Stop playing politics with religion: Rijiju

FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT

ITAGAR, Feb 20: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday urged the people not to play politics in line of religion which he said is destructive for development of the state.

“If we try to divide the state in commul line, the dreams for a developed Aruchal will remain elusive,” the Minister of State for Home Affairs said while addressing the 31st Statehood Day celebration at Indira Gandhi Park here.

 “There are divisive forces trying to divide us in commul line. We should keep a strict vigil on their conspiracy,” he said adding, there should not be politics in religious line and all communities of the state should develop equally. He said the Centre is preparing plans and policies for Aruchal keeping inview the rough terrain and territory.

Referring to the insurgency problem in Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts of the state, the union minister claimed that forces from outside were trying to destabilize peace in the state and further appealed all the misguided youths to return to the mainstream for a peaceful life.

Stating that no development is possible without peace, Rijiju categorically said that insurgent activities in any form would not be tolerated by the government.

He referred to Mizoram which topped the list of most literate states in the country with Kerala because of peace as most of the underground cadres in the hill state have surrendered and joined the mainstream.

Appealing the people of the state to unit for overall development, Rijiju said that Chief Minister Khandu had prepared a road map to take the state to a new direction and the people should join hands with the government in its mission.

“If we indulge in agitation and try to topple the government now and then, no development is possible. Being an ambassador of the state I assured you that I will work for the state’s interest and will act as a voice of the people at the Centre,” he said.

Terming politics as the major hurdle in development, Rijiju said that if the central schemes were not executed properly, no development is possible in the state.

“ture has bestowed a lot on Aruchal.... It can be one of the best states in the country....Due to lack of progress the state is lagging behind,” he pointed out and added that several major road projects are in the pipeline for the state.