Mahanta desires rapid progress of North-East

The Shukla Commission was constituted by the Deve Gowda government in 1996. According to its report submitted in 1997, basic minimum services for the region would cost Rs 3,952 crore, while the total amount required for removing disparity between the region and the rest of the country was Rs 61,000 crore.

“Quick flow of funds for such projects is a must to counter people’s discontent, which will help wean away the youth frominsurgent activities,” Mahanta said.

He said that he would plead with the Prime Minister to implement the economic package announced by the United Front government for the Northeast.

“It is a welcome sign that the Centre has decided to strengthen the Northeastern council, after several years of demand. I will ask the Prime Minister to place it directly under the vice-chairman of the planning commission, as already agreed upon,” he added.

The Assam chief minister is also likely to discuss the need for coordinated efforts to end insurgency in the northeast. He will carry to the Prime Minister, the resolutions adopted by a citizens’ meeting held here last week. The resolution recommended that both the government and the ULFA declare cease-fire.