SHILLONG: Meghalaya Governor Ganga Prasad has called upon the youth to come out in large numbers to vote during the Assembly polls scheduled for February 27.
During his address to the people of Meghalaya on the occasion of Republic Day on Friday, the Governor said, “I call upon the people of the State, particularly the youth who are eligible voters, to exercise their rights of franchise freely and to maintain the best traditions of peace and harmony during the run up to the elections in general and during the conduct of poll, in particular”.
According to the Governor, there has been an upswing in the number of voters registered due to intensive campaigns being undertaken through various innovative exercises.
“Eligible voters are encouraged to enrol themselves in the electoral rolls and to wholeheartedly participate in the elections by casting their votes,” he said.
Influx control measures
The Governor said the State was committed to complete the remaining fencing on the international border on a priority basis to effectively contain influx of Bangladeshi nationals and trans-border movement and activities of militants and anti-social elements.
“The State government is also in the process of implementing the initiative of creating facilitation centres at various entry and exit points on the inter-state border with Assam to check the entry of illegal migrants and other suspicious persons into Meghalaya,” he said.
Border dispute
The Governor said the disputed pockets along the Assam-Meghalaya border are being monitored continuously.
“Efforts are on to solve these disputes and effective mechanisms at the level of Chief Ministers and Chief Secretaries of both the States have been created for securing a permanent solution to the issue,” he said.
According to the Governor, the administrations at the district and local levels of both the States have on many occasions actively resolved problems along the inter-state border thereby ensuring peace and order in the disputed areas.
Solutions through peace
Without mentioning the name of any militant group, the governor said that a resilient, hardworking and peace-loving population has always been the strength of great nations.
“People of our beautiful State have always abided by these values. Even during our movement for Statehood, we always adopted peaceful and democratic means,” he said.
According to the Governor, it is well-established that there is no issue that does not lend itself to solution through meaningful engagement and reconciliation.
“On this solemn occasion, I earnestly appeal to all the citizens of the State to hold steadfastly to the ideals of democracy, as we move forward to realise our developmental goals,” the governor added.