NEW DELHI, May 26 – Aiming for economic development of the North-east by restoring peace, the Centre today appealed to the insurgents there to come to the negotiating table saying "dialogue is the only way to solve all problems", reports PTI. "Insurgents must realise that it is time for all of us to recognise the importance of dialogue. The insurgents may be misguided because of economic deprivation but it is important for all of us to believe in the dialogue process as it is the only way to solve all problems," Tribal Affairs and NE Development Minister PR Kyndiah told PTI. He said his endeavour would be to bring a congenial atmosphere for peace and harmony in the region to accelerate the economic development of the area. "My appeal to all insurgent groups to come out for dialogue without fear. Peace process must be continued," he said. He said the insurgents should come with an open mind for the talks. "Never negotiate with fear but let us never fear for negotiations," said Kyndiah, who is the Member of Parliament from Shillong constituency in Meghalaya.
Warning that the olive branch extended by the Centre for dialogue should not be misconstrued by anyone, he said "we cannot sit tight if there is violence. The security forces have to deal with it". Recognising the sensitivity of large and diverse tribal populations for their tradition and culture, the Tribal Affairs Minister said he would try his best to bring their economic uplift without hurting their sentiments.
"India has around eight per cent tribal population with major concentration in the states of Orissa, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra. Since most of them are living below poverty line, we must take special focus for their economic development without interfering in their tradition and culture," Kyndiah said.
"Socio-economic development of the tribals is a must. But at the same time, they must be allowed to maintain their identity," he said. The Minister also expressed concern over the large-scale deforestation in tribal areas saying this was a "serious" matter.
"My Ministry will encourage plantation of trees on commercial basis and other activities which will bring economic properity for the tribals. But large industry will not be allowed to set up in tribals without their consent," he said. "I will personally visit the tribal areas to get the first-hand knowledge about their problems, needs, and aspirations," Kyndiah said.