GUWAHATI: The Assam government on Friday warned of ‘strongest steps’ against the anti-big dam movement in northern Assam even as a section of agitators declared of a three-day blockade of essential commodities to the NHPC’s Gerukamukh dam site that would run parallel with the ongoing indefinite blockade against raw materials and fuel for the dam site.
The state government spokespersons Pradyut Bordoloi and Rockybul Hussain, in a joint press conference here, said, ”The government will not be intimidated when it comes to protecting the national interest. It is the duty and responsibility of the government to ensure law and order and a peaceful atmosphere.”
”If the situation persists, we will be forced to take the strongest steps,” they said without specifying how much rope they will leash to the protestors before going for a crackdown.
Mr Bordoloi, who is also the state Power minister, reiterated the allegation that Maoists have infiltrated the anti-big dam movement and said action will soon be taken against such people as the government is in the process of compiling the reports against such protestors. Both the ministers severely criticised Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) general secretary Akhil Gogoi, who is leading the anti-big dam movement, for using abusive language against Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi.
Meanwhile, the KMSS and several other organisations continued with the blockade of raw materials and fuel for the 2000 MW Lower Subansiri Hydel Power Project at Gerukamukh along Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border.
A separate blockade by AASU and other organisations for three days will start from tomorrow during which all essential commodities for the dam site will also be blocked.
Protestors have been blocking NH 52 leading to the dam site in North Lakhimpur and Dhemaji districts of Assam since December 16 demanding stop of work at the Gerukamukh dam.
The people in the downstream areas in Assam have been building up a mass protest movement against the negative impact of the dam in these parts. (UNI)