Central govt urged to develop border areas

SHILLONG, June 3: Border Area Development Minister Rakkam A Sangma has urged the central government to develop the Indo-Bangladesh border areas in Meghalaya for boosting local economy and strengthening national security.
He told reporters on Saturday that the Centre had a development package for the border areas but it has been discontinued.
“We are waiting for a communication from the Government of India to continue this programme. We may get a clear picture from the ministry concerned within this month,” the minister said.
Stressing on the need to develop the border areas, he cited the example of Jammu and Kashmir, stating that it was in trouble for many years since the Centre seemingly neglected its borders.
“Meghalaya shares a border with Bangladesh. However, the infrastructure on the border areas is not up to the expected standard,” he said and expressed apprehension about illegal migration.
Talking about insurgency, Sangma said, “Most militants used my constituency (Rongara Siju) as corridors to cross over to Bangladesh. The dreaded Dristhi Rajkhowa (of ULFA) was also captured from my constituency. Most of the incidents of ambush happened in my constituency because it borders Bangladesh and the militants often cross over.”
He said the Centre needs to take note of the fact that unless the border areas are developed, the boundaries will not be protected.
He said if a trade centre comes up in Dawki, it will change the fate of Meghalaya as well as the people of the area.