SILCHAR, Sept 28 - Amidst growing anxiety among the people of Barak Valley, particularly those who have been left out of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) published on August 31 this year, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Saturday allayed the simmering fear saying that the government is committed to protect the political rights of every citizen of the State.
Addressing a gathering at the Police Parade Ground on the occassion of the closing ceremony of the State-level Poshan Maah organised by the Social Welfare Department and also the launch of the �Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao� campaign by the Cachar district administration here, Sonowal said, �people of Barak Valley have no reason to look back and panic. The Government is committed to safeguard and respect the political rights of the people and also it is striving towards enhancing the corridors of linguistic and cultural spaces for the people. The pristine glory and rich potential of the valley has to be channelised into a result-oriented path for achieving simultaneous development for both the Barak and Brahmaputra valleys.�
He was quick to add that steps must be taken to look forward towards the possibilities of exploring the diverse South East Asian market and also the trade opportunities along the ASEAN countries and Barak Valley is a congenial place to augment the initiatives. �I have asked ministers and top officials to organise major events and government functions frequently in Barak Valley as well. People here must avail the benefits floated by the government and learn about its activities. The political leadership of the two valleys have to come forward and work as a cohesive unit towards the aim,�the Chief Minister maintained.
Speaking about the outcome of �Poshan maah� campaign, Sonowal congratulated Social Welfare Minister Pramila Rani Brahma and referred to statistics saying that while in 2018, 36 lakh people took part in the campaign, the numbers have multiplied to a whopping 1.70 crore people joining the initiative to ensure good health and nutrition for mothers and babies across the State. �I have come to know about the fact that both IMR and MMR percentage is higher in Barak Valley for which instructions have been sent out to the doctors and medial staff to intensify treatment across hospitals here. He offered food to the infants and exchanged wishes and gave away gifts alongside local MP, Deputy Speaker, Ministers, MLAs and other distinguished persons to the would-be mothers on the occasion.
The Chief Minister unveiled the mascot named �Mishti� for the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign and gave away prizes to contest winners of the campaigns also.
Later talking to the media, Sonowal informed that he would meet RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat who is in Silchar now and seek his blessings and guidance for accomplishment of the chores as expected by the people of the State.
