Jardine pitches in for pvt enterprise in Mizoram

Aizawl, Aug 29: US Consul General in Kolkata Henry Jardine today expressed concern over absence of private enterprises in Mizoram which have resulted in heavy dependence on the government.

Talking to newspersons here before flying back to Kolkata, he said he discussed India's Look East policy with Chief Minister Zoramthanga and emphasised on how Mizoram would benefit from the policy.

Asked why the US was 'so slow' in intervening in the struggle for democracy in Myanmar, Mr Jardine said, ''The US is applying isolation policy towards that country.'' The Kolkata-based diplomat, accompanied by senior adviser Vikant Sahay, arrived here Monday. He also met the state's top officials and discussed possibilities of ties between Mizoram and the US in trade and education besides, fight against drugs and HIV/AIDS.

Lauding Mizoram's NGOs' activities in combating AIDS, Mr Jardine said the US has big plans to combat HIV/AIDS in the Northeast.

To a question he said since majority of foreign students in the US were Indians, preferences were given to students among visa applicants.

UNI