Corruption root cause of underdevelopment: CM

Itanagar, Oct 16: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu has termed corruption as the root cause of underdevelopment in the state and called upon all sections of the society to help him in his crusade against the social evil.

Official sources said here today the Chief Minister was at Nafra in West Kameng district yesterday to celebrate the Chindang festival of the Miji tribes.

''If we cannot eradicate corruption, help us to at least minimise it,'' Mr Khandu said, addressing a gathering on the occasion.

Stating that peace was prerequisite for development, the Chief Minister warned against the influence of leaders taking the help of anti-social elements at the cost of communal harmony.

He advocated for preserving the rich cultural heritage, age-old customs and traditions to conserve the environment of the state.

''Our traditions and customs are interrelated to our environment, flora and fauna. We must stop hunting and prevent the killing of birds and animals,'' he exhorted the people.

Responding to a memorandum, he announced a sanction of Rs 25 lakh for construction of five-man barrack-cum-dormitories for service staff and accommodation for drivers and security personnel in the circuit house complex.

Referring to the demand for protection wall for the Nafra township and other locations, which had faced disastrous flash floods in the past, Mr Khandu directed the officials to submit an estimate to seek the Centre's help.

UNI