Attack on NE people extremely distressing: President

Describing recent incidents of racial violence involving people from North East as extremely distressing, President Pranab Mukherjee has called for urgent steps to assuage feelings of the people of the region.
Addressing the two-day 45th conference of Governors which concluded yesterday, Mukherjee termed as "extremely distressing" the recent incidents of racial violence, including the death of Arunachal Pradesh youth Nido Tania following an alleged attack by a group of people here.
"The President called for expeditious measures to assuage feelings of the people of North East," a Rashtrapati Bhavan spokesperson said.
Reminding the Governors that they are the first citizens of their states, the President said the Constitution provides them enough space to act in the best interests of both the Centre and the states.

Mukherjee said the Governor draw their authority from the Constitution and are oath-bound to protect, preserve and defend the Constitution and work towards the welfare of the people of their states.
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, the President said the Governors should use their persuasive skills to build consensus with state governments on issues relating to the welfare of the people of the states.

Mukherjee said the Ministry of the HRD should examine issues related to the role of Governors as Chancellors or Rectors of state universities in consultation with UGC.

It should also keep the Governors fully informed of various schemes launched by it.
Pointing out that Governors from states and UTs with international borders emphasised the urgent need for speeding up the building of border infrastructure, the President called upon authorities concerned to take necessary measures in this regard, including through the establishment of coordination mechanisms.