Bihari contributed to prosperity of Punjab: Nitish

Tarn Taran, June 16 (UNI) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today said the Bihari community had played a major role in the development and prosperity of Punjab.

'' Punjabi's have no doubt contributed to prosperity of the country, but Biharis have a hand in the prosperity of Punjab'', he said while addressing a religious congegration on the occasion of the fourth centenary of the martyrdom of the fifth Sikh Guru, Arjan Dev here.

He referred to the large scale presence of Bihari labourers in the agricultural and industrial sectors in the border state.

The people of Punjab and Bihar have a very close relationship, as the tenth Guru, Gobind Singh who founded the 'Khalsa' panth was born at Patna Sahib, he pointed out.

'' I too have a lot of friends in the Sikh community'', he said while refering to his long association with Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Prakash Singh Badal, who was also present on the occasion.

On Bihar's situation he said, ''The enviornment in the state is far more conducive than it was before''.

The law and order has improved and unlawful activities have been kept under check to a great extent, he added.

''We are laying particular emphasis on development and welfare of the people,'' he noted.

UNI XC-HS KD MSJ RK1735