R-Day Assam: Gogoi asks Paresh Barua to eschew violence, return to mainstream

Unfurling the national flag in the AAU parade ground here, Gogoi also hoped that with the repatriation of ULFA general secretary Anup Chetia, the on-going peace talks with the Centre would get expedited. “My Government had all along been pursuing with the Centre for repatriation of ULFA General Secretary, Shri Anup Chetia. Now, since he had been finally brought to the country, I feel that his association in the ongoing peace talks will definitely expedited the peace process,” Gogoi said.

[related-post]

The chief minister said while as many as 13 extremist outfits had already laid down their arms and joined the mainstream, and discussion with these groups is progressing in a positive direction, Paresh Barua should also follow suit.

Taking credit for bringing Assam back to tracks from a state of turmoil due to violence perpetrated by various extremist groups after he took over as chief minister in May 2001, Gogoi also said that remarkable improvement on the law and order front also helped bring about an economic turn-around of the state.

“Today the law and order situation is almost normal as will be evident from the fact that the number of civilian killings has come down from 412 in 2001 to only 10 in 2015. People , who were even scared of coming out after sunset fifteen years back, today are enjoying Bihu, Puja , Raas , Idd , Christmas and other festivities with joy and gaiety and without any fear,” he said. The tourist inflow had also risen from about 10 lakh in 2001 to about 49 lakh last year, he said.

Gogoi, in his Republic Day speech also appealed to the government of India to complete the Indo-Bangladesh border fencing works expeditiously and guard the international border more effectively in order to stop illegal influx into the state. Moreover, he has also asked the Centre to find technology-driven solutions to plug the vulnerable riverine gaps along the Indo-Bangla border, Gogoi said.

“I have also submitted a memorandum to the hon’ble Prime Minister requesting him to take up projects involving technological solution for plugging of vulnerable riverine gaps along the Indo–Bangla border. I have also highlighted the issue of urgent need for putting in place an Indo-Bangladesh Deportation Treaty to send back persons who have been declared by Foreigners Tribunal as foreigners,” he said.

Gogoi however expressed dismay over the Centre curtailing the Special Category status to Assam, and said the state needed more public investment and increased financial support from the Centre to sustain and accelerate the growth momentum. (ends)