Unemployment root of terrorism in NE: Paswan 

Shillong, Feb 27: Terming unemployment to be the main reason behind terrorism in the northeast, LJP president Ram Vilas Paswan today said his party will stress on job opportunities and development issues if voted to power in the ensuing assembly elections in Meghalaya to root out the menace. 

Addressing an election rally at Malki ground here, the union steel minister said, "Large-scale unemployment is the reason for extremism in northeast and the LJP will strive to create employment avenues for the youths of the region." 

He urged youths to participate in the political process, saying, "They must get involved in the national scene for the state to progress." 

Paswan said the LJP's other thrust areas include power generation, industrial development, afforestation, education and health sectors. 

"Meghalaya lacks economic infrastructure and the LJP is committed to help the state in marching ahead," he said. 

Paswan said "certain impediments created hurdles in my plans of linking Meghalaya by railway" when he was the country's railway minister. 

He also stressed preservation of the rich and unique cultural heritage of the state. Underlining the need for empowerment of the poor, he said, "Unless the poor are given power, the country cannot progress." 

Claiming that no single party would win majority in the state, Paswan said the LJP would play an important role in the next government formation. 

Refuting charges that the party's presence was felt only during polls, he said LJP was actively pursuing development of the state.