Sonia rally dwarf’s PM’s Polo crowd

JOWAI, FEB 19: Touching on the ticklish issues of illegal immigration into Jaintia hills and the damage done to the environment by unscientific mining, Congress president and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi said her party is committed to resolve both these issues that is plaguing Jaintia hills.

Addressing a Congress election rally in Jowai, the district headquarter of West Jaintia hill, Gandhi said that the Congress party is aware of these issues and the need to find solutions.

Meghalaya chief minister Mukul Sangma, Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee president DD Lapang and all the Congress candidates from Jaintia hills were also present.

Gandhi told the ten thousand strong crowds at the Kiang Nongbah Government College ground that the Congress government at the center is trying to engage the Bangladesh government into taking some concrete steps and stop its citizens from crossing across illegally into India. She said, “I am hopeful that a solution that will satisfy both the countries will be found out soon.”

Speaking about the unscientific mining in Jaintia hills and the damage it causes to the environment, Gandhi said,”I am aware that illegal mining is a threat to the environment in the state. We have taken some measures and shall continue our effort to see that such environment degradation is nipped in the bud” She, however, did not elaborate on the efforts.

Saying that Meghalaya is one of the fastest growing states not only in the north eastern region, but in the country as well, Gandhi said, “Meghalaya has the proud distinction of being one of the fastest growing state not just in the northeast region.”

Gandhi informed that Meghalaya’s success is not just in terms of social or financial form but also in administrative term. She said, “We have ushered in an era of peace, prosperity and stability which is unique in the history of Meghalaya. This is a development of which every one can be proud.” She said the growth of Meghalaya is to be shared by everyone in the state.

Focusing her attention on human resources, Gandhi said Meghalaya is home to a dynamic, talented and hard working people. But, she said, more importantly it is home to a very promising population of the young women and men who are capable of contributing significantly to the state’s progress. She said,” We have worked together to give a better governance”.

Talking about the new initiative Gandhi said new airports are being constructed to give tourism and commerce sectors a thrust. She also promised better training facilities for sports as she said that Meghalaya has capable and talented youths in sports.- By Suraj Joshi