People must end violence in the state: Rio

Kohima, Mar 23 (UNI) Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said here today that people of the state should fight for peace and end violence in the state.

Replying to the discussion on 2006-07 budget in the state assembly, he claimed that peace was prevailing in the state due to 'equi-closeness' policy of the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) government for the last three years.

He said the state government has created trade centres in the border areas of Nagaland with Myanmar to take forward the 'Look East' policy of the Centre.

On the opposition's allegations, he said the state budget was a balanced one and specially prepared to fulfil the people's interest.

He also urged the government departments to utilise alloted funds judiciously for peoples' benefit.

Mr Rao appealed to the people, including members of the Opposition, to cooperate with the state government, for implementation of developmental schemes.

UNI AS JYN VD BS1619