Congress making an issue of work permit, says CM

A Correspondent

SHILLONG, April 13:  Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma on Friday said that the opposition Congress wants to derive political benefit from the issue of work permit to Bangladeshi nationals and therefore was holding a protest programme against it.

“It is only a political issue. They are raising it out of nothing,” Conrad told media persons when asked about the proposed protest of the Congress. The Chief Minister also said that he was only engaged in a discussion on the issue of work permit with the External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj when he met her in Delhi recently.

“Discussions like these can take place at all levels,” the Chief Minister said.

Conrad also said that he did not send any proposal on work permit.

“I will take the opinion of the all members, especially on issue like this,” he added.

The Chief Minister also said that everybody missed the big picture of economic growth and the Act East Policy and meanwhile focusing on the issue of work permit.

“Economic development is an issue and how to balance it with illegal immigration,” Conrad said. It may be mentioned that the Congress has decided to organise protest meetings in Shillong as well as in Mendipathar on Saturday to voice its concern over work permits to Bangladeshi nationals.