'Daughter of NE' Agatha Sangma wins hearts
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 17 2009: Union Minister of State for Rural Development, Agatha Sangma struck the right chord with the people of Manipur asserting that she has come here not only as a representative of Garo Hills in Meghalaya but also Manipur and the entire North East.

The youngest Minister in the UPA Government at Delhi, Agatha Sangma who arrived here today morning on a two day visit also demonstrated her empathy with Irom Sharmila Chanu who has been on a fast unto death hunger strike since 2000 demanding the repeal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act.

Agatha Sangma shares a moment with Irom Sharmila

Straight on her arrival at Tulihal airport Miss Sangma along with NCP State unit president Radhabinod Koijam proceeded to the security ward of JN Hospital to meet Irom Sharmila Chanu who has been on a fast unto death agitation since 2000 demanding the repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act.

Later speaking to the media Agatha Sangma acknowledged the determination of Sharmila and assured that she would put her case on the floor of Parliament to seek the repeal of the contentious Act.

The young Minister also pointed out that all the political leaders of the North East are against the continued imposition of the Act in the North East region and added that even the Jeevan Reddy Commission had recommended its repeal.

The Jeevan Reddy Commission, which was constituted following the huge outcry after the custodial death of Th Manorama in 2006 had recommended the repeal of AFSPA and recommended an alternative Act to deal with the situation in the region.

Radhabinod Koijam who was also present said that the NCP has been campaigning against AFSPA.

On rural development, Agatha Sangma stressed on the need for equal development in the North East region and promised to put in her best effort towards this end.

Emphasising on the importance of proper utilisation of funds released by the Centre, Sangma said that an understanding with the respective State Governments is needed to ensure the proper implementation of all Centrally funded schemes and projects in the North East.

Clad in a traditional Mapan Naiba wrap around cloth, the young Minister said that all schemes under the Rural Development are important but added in the same vein that the more important point is the proper utilisation of the same by the respective State Governments.

On being queried on the problem of insurgency in the North East, Sangma matter of factly said that she is not the right person to comment on it.

She however said that solutions should be sought to resolve all the outstanding issues.

Earlier in the day, Sangma attended the 11th foundation day celebration of the NCP at GM Hall as the chief guest.

Addressing the gathering at GM Hall, Agatha Sangma said that she has prioritised her work.

The first is looking after the needs of the North East region and the second is working towards rural development.

Acknowledging that the North East region is lagging far behind compared to other regions of the country, Agatha Sangma said that for the region to join the race of development it is important to ensure that all the Central schemes and projects are properly implemented.

State unit NCP president Radhabinod Koijam said that under the Congress led SPF Government in the State, killings have increased and added that the people are yet to learn any lesson from the bitter past.

The license to kill has been granted to the Congress led Government by the people, he claimed.

Citing an example, Koijam said that though the JAC formed in connection with the brutal killing of Dr Kishan and his two subordinates had issued the call to boycott the last Lok Sabha poll to teach a lesson to the Government, the people did not heed it.

NCP youth congress general secretary and MLA S Joy urged the people to support the NCP in the next general election and assured that if given the opportunity, the NCP will surely be able to bring a change.