Shillong: Meghalaya is witnessing violence even after 41 years of achieving statehood, Governor RS Mooshahary said on Monday referring to militancy in five of the eleven districts in the state.
"Due to lack of political fulfilment, violence exists in the state even though we thought that there would be peace after attaining statehood," Mooshahary said, addressing the 41st Meghalaya Statehood Day celebration here.
Speaking about environmental degradation in the state, known for its rich mineral resources, he said mining has aggravated the acidic condition of the soil which is affecting agricultural and posed a serious threat to health.
"It is time for us to oppose disastrous unscientific mining to save future generations," Mooshahary said, calling for a more scientific mining system having proper regulations.
On security, Mooshahary said that of 465.387 km of international border with Bangladesh, 239.272 km has been fenced and the remainder would be completed within a year.
On the inter-state border with Assam, he said the two governments are working out a permanent solution.
He also called for people to use the Right to Information (RTI) to expose corrupt practices, saying, "If you tolerate corruption, you are indirectly helping corruption to grow and it will affect development in the state."
He said the Meghalaya High Court will be made functional by next month and the process of separation of the executive from the judiciary will be completed within this year.
Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, his Cabinet colleagues and legislators were not present.
Official sources said many skipped the event for fear of attracting provisions of the model code of conduct.
PTI
