Dr Jitendra bats for peace, progress
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 11 2015 : Development of the North East is the topmost priority of the present NDA Government and there has been rapid progress in development all over the North East, said Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office Dr Jitendra Singh while speaking at a press conference held at Secretariat conference hall here today.

Dr Singh said that violent incidents similar to the Paraolon ambush that had killed 18 personnel of 6 Dogra Regiment have been hindering developmental works in the entire North East region.

Such violence from non-State actors should not be encouraged and supported by the people, he opined.

When enquired whether the Centre is willing to renew the cease fire agreement and resume peace parleys with NSCN (K), Dr Singh said that the Government of India is well aware about the prevailing situation and they have been considering every steps cautiously and seriously in order to restore peace in the region.

"The actions taken up by the security forces is meant to restore peace and discourage the elements who disturb peace," said Dr Jitendra Singh.

He further said that the Centre would co-ordinate with the State Government to ensure that peace returns to the State after Paraolon ambush and aftermath incidents.

Saying that as the situation demands, security forces have requested the authority concerned to impose night curfew along Indo-Myanmar border, Dr Singh said that curfew may not be clamped if the situation improves.

Maintaining that people of the North East are fed up of violence, the Union Minister said that frequent disturbances to peace have deprived people of the enormous benefits enjoyed by the people of mainstream India.

He also said that the Central Government would co-ordinate with the State Government regarding developmental schemes and projects.

Stating that the Act East Policy is proceeding rightly Dr Singh urged the people of the North East not to allow anti-social elements to disturb or discourage the ambitious initiatives of the Government of India.

Although disturbances have been created by certain elements, the Government would continue the endeavour as planned earlier, he said and added that there can be no development without peace.

As such, peace and development must go together, he observed.

Stating that development of roads from Silchar to Imphal and thermal power projects are the immediate plans of GOI, Dr Singh said that it would provide good connectivity and power supply of about 18 hours a day in the State.

The upcoming National Sports University would bring the people of mainland India to Manipur and it is a good step towards bridging the gap between the mainland and NE region, he said.

The press conference was also attended by GOI's interlocutor to Naga peace talks RN Ravi and Joint Secretary in Ministry of Home Affairs, Srinivasan.

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