Meghalaya govt appeals to HNLC to shun violence

Nongpoh, Meghalaya, Jan 26 (UNI) Meghalaya Chief Minister J D Rymbai today renewed his appeal to the proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) militant outfit of the state to come forward to the negotiating table to sort out their issues.

Unfurling the Tricolour at Paham Syiem Mini Stadium in Nongpoh, Mr Rymbai appealed to all sections of the people to maintain peace at all costs to ensure development in the state.

Welcoming the banned A'chik National Volunteers Council initiative for peaceful settlement, the Chief Minister hoped that similar peace process would start soon for redressing the grievances of the HNLC.

Mr Rymbai said his government has proposed to lay the highest emphasis on the creation of employment opportunities for generating employment in the rural areas.

Highest priority will be given to Horticulture and post harvest management and food processing, he said.

He said efforts were on to tackle rural poverty and upgrade the quality of rural housing will continue through accelerated implementation of various programmes in the central and state sector.

Mr Rymbai informed that the Centre has requested to extend the coverage of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act to other districts of the state.

He said that the West Garo Hills district has been selected for implementation of Rashtriya Sam Vikas Yojana in the state as a pilot scheme aimed at addressing problems of pockets of high poverty and low growth.

On power sector, Mr Rymbai said the government has placed due emphasis on additional generation of power and augmentation of the power transmission.

The Chief Minister said his government will try improve road connectivity by linking villages with a population of 500 and above with all weather roads.

'' We will pay adequate attention to agriculture and focus on the power sector, agriculture and allied sector, roads and bridges, sericulture and weaving, tourism, trade with Bangladesh and other North Eastern states, education, health and improved delivery services during the Eleventh Five Year Plan," he observed.

UNI