Meghalaya advocates separate trade policy

Shillong, Aug 15 (UNI) Braving the 24-hour 'bandh' imposed by Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC), thousands of people participated in Independence Day celebration today in Meghalaya.

Unfurling the tri-colour here, Chief Minister J D Rymbai urged on the need of peace and stability to achieve economic growth and prosperity of the state.

Mr Rymbai advocated a separate trade policy for the North East to facilitate trade and investment between various states in the region to uplift the state economy.

Mr Rymbai urged on the need of peace and stability to achieve economic growth and prosperity of the state.

"Efforts would be continued to increase the foodgrain production by using high yielding variety seeds and improved practices," the chief minister declared.

Mr Rymbai also informed that the government had ventured into new crops like Bell Pepper and Cherry Tomatoes in addition to the traditionally grown crops.

"Thousand Pond Scheme" project had been started by the government to develop fishery, he added.

Mr Rymbai further said the government had planned to set up the proposed three major hydel-power projects in the state.

Stating that 67 per cent of the total villages have been electrified, the chief minister asserted that steps are being taken to accelerate the pace of electrification.

Pointing out that economic development in the state has been adversely affected due to militant activities over the last few years, the Chief Minister reminded that a major break-through was achieved when the outlawed A'chik National Volunteers Council came and signed the agreement for suspension of operation with the state government and the Centre.

"In the last two years there has been a perceptible improvement in the security situation in Garo Hills," he said.

He also praised that the state police to have made a large number of HNLC cadres surrendered to the government.

Mr Rymbai also urged the youth here to settle social, political and economic problem through discussions and negotiations.

Meanwhile, the 24-hour HNLC bandh passed off peacefully with no untoward incident.

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