Patil praises ne region and its people

Shillong, May 14 (UNI) Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil has praised the Northeastern region and its people for their purity and simplicity.

Addressing the Assam Rifles jawans at a special 'sainik sammelan' yesterday, the minister said that in view of India's 'Look East' policy, the region holds tremendous importance and is likely to grow in significance.

Speaking about the Assam Rifles, Mr Patil applauded the versatile role that the force had been playing since its inception in the 1830s.

Pertaining to the welfare of the soldiers, he said the government had been working on an ordnance that is likely to be introduced and replace the existing Assam Rifles Act, a defence release issued here today said.

The new ordnance, he said, would look into the genuine and long term welfare of the personnel.

On the sixth Pay Commission report, the union minister said there was a definite need of understanding the details of the recommendations, before falling prey to irresponsible criticism and forming an opinion.

He said the existing anomalies in the recommendations were being looked into by a high level committee appointed by the government which is likely to table its report within two months, the release quoted him as saying.

The union minister arrived here yesterday on a two-day visit in connection with some programmes of the Assam Rifles.He visited some border areas in East Khasi hills district today before leaving for Nagaland.

Mr Patil met Meghalaya Chief Minister Dr Donkupar Roy, Chief Secretary Ranjan Chatterjee and Director General of Police B K Dey Sawian last evening.

UNI PB PL KLC1316