Pul honours NEFA councillor bam Rungkhi

FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT

Itagar, May 13: bam Rungkhi, the former Pradesh Councillor of NEFA, also known as the person behind establishing the state capital was honoured by the state government in a public meeting at Jote on Thursday.

Chief Minister Kalikho Pul handed over a new vehicle to Rungkhi in recognition of his selfless contribution towards making Itagar the state capital.

Pul further announced to provide a government bungalow to him and his family in the state capital in honour of his service for the state and provide a government scheme specifically in his me to his family. He also contributed his two months’ salary, an official report informed here today.

Pul said, “I salute him for the contribution made by him in making Itagar the capital of the state.”

It was bam Rungkhi, the Pradesh Councillor of NEFA who convinced the then Governor of Assam, B K Nehru to make Itagar as the capital of the state. He carried Bricks collected from the Itafort on his rah (local bag) all the way from Itagar to Shillong to proved that Itagar is an important historical place and worthy to be made as capital.

Speaking on various developmental projects of tiol importance like tiol Institute of Technology, tiol Film and Television Institute, Jarbom Gamlin Govt Law College, Art & Culture Centre, Govt Women College at Jote Chief Minister assured to continue these projects and as well as promote Bamboo Mission at Poma.

While lauding them for doting land for the good cause, he said, “this is not only a contribution towards the state but towards the tion”. He however called upon them not to encroach the land once it is doted to the govt for project and to properly demarcate the doted area.

Responding to the demand of the people, the chief minister assured for re-carpeting of the Itagar to Jote road over a short period of time. As the area would be a major tourist hot spot in future, he also said that Itagar-Jote-Balijan-Seijosa Road would be widened into 2-lane roads in future as a long term plan of the govt.

Deputy Chief Minister, Kameng Dolo has urged the people to take up the animal husbandry, horticultural and agricultural activities for improving their living standards and economic conditions.

Highlighting the importance of these sectors, Dolo said these are the activities, where people could make money. However, he regretted that while ignoring the importance of these sectors, our people are running after the petty govt contract works and white collar jobs. Lauding the people for doting land free of cost to the NIT, Deputy CM said once the project gets completed, it would benefit the local people in terms of employment and business opportunities, the report added.