Guwahati: Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi has given a clarion call to militant outfits still at large and especially the fugitive commander-in-chief of the proscribed ULFA (Independent), Paresh Barua, to give up the path of violence and join the process of on-going development in Assam in greater interest of peace and prosperity of people.
Making an address at the state’s celebration of the 67th Republic Day celebrations here on Tuesday , Gogoi said his government which has been striving for consolidation of the peace and acceleration of development in the state, has adopted the policy of zero tolerance to militant groups bent upon the disrupting the hard-earned peace.
“The state government is resolved to take the toughest action against the insurgents groups, communal and divisive forces which are posing threat to the peace and development in the state. I, therefore, appeal to ULFA (I) leader Paresh Baruah and all other militant groups at large to come overground to join the mainstream,” Gogoi said.
He said the perennial problem of flood and erosion had remained a major hurdle in the path of economic development of the state and demanded the proper attention and assistance from the Central government to solve the same so that the state could be put on the fast track of development.
He claimed that vexed problem of illegal migration from Bangladesh would be resolved once the on-going process of updating the National Register of Citizens (NRC) which will help immensely in detection of illegal migrants coming to the state post-March 25, 1971 and their subsequent deportation.
He called upon the Centre to resolve the issue related to demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status by six communities –Koch-Rajbongshi, Tai-Ahom, Chutia, Moran, and Motok and tea workers –in the state at the earliest.
Taking advantage of the occasion that precedes the forthcoming Assembly polls in the state, Gogoi on Wednesday highlighted the achievements of the 15-year-long uninterrupted Congress rule in the state in spheres of rural economy, agriculture, infrastructure development, women welfare, students welfare, youth capacity building, establishment of peace and ushering in an era of development.
