Patil assures clearance for Rajiv Gandhi stadium: USAM

Aizawl, Apr 30 (UNI) Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil has assured the United Sports Association of Mizoram (USAM) to remove all possible hindrances for construction of the Rajiv Gandhi sports stadium at the Assam Ground here, USAM president John Kima said today.

Leaders of USAM met Mr Patil in New Delhi on April 25 wherein they conveyed to him the statement of the DG of Assam Rifles on the removal of the paramilitary force from here and the subsequent construction of the sports stadium on the AR Ground.

''The Home Minister assured us that he would clear all possible hindrances for smooth construction of the Rajiv Gandhi sports stadium on the Assam Rifles parade ground,'' Mr Kima said.

USAM has also thanked the Home Ministry for the sanctioning of Rs 145.17 crores for construction of residential and non-residential accommodations at Zokhawsang for the Assam Rifles, he said.

Meanwhile, official sources said that Assam Rifles DG Paramjit Singh telephoned Chief Minister Zoramthanga, currently touring his constituency, and informed him that he (the DG) had instructed Mizoram-based Assam Rifles commandant Brig Kapil Dev to survey the site for the Rajiv Gandhi sports stadium with the Mizoram officials.

Earlier, the Assam Rifles DG made a statement that the AR authority was not aware of any move for construction of a stadium on their parade ground.

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