Padmashriee awardee criticises NE political leadership

Guwahati, Sep 30 (UNI) Noted social activist and Padmashree awardee Patricia Mukhim today accused the political leaders of the NE of 'lacking political will and governance' and cited them to be the cause for all the problems in the region.

She, however, urged the people of the region to march forward with confidence instead of searching for an excuse to blame for NE's problems.

Talking to reporters here, the columnist-cum-social activist from Shillong said, ''Lack of governance is the main reason behind NE's backward condition compared to other parts of the state. Criticising the political leadership of the region for failing to negotiate profitable bargains for the region from the Centre, she said, ''Our political leaders have failed us. They do not have enough political will in resolving our issues.'' Mentioning that there is an abundance of natural resources in the region, Ms Mukhim said, ''The politicians have taken the industrial policies from the Centre but have seldom studied the impact of the same on the development of the region.'' Referring to another major issue regarding massive infiltration from Bangladesh and speculations of it becoming an Islamic fundamentalists dominated region, she said, ''We have no mechanism to deport the infiltrators. They have blended with our population and in absence of any serious or real political will, identifying them is an uphill task.'' Ms Mukhim exhorted the people of the region to show the way to the leaders, who had failed in fulfiling their expectations.

''Why are we reposing faith on the same politicians who have failed us earlier? she demanded.

Mentioning the Meghalaya Assembly polls early next year, she said, ''We are trying to build awareness among all. Thinking of a change in political leadership is certainly idealistic, but it is the need of the hour.'' Responding to a question on the need for a system of recall in mid-term, Ms Mukhim said, ''Our traditional systems of governance had provision for recall and the formal governance systems should also be incorporated in it.'' MORE UNI SG LL AB AKJ RS1730