Shambhu mum on AA panel posers
Source: The Sangai Express / Ninglun Hanghal

New Delhi, March 04 2014 : Former Home Secretary, GK Pillai, who is the head of an expert committee set up by Govern-ment to examine the demand for Bodoland today postponed his visit to Assam due to the 'non-availability of a chopper' .

Joint Secretary (North-East) in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Shambhu Singh, said that the chopper in which GK Pillai was supposed to travel to Kokrajhar from Guwahati had developed a snag, leading to his inability to carry out the trip.

Significantly, the MHA Joint Secretary declined to react when queried on the status of the reported formation of a committee on the UNC's demand for an 'alternative ar- rangement' for Nagas outside the Government of Manipur pending solution to the Naga political issue.

GK Pillai's next schedule is unconfirmed as the arran-gement cannot be ascertained within the next 2/3 days.

While the terms of reference have not been finalised, the one-man expert committee headed by Pillai was set up last month to study and examine the demand for a se- parate Bodoland to be carved out of Assam.

The committee is to submit its report within nine months, said Shambhu Singh.

Singh clarified that this committee is still a one man committee wherein Pillai is expected to co-opt members.

By the time the re-schedule for visit to Bodo areas can be confirmed the Term of reference is likely to be finalised, Shambhu Singh told reporters here.

He anticipated positive outcome if the Committee could visit at the earliest, but was quick to caution "provided there is no constraint" .

Agreeing to possibility of opposition, which some sections have already expressed their reservations over the 'constituted committee," the Joint Secretary said, "People have the right to protest or oppose but should be peaceful" .

Reportedly, the All Bodo Students' Union (ABSU) objected to the committee constituted by the MHA on the ground that statehood demand has never had an expert committee, citing the case of the new Telangana State.

Singh today reiterated that all sections of the society will be consulted including Bodos and Non � Bodos, including the State Government.

The Committee will prepare a report and make recommendations which will be placed before the Home Minister.

In its earlier notice, the committee was expected to submit its report and recommendations to the MHA within nine months.

Moreover, the MHA Joint Secretary was tight lipped over the status of the reported formation of a committee to further the "tripartite talk with the UNC" .

"It is too early to comment," Singh told The Sangai Express, while denying that there is no confirmation or commitment to constitute a committee within a stipulated time.

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