Our Bureau
SHILLONG, Mar. 04: While appreciating the efforts of the Border Security Force (BSF) with regard to the incidents at Muktapur, Jaintia Hills, the Hill State Peoples Democratic Party (HSPDP) has condemned the alleged unprovoked firing incidents by troops of the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR).
The HSPDP has urged the Centre to take up the matter with the Bangladesh Government at the highest level so as to defuse the situation and take up confidence building measures among the residents of Muktapur and adjacent villages along the border. The party also called on the Centre to settle the boundary issue with the neighbouring country ‘once and for all’.
The party further urged the state government to immediately take up relief measures for the affected people.
The HSPDP expressed disappointment with the national media for being ‘indifferent’ to the incidents occurring along the border. It also expressed appreciation to the NGOs who will be visiting Muktapur on March 5 and the NCP Meghalaya State Unit for having done so earlier.
Meanwhile, the party also slammed the Union Budget, saying it defeats the purpose of  inclusive growth as projected in the 11th Plan where initiatives to arrest poverty and unemployment are found wanting adding that even the ‘much praised NREGA’ does not  have a substantial allocation during the 2010-11 financial year.
It said that the Budget does not mention how price rise and inflation will be tackled and also slammed the increase in fuel prices, saying that this would inevitably hit the North East which is dependent on motor transport of goods.