Assam CM for tackling menaces of narcotics, flood
HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Oct 9: Chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma spoke on the multitudes of issues crucial for inclusive and sustainable growth and development of the Northeastern region in general and Assam in particular.
Addressing the 70th plenary of the North Eastern Council (NEC), here on Sunday, Sarma stressed on the need to tackle the menaces of narcotics and flood in the state.
The chief minister stated the deliberations on the two issues at the plenary would go a long way in effectively and efficiently dealing with them.
The chief minister also spoke upon the measures being taken to reach for an amicable settlement to the inter-state border disputes in the northeast, adding that 50% of Assam’s boundary dispute with Meghalaya has already been resolved.
Processes have been initiated to reach for a permanent solution to Assam’s boundary dispute with Arunachal Pradesh, the chief minister added.
He also stressed upon the need for collective efforts of governments of all the states of northeast, if boundary disputes settlement is to be permanent and final.
The chief minister added that initiatives such as the Udan Scheme have lent a new momentum to the communication scenario in the northeast. Improving the air-connectivity scenario between the states of the northeast would be a huge boost for the region in general, the chief minister added.
Sarma added the need for a museum in Assam to highlight the ethnic, cultural artefacts and products of the states of the northeast.
The chief minister assured the NEC of all co-operation, including allotment of land, from the government of Assam, if the regional statutory advisory body comes up with a concrete plan for such a museum.
Sunday’s plenary was also attended by minister of DoNER G Kishen Reddy, minister of state for DoNER B L Verma, Assam and Nagaland Governor Professor Jagdish Mukhi, Governors and chief ministers of the states of the northeast, along with host of other senior dignitaries.