By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: A Bill initiated by the North Eastern Council (NEC) and DoNER Ministry pertaining to the security scenario in the Northeastern region is awaiting concurrence from the Union Home Ministry.
This was disclosed by Union DoNER Minister Paban Singh Ghatowar here on Monday.
Talking to reporters on the sidelines of the inauguration of Mother’s School and Mother’s Vocational Training Centre at Sri Aurobindo Institute of Indian Culture (SAIIC), the Central minister said, “Militancy is a cause of concern for only a few states in the region, which will be addressed by the security agencies, whereas the need of the hour is to accelerate development.”
He, however, made it clear that during his current visit to the region, he would focus more on development than the security scenario.
When asked about the possible infiltration of Maoists to the region in the near future, the Union Minister declined to give a direct reply saying, “the issue of insurgency is not new in this region.”
“It is a good sign that more and more militant organisations are coming forward to hold talks with the government for restoration of lasting peace,” he said.
He even downplayed the issue of developmental works being affected by militancy in the region. “It cannot be said that insurgency has affected all the development works,” he said.
Ghatowar said he will meet the Meghalaya government officials on Tuesday to discuss implementation and progress of NLCPR and NEC schemes. However, he acknowledged the fact that adverse weather conditions coupled with logistical hurdles are affecting the progress of various Central schemes earmarked for the region. “It is quite difficult to carry on with the construction works during the rainy seasons,” he singled out.
He also lauded the Mother’s School and Mother’s Vocational Training Center at SAIIC.
