President Pranab Mukherjee has expressed concern over the surge in incidents of violent attacks against people of the Northeast. Describing these recent incidents of racial violence “as extremely distressing”, the President has called for expeditious measures to assuage feelings of the people of Northeast.
Speaking at the conclusion of the two-day Conference of Governors on Friday, Mr. Mukherjee is learnt to have reminded the Governors of the need to strengthen democratic institutions and Constitutional authorities. According to the President's Office, Mr. Mukherjee said the Constitution provides enough space for the Governors to act in the best interests of both the Centre and the States. He said while the Central government should extend support to Governors by consulting them on critical issues relating to the States and by providing easy access to key Ministries, Governors should use their persuasive skills to build consensus with State governments on issues relating to the welfare of people of the States.
His comments come in the wake of the recent tussle between Delhi Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung and Aam Aadmi Party government in Delhi over the introduction of the Jan Lokpal Bill in the Delhi Assembly. The President has also suggested stepping up efforts to build border infrastructure and called upon authorities concerned to take necessary measures, including through the establishment of coordination mechanisms.
The conference was attended by 26 Governors and three Lt. Governors.
