Nagaland committed to peace process
Kohima: The NPF-led Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) government has said the state government was committed to the the ongoing peace process but asked Naga political groups to strictly adhere to the ceasefire ground rules. Interacting with the top brass of police led by DGP Besesayo Kezo at Chumukedima Police Complex in Dimapur on Wednesday, the newly-inducted Home Minister Y Patton said, “The state government is committed to the ongoing peace process. But Naga political groups should not take undue advantage of the open mindedness of the government and strictly adhere to the ceasefire ground rules.” He also said that the police must bear in mind that the ceasefire is no way an excuse to condone criminal activities of any individual or organisation. Expressing that though the present law and order situation in the state was “challenging,” he was optimistic about the future of policing, not because of the huge institutional strength of Nagaland Police, but for its “capability.” “I seek your co-operation and support to take our people into the new horizon,” Patton said. He also urged the officers to have “close knitted relationship” with public, civil societies and NGOs. (PTI)
Tripura paddle rickshaw pullers demand battery rickshaw
Agartala: Tripura paddle rickshaw workers union has demanded to replace all tri-cycle rickshaws into battery operated rickshaws to reduce traffic congestion on the streets as well as safe health of the pullers. The union backed by CPI-M, met Transport and Urban Development Minister Manik Dey yesterday to pursue 12 -point charter of demands including withdraw of all paddle rickshaws from the street and extend financial help to the rickshaw pullers to buy battery rickshaw. Besides, while appreciating the government scheme of old age pension to the rickshaw pullers has been launched in Tripura two years ago, they demanded to increase the pension amount of Rs 1000 per month to be increased considering price index. They also demanded to extend the coverage of all rickshaw pullers under BPL category, all landless rickshaw pullers have to be ensured home at government cost, distribution of health cards and adequate government facilities during treatment etc. However, Minister Mr Dey admitted the justifications of the demand and assured them to take up the issues with state cabinet and if required the state government will seek central assistance to fulfill the demand and better city life. (UNI)
BJP serious about Sikkim
Gangtok: The BJP’s central leadership is serious about setting shop in Sikkim, encouraged by the party getting two MPs from adjoining West Bengal, where it had a significant increase in vote percentage, and its commendable performance in Assam. “Our central leadership is sending Dineshanand Goswami along with organizational in-charge Panchanand Rawat for Sikkim. Mr Goswami is also in charge of West Bengal and Odisha,” Sikkim state BJP president Palden Wangchuk told UNI. The central leadership in its meeting in mid-June will take up Sikkim in its political agenda, he said. On Thursday the Sikkim BJP, along with Goswami and Rawat, will meet to discuss and review the post-poll scenario in the Hill state, after which there will be restructuring of the organization.(UNI)
