Lapang urges centre for improvement of infrastructures in NE

Shillong, Nov 1 (UNI) Meghalaya Chief Minister D D Lapang has urged the UPA government to improve the infrastructure in the state and open up all links with the South East Asian countries to boost India's economy.

He said air services between the Northeastern states and capitals of South East Asian countries was needed to build upon the close historical and cultural ties between the people of the North East and South East Asia.

The Chief Minister said while addressing a meeting of Chief Ministers of North Eastern states yesterday, which deliberated on India's ''Look East Policy''.

The meeting convened by the Ministry of External Affairs was attended by External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, Home Minister Shivraj Patil, Finance Minister P Chidambaram, Surface Transport T R Baalu and Minister for Development of North Eastern Region Mani Shankar Aiyar and Chief Ministers of North Eastern states.

Mr Lapang also suggested the Centre to intensify its efforts to commence bus services from Shillong-Dhaka and Tura-Mymensingh and provide transit access through Bangladesh for its agricultural products.

He also urged the centre to request the Bangladesh government for setting up its Visa office at Shillong and opening up of India's tourist office at Dhaka to help tourists who are keen to visit the North Eastern states.

UNI