SHILLONG: Chief Minister Mukul Sangma has said the overall internal security situation has significantly improved in the State in the last ten months. Speaking at the Republic Day function at Polo Grounds here on Thursday, the Chief Minister said that the law and order situation in the State is being dealt with firmly.
He, however, added that there are still some concerns in Garo Hills region which is affected by militancy. “Some militant groups operating in the area have been indulging in various crimes such as extortion, kidnapping and dacoity…Despite facing serious constraints of difficult terrain and poor communication infrastructure, the State Police and Central forces have been carrying out the counter insurgency operations vigorously against the militants,” he said.
Sangma said the government is committed to complete the process of administrative reforms which includes the complete separation of the judiciary from the executive.
Stating that effective and expeditious trials and disposal of cases are the key to creating a strong deterrence for law breakers who tend to get emboldened whenever there is delay in conviction due to slow process of investigation and framing of charge sheet by the police, Sangma said that government’s recent initiatives on police reforms are part of the administrative reforms and a number of legislative measures such as Meghalaya Special Court Act, 2014, Meghalaya Lokayukta Act,2014, among others will set a new benchmark for achieving effective, efficient and accountable governance.
Govt serious about tackling influx
On influx, he said the concern of illegal immigration due to long international border with Bangladesh and the long inter-State border with Assam is being dealt with by adopting comprehensive measures besides the recent legislative measures among others. Establishment of the facilitation centres at the entry and exit points along inter-State border is being followed up with utmost priority, he added.
Govt pursuing border talks with Assam
On border talks, Sangma said that with the formation of the new government in Assam, the resumption of dialogue at the highest political and executive level is being earnestly attempted to resolve the long pending border dispute with Assam.
“While measures to expeditiously deal and resolve all sporadic and isolated conflicts in the areas of difference including areas falling under Block I and Block II at officer’s level have been put in place, new developmental initiatives in the name of special Inter-State Border Areas Development Programme is being implemented to address the developmental gaps,” he said.
Chief Minister also said that fencing along the International Border is being erected and work is pending in certain pockets, adding the Government is committed to complete the border fencing at a fast pace.
Upgrading road infrastructure, completion of airports among top priority
Chief Minister also reiterated that Government’s top priority will be upgrading the road infrastructures, completing upgradation of both Umroi and Baljek airports, taking measures to provide access to quality education, quality health care, partnership with the stakeholders in promoting green economy and promoting the State as the most favoured destination.
Focus on increasing food grain production
Meanwhile, he also said that one of the foremost priorities of the Government is to increase food grain production to narrow the gap between production and demand and simultaneously to tap unutilised potential of land and other resources related to agriculture which is being carried out and reinforced through various interventions.
Sangma also said that the implementation of the Phase III of the Megha Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS Ill) is currently under tendering process and will be completed shortly.
Sports achievements
On the Sports sector, he said that an international standard football stadium at Ampati, South West Garo Hills has been approved by the Ministry of DoNER at a cost of Rs.3821 crore and preparatory works have already commenced.
He added that after successfully co-hosting the 12th South Asian Games with Assam early last year, Meghalaya has now got the opportunity to hold the National Games 2022. He said that hosting the National Games would be a fitting tribute to the State and the people to mark the 50th year of Meghalaya’s statehood.
Fish production goes up
On fishery sector, Sangma said that the fishing sector witnessed a significant improvement and the annual fish production has increased to 8000 MT through the expansion of 2,06,000 hectares of water area. The scheme has benefitted 20,600 farmers and the government is aiming to assist another 5,716 fish farmers within the current year.
Meghalaya Day Awards
Earlier, during the Republic Day function the Chief Minister gave out the Meghalaya Day Awards for 2017. While Sumar Sing Sawian was bestowed with the U Tirot Sing Award for Arts and Literature, Leander K. Marak got the Pa Togan Sangma Award for Social Services and Dolyne Kharbhih bagged the U Kiang Nangbah Award for excellence in Sports.
Kayakalp Award for best health facilities in East Khasi Hills was given to Mawphlang PHC while and Commendation Award was handed over to Pomlum PHC.
