Shillong:
Governor Satya Pal Malik, on March 4, said that the government is firm on resolving the long-standing border dispute between Assam and Meghalaya to bring in a new era of peace and development for the citizens living in the border areas.
Delivering his address on the first day of the Assembly’s budget session, Malik reiterated that both the chief ministers have had several meetings on the issue in the last six months,
“We are confident and hopeful the border issue in the six areas of difference will be resolved soon,” Malik asserted.
Informing that both the Chief Ministers of Assam and Meghalaya met the Union Home Minister on January 20 in New Delhi on the matter, he said that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the chief ministers on January 29 has been sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs for further examination.
In addition to the border issue, Malik also assured that the government is committed to ensuring that peace talks with the proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) reach their logical conclusion.
Stating that subsequent to HNLC expressing its willingness for unconditional talks within the framework of the Constitution of India, the state government has written to the Ministry of Home Affairs to take this process forward.
Speaking on the overall law and order situation in the state, Malik stated that the safety of citizens, peace and security are necessary for development, and the government will ensure that peace prevails in the state.
Stressing that the incidents of IED blasts in the city were aimed at disrupting peace in the state, he said the police acted swiftly and effectively to arrest the culprits involved.
Besides, all national days were observed in a befitting manner keeping in mind the 75th year of independence of our country and 50th year of statehood.
“All socio-cultural and religious festivals were celebrated with traditional fervour and gaiety,” he added.