Shillong, Jan 19: The Meghalaya State cabinet today approved the recommendations of the three regional committees which along with the recommendation of Assam govt will be submitted to the Union Home Minister on Thurday evening.
Informing this, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said that the government felt strongly that apart from historical facts it is important to keep the sentiments of the people in mind, willingness of people in specific areas and these have been the driving force on most of the conclusion
He said that ethnicity was also an important aspects and both the government strongly felt one cannot force anyone to forcibly come to a particular state.
He added that the regional committees had meticulously gone and visited 36 villages in six areas.
Pointed out that as per reports, Meghalaya stands to gain, he said that It is not about who gains more but it is important not to stick to one’s position and if it is done so one can never find a way forward.
He said the way to look at it is to see it resolve is to see whether the interest of the State is being served or not. He stressed that it is important to see what the people want and that has been the driving force.
Talking about the step forward, he said that they will proceed to New Delhi on Thursday, meet the Union Home Minister and submit a common report as both the States have agreed 100 percent to the recommendations of the regional committees.
The Chief Minister pointed out that according to laws the government has to move and while that happens administratively, both state will discuss nitty gritty, but demarcating border had to be done in the parliament level.
He said that the Survey of India has to come in and the bill has to be there.
Enquired if the final announcment will be made on the Statehood day on January 21st, the chief minister said the activity and exercise of this issue should not be linked and set a deadline.
He said that it is a process and there is more work less.
He however said that what is important to note is that both the states have come to a conclusion in the form of a solution before the 50 the statehood celebration.