Shillong, Aug 1: Asserting that the BJP is here to unite and protect the unique identity of the North Eastern States and its people, BJP leader and Cabinet Minister Sanbor Shullai on Sunday said the party is looking to solve issues that no previous governments had the will to do.
He said he has full faith in the leadership of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma that they will resolve the Assam – Meghalaya border issue permanently and amicably.
“I have full faith under the leadership of Amit Shah, Himanta Biswa Sarma and Conrad Sangma that the border issues between Assam and Meghalaya will be resolved amicably and permanently thereby bringing in lasting peace and communal harmony among the peace-loving people of Assam and Meghalaya,” Shullai said in a statement issued on Sunday.
He said the BJP considers the North Eastern states at par with mainland India and that it wants to match its stride of development with the rest of the nation but at the same time preserving its rich cultural heredity and bio-diversity.
Clarification on support to ‘kill them all’ comment
Also issuing a clarification on him hailing the Mizoram MP’s “kill them all” comments as totally false, Shullai said, “I have clearly stated in my press briefing that I don’t promote nor believe in any form of violence and want amicable and acceptable border solution between Meghalaya and Assam. This was given by me with regards to the border dispute in Ri Bhoi district and has no connection with what happened in Assam-Mizoram border.”
He added that the 12-point border dispute between Meghalaya and Assam is a cause of concern and needs urgent solution to safeguard the tribal population of Meghalaya who always live-in fear.
“To safeguard these hundreds of tribal families living at the border, I was of the opinion that more forces be deployed to protect them and our land.”
“That is well with the state’s jurisdiction and also the duty of the state to protect its citizens,” he said.
Stating that as far as Assam-Mizoram issue is concerned, he has no right to comment or take a stance with any of them, Shullai said, “But all I advocate is that violence of any form will never bring any solution and that I hope that all border issues are settled politically and is accepted by people on both sides of the border without shedding a drop of blood.”
