Govt committed to merger of Chandigarh with Punjab:Governor

Chandigarh, Mar 19 (UNI) Punjab Governor Gen (retd) S F Rodrigues today said the state government was committed in its endeavour to secure the merger of Chandigarh, with Punjab, along with other Punjabi speaking-areas, that were left out of the state.

Addressing the first session of the 13th state Vidhan Sabha here, he said similarly on the rivers issue, the government was committed to securing justice for the state along the nationally and internationally accepted Riparian Principle.

These are issues concerning the rights and demands of the state, which have to be addressed by the Centre, he added.

While emphasising on cordial relations with all states, especially those in the neighbourhood, the Governor said the states should appreciate that no dispensation, that violates the Riparian principle on the distribution of river waters, could contribute to long-term good neighbourly relations.

The state government will always take decisions guided by the sentiment of good neighbourly conduct and will always be willing to help other states, in all possible ways, without compromising on the rights and vital long-term interests of its people, he added.

UNI