Tingplik Express

Kohima, May 15 (TEN): Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio claimed the Centre was satisfied with the steps taken by the State government towards containing the law and order problem following stepped up violence by rival factions of the NSCN.
“We have discussed the prevailing situation, particularly factional clashes, in the State and Patil (Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil) was happy with our efforts to maintain law and order,” Rio told media persons on the sidelines of a function here referring to his meeting with the Home Minister on Wednesday.
Asked if the State government sought any additional forces to maintain law and order, Rio said it was the other way round “because we are sending our police forces outside the State as per Centre's request”.
The chief minister informed that one IRB and one NAP battalion would be sent to Jammu and Kashmir and New Delhi respectively. He also disclosed that Centre had sanctioned another battalion of IRB for Nagaland which would be raised soon.
Commenting on “Vision 2020” Document of North Eastern Council (NEC), signed in Agartala on Tuesday, Rio said the member States were satisfied with the Document but were skeptical about its implementation. It should be sent to the Union Cabinet for approval so funds can be available for its implementation, he said.
He disclosed that member States of the NEC did not approve the Rs.624 crore budget allocated by Planning Commission for 2008-2009. According to him, the member States had sent a proposal for allocation of Rs.1,200 crore.

In this regard, Rio said the member States would write to the Prime Minister to hold discussion with the Planning Commission for review of the earlier proposal.
Commenting on the memorandum submitted by the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee to Patil on Wednesday, Rio said “they are doing their duty and we are doing our duty”.