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Concessional flights for NE students to Maharashtra

August 22, 2012 14:29 IST

Strengthening age-old relations between the people of Maharashtra and those living in the northeastern states, Chief Minister Prithiviraj Singh Chavan has announced several concessional steps, including chartered planes from Guwahati to Mumbai and Pune for students to return to their educational institutions.

After a brainstorming discussion on the exodus of students and working people with a goodwill team from Arunachal Pradesh led by member of Parliament Takam Sanjoy in Mumbai on late Tuesday evening, these announcements were made.

Sanjoy quoted Chavan as announcing concessional-chartered flights for the students if the respective state governments send a written requisition, and Maharashtra officials will be ready to welcome the students at respective airports to escort them to their institutions with full security.

While suggesting a list of all students studying in various cities of Maharashtra, Chavan also assured to allot land near major educational institutions in the state for constructing a hostel for northeast students.

In appreciation of the initiative of the Arunachal Pradesh government, particularly Chief Minister Nabam Tuki for sending the goodwill team, the Maharashtra CM assured to allot another plot of land in Mumbai for Arunachal Bhawan to honour Sanjoy's request.

Describing the entire mission as highly satisfactory that helped in establishing a personal rapport between the people of the northeast and rest of India, Sanjoy said, "If we stand united no force on earth can destabilise India or disturb the unique example of unity in diversity reflected by Indians, particularly the people of NE."

"The role of the divisive forces across the border have been proved beyond doubt and it is for we Indians to realise as to who does not want us to remain united. A stitch in time saves nine," he was quoted by a team member, as saying, without mincing any word.

At Pune, on Tuesday morning, Sanjoy addressed over 200 students assembled under the banner of the North East Forum, and urged them to be ambassadors of the northeast in their institutions and manifest their rich cultural heritage and traditions.

"Behave like Romans when in Rome. Be cordial with the locals, respect their religions and cultures, observe your dress codes and request your friends to return soon," he exhorted them and urged them to fly the NE flag high as the region is known for its hospitable people, Damo informed.

He further added that while officials have given full assurance of security in the state, there was wide appreciation for the goodwill mission by the senior citizens and Muslim leaders at both the cities, particularly at the Pune Eid dinner hosted by the Muslim brethren.

Source: ANI