SHILLONG, July 29: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, who arrived in the city for the 20th Annual Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), India Region, Zone III, on Sunday, was all praise for the Northeast but also appealed for peace in the region in the context of the ethnic violence ravaging Manipur.
Addressing media persons on the prevailing situation in Manipur, Birla said that “peace is the path to development. I appeal for peace in the Northeast.”
“I would like to see that there is peace in various regions and the country as a whole. It will be the responsibility of each and everyone to promote peace and harmony. This is the only way to bring about overall development,” the Lok Sabha Speaker said.
Stating that the CPA conference will work towards planning the way forward, Birla lauded the phase of progress that the Northeast is witnessing under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Reckoning that the Indian lifestyle has always been close to the nature, he therefore stressed that development has to be climate-friendly.
With regard to regional connectivity to bring Northeast at par with the mainland of India, Birla exuded confidence in the region while stressing on the need for development of infrastructure.
In this context, he referred to several projects like PM Gati Shakti, expansion of national highways in the Northeast, increase in the number of operational airports under UDAN scheme and developments in the telecom sector, inland waterways, forest sanctuaries, industrial parks etc.
He said that Zone-III of CPA India Region is the most active of all the four zones.
The 20 annual conventions held so far reflect its commitment to the values and ideals of parliamentary democracy, noted Birla.
Talking about the uniqueness of the legislative assemblies of the Northeastern states, the Lok Sabha Speaker observed that meaningful and serious discussions take place in the assemblies of the Northeastern states without interruptions.
“Consequently, a meaningful conclusion emerges from the dialogue which proves beneficial for the region and the country which is an inspiration for other zones,” he said.
Earlier, he also recalled the contribution of former Lok Sabha Speaker and Chief Minister of Meghalaya, late PA Sangma.
“The contribution of late PA Sangma in giving a new direction to the parliamentary traditions and democracy will always be remembered,” Birla said.
Talking about the agenda of the meeting, the Speaker of the Lower House said that the conference should discuss at length how to address the problem of climate change across the world.
He emphasised on holding deliberations to address the issue of natural disasters and devise strategies.
In his address, the Lok Sabha Speaker pointed out that the CPA Zone III, Northeast, is a platform for the delegates to discuss the concerns of the region and arrive at solutions.
He expressed hope that the sessions will discuss regional connectivity, natural disasters and strategies for their management in these two days.
The 20th Annual Conference of CPA, India Region, Zone III, is under way at the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, Rilbong.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Harivansh Narayan Singh, Meghalaya Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma, and Speaker of Arunachal Pradesh Assembly and Chairman, CPA India Region, Zone III, Pasang D Sona, among others were present at the conference on Saturday. The two-day conference will deliberate on two main topics – natural disasters; and strategies for management with special reference to Northeast region and regional connectivity to bring the region at par with the rest of the country.
The valedictory function on Sunday will be addressed by Governor Phagu Chauhan, followed by a cultural programme in the evening.
