Shillong, April 2: BJP leader and cabinet minister AL Hek has backed the idea of smaller states in the north-eastern region, saying there is nothing wrong with the demand.
“Garo also wants Garoland and Khasis also wants Khasiland so what is wrong to ask for a small state. Is there anything wrong to ask for small state? There is no problem at all,” Hek told reporters.
His response comes in the backdrop of war of words between former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and Meghalaya CM Conrad K Sangma. Biren Singh recently accused the Meghalaya CM of meddling in the affairs of Manipur where the ethnic division between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo communities continues to be on the boil, and the President’s Rule has been imposed. He also accused former Lok Sabha Speaker (L) Purno A Sangma, father of Conrad Sangma, of advocating for smaller states on ethnic lines for peace in the region.
Hek, however, said the tussle was not between BJP and National People’s Party (NPP). He also refused to comment on the tussle between the two leaders. “I don’t have to say anything about the tussle between A or B. I am only for the interest of the people and the state of Meghalaya,” Hek said.
“That is not between NPP and BJP,” he affirmed, adding “I have nothing to say in regards to the tussle between two persons.”
