'UPA govt determined for development of NE'

Itanagar, Apr 10: Union Labour Minister Oscar Fernandes has assured to look into the common grievances of Arunahcal people, who have been feeling neglected by the ruling Congress government. Talking to reporters here last night, Mr Fernandes said the Congress-led UPA government was determined for development of Northeast. He said huge funds have been pumped into the region for welfare of the people.

When his attention was drawn towards the state government's repeated plea for relaxation of protected area permit (PAP) to facilitate flow of foreign tourists and replacement of derogatory Dafla word by Nyishi as unanimously resolved in the assembly three years ago and sent to the union tribal affairs ministry, the minister assured to take up the nomenclature issue soon.

On relaxation of PAP, he said that every state in the North East has different set of rules, which can not be undone or redone at one go. The Centre has always been concerned on how to maintain the tribal character and their rich culture while promoting the region as an important tourist hub. There was no harm in people coming and going but the identify of the people must be maintained, he added.

"But, it would lead to chaos, if the outsiders acquire property or settle down. Thus, the precaution", he added.

About rectification of anomalies in the Statehood Act, 1986, he said that the matter was complex with wider ramifications and implications, citing the example of Nagalang, Sikkim and Mizoram.

Therefore, such issues can not be taken up in isolation, he clarified.

On reopening of border trade with China, Mr Fernandes said that neither the issue of sensitivity could be over looked nor the country's security concerns neglected despite New Delhi's keenness to develop trade and commerce with the neighbouring nations.

UNI