AIZAWL, April 10 � Denouncing attacks on youths from the North East in the national capital, President Pranab Mukherjee today said the pluralistic character of the nation should not be weakened by such �unacceptable events�.
Speaking at the 10th convocation of Mizoram University, he said both the Central Government and Delhi administration have taken firm action by not only apprehending and punishing the accused but also putting in place measures to ensure that such incidents do not recur.
�We must ensure that pluralistic character of our nation and her thread of unity, which is collective pride of all Indians, is not weakened by such unacceptable events,� he said.
In his maiden visit to the North Eastern State, Mukherjee expressed concern over the quality of educational institutions in the country.
Addressing the gathering at the University, which fulfils 60 per cent of its energy requirement through solar energy and water recycling, Mukherjee noted that none of country�s institutes are placed in top 200 positions by reputed international surveys.
Awarding gold medals to 39 students from various disciplines, Mukherjee lauded the University for receiving A grade by NAAC in 2014.
Dumping ground: Meanwhile, Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), the apex Mizo students� body, has accused the Centre of using Mizoram as a �gubernatorial dumping ground� and submitted a memorandum to visiting President Pranab Mukherjee in this regard.
MZP president Lalhmachhuana said today that the MZP submitted a memorandum to the President at the Raj Bhavan here last evening and appealed to Mukherjee that the State should not be used �as a playground for political vendetta by political leaders at the Centre.�
The MZP also flayed recent attacks on Christians and churches in some parts of the country, describing such attacks as shameful and asked the President to use his office �to protect the rights of the minority religious groups.� � PTI
