Union Minister of State for Rural Development, Agatha Sangma addressing a press conference, in Guwahati on Friday, February 25, 2011. (Ujjal Deb Photo)
GUWAHATI, February 26 (AGENCIES): Union minister of state for rural development Agatha Sangma on Friday expressed her anguish over the agony of victims of clashes that broke out between the Rabhas and the Garos in areas along Assam-Meghalaya boundary earlier this year. The young NCP minister, who's on an official tour to the northeast at present, felt that the destruction could have been averted if the governments of both the states had reacted "more sensibly and immediately".
She said, "The situation could have been brought under control and the destruction could have been avoided to a great extent only if the governments of the two states had reacted more sincerely and immediately."
Agatha added, "Compensations cannot make up for the losses. But people have to move on. They should live more amicably. It's a very disturbing experience for everybody in the region." She urged the youth of the region to be more pro-active in the process of nation building. "With the huge potentiality of the northeastern youths, they should be more positive and move ahead in life. Our party has belief in the youth."
Agatha, who had studied law at Pune University, also has some words for all NE youth pursuing studies in New Delhi or other metro or big cities. "Definitely, Delhi Police and authorities should be more cautious about their security. But the students also have to be more careful. One thing they should keep in mind that besides being a Garo or an Assamese or a Manipuri, he or she is an Indian."
She said, "The situation could have been brought under control and the destruction could have been avoided to a great extent only if the governments of the two states had reacted more sincerely and immediately."
Agatha added, "Compensations cannot make up for the losses. But people have to move on. They should live more amicably. It's a very disturbing experience for everybody in the region." She urged the youth of the region to be more pro-active in the process of nation building. "With the huge potentiality of the northeastern youths, they should be more positive and move ahead in life. Our party has belief in the youth."
Agatha, who had studied law at Pune University, also has some words for all NE youth pursuing studies in New Delhi or other metro or big cities. "Definitely, Delhi Police and authorities should be more cautious about their security. But the students also have to be more careful. One thing they should keep in mind that besides being a Garo or an Assamese or a Manipuri, he or she is an Indian."
