SHILLONG:
The Governor’s address scheduled on the first day of the newly-constituted 11th Meghalaya Legislative Assembly on March 20 will focus on several key issues like the steps taken to address the Mukroh incident that killed six persons last year, the ongoing peace talks with the proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC), border disputes with Assam, drug menace, tourism among others.
This was informed by Cabinet Spokesperson and Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh after the second cabinet meeting of the MDA 2.0 government in Shillong on Friday.
“The Governor’s address will cover significant points, including the focus of the government on several areas like infrastructure and critical sectors,” Lyngdoh informed.
He said the address will stress on the steps taken by the government as part of addressing the Mukroh incident and will make a reference to the ongoing talks with HNLC, “which we are coming to the point of closure very soon.”
“The address will also make a mention of the border disputes with Assam and the commitment to resolve the dispute in the six areas of differences in a manner that will be fair, peaceful and to the advantage of the citizens of both states,” Lyngdoh added.
Furthermore, he informed that the government will now take drug menace as a “serious threat” to the state and will go all out on a war footing to combat drug trafficking in all forms.
“The seizures from contrabands have gone up to Rs 71 crore and the police have been put under very high alert to go all out against drug peddlers. We will not miss out on the small or big guys and there will be no compromise when it comes to raids, seizures, checking on illicit drugs of any variety,” the minister said.
He also informed that five new fire and emergency fire stations, nine new outposts, five new police stations and seven border outposts are on the pipeline.
The address will also cover farmers’ welfare, animal husbandry and veterinary and other growth-oriented initiatives that the government will be taking. “We will try to optimise our resources, central funds and external-aided funds.
He also said that emphasis will also be laid on youth programmes, art and culture, and tourism.
“Tourism will achieve due regards and importance and will be sustainable, responsible, employment generating, community participation, technology-driven and synergy with other schemes,” Lyngdoh said.
“The details of the address will be placed on the table of the house on Monday,” Lyngdoh added.