Militants accept rehabilitation package

SHILLONG, APRIL 3. The Meghalaya Chief Minister, Mr. E. K. Mawlong today said his Government was happy that militants of the Achik National Volunteer Council (ANVC) approved the rehabilitation package for the militants of the State.

Replying to the amendment to the Thanksgiving Motion on the Governor's address, Mr.Mawlong informed the Assembly here that he had come to know about the outfit's willingness to come to the negotiating table with the State Government through newspaper reports. The CM referred to the recent meeting of religious leaders of the State who favoured an early solution to the vexed problem and work in close co-ordination with the State Government to maintain law and order.

He informed the House that some of the religious leaders, having experience in education and health sectors, would be involved in the Health Advisory Board and in the Education Advisory Board of the State for the benefit of the people at large.

on the role of the services rendered by ex-servicemen, Mr. Mawlong said the State Government had enhanced the ex-gratia for those soldiers who died in action, from Rs. 5000 to Rs.2 lakhs. He said the State Government had been very generous in granting them loans from various financial agencies.

On the industrial front, the Chief Minister said the Government was considering the Rs. 300 crore integrated agricultural project from Germany in which more than 3000 persons could be employed. He also informed the House that the Government had announced that Byrnihat on Shillong-Guwahati road would be an industrial estate of the State. The industrialists should make use of the opportunity provided by the State Government, Mr. Mawlong said.

In view of the limited opportunities of government jobs, the Government was always encouraging setting up industries by investors from the State, country and abroad, he said.

The amendment motion was later passed by voice vote.

- PTI

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