The Hindu : National : More powers for North-East sought

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Monday, Nov 06, 2006
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More powers for North-East sought

Sushanta Talukdar

`Extend Inner Line Permit system'

GUWAHATI: The North-East Students' Organisation (NESO) on Sunday demanded the extension of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system to all north-eastern States to protect the identity and culture of the indigenous population.

The NESO, a banner organisation of eight student bodies, said the Centre should also grant special constitutional status to the States by delegating more federal powers, including rights over land resources, to them.

Briefing reporters on the just-concluded fourth general conference at Agartala, chairman Samujjal Kumar Bhattacharjya and secretary-general N.S.N. Lotha said the ILP system, existing in Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram, should be extended to other States of the region.

The Centre must consult the people and obtain their consent before finalising the Detail Project Report on the Look East Policy.

The World Bank, which had been entrusted with the task of preparing the report, must obtain the consent of the people first.

"The Look East Policy must benefit the people of the north-east and the region should not be used merely a corridor for free trade," Mr. Lotha said.

The other demands included the constitution of a national commission on NE Unemployed Zone, a special economic package for creation of avenues for self-employment, and declaration of the north-east as a Special Economic Zone.

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