJP with all sincerity as I do not want young people to walk the path we trod. Many political parties have failed the people, specially Garo Hills making a mess misusing the funds and depriving the poor”, Marak added,
