Assam CM assures safety for all

It was Medhi’s comments, saying that the AOA was in no position to guarantee security to participants, that had led to this stern action from the Chief Minister.

Gogoi said that there was a huge outcry from the sporting fraternity in the state to suspend Medhi for playing into the hands of anti-social elements. This means inroads had already been made by the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) into organizational ranks.

The ULFA has given a boycott call for the Games and there has been a spate of bomb blasts in various parts of the state leading to fear and speculation.

Gogoi said that all kinds of subversive activities will be dealt with firmly and no one will be allowed to disrupt the 33rd Games, scheduled from February 9 to 18.

“The Games will be held as per schedule and there is no second opinion to it,” Gogoi said firmly and added that, “they (ULFA) will definitely try to disrupt the Games, but we won’t let them strike.”

Reassuring that all is well at home, Gogoi gave his personal assurance that there would be no security problems during the Games whatsoever. He also said: “It’s our primary duty to provide security and protection to the athletes and dignitaries who would be present for the Games.”

Gogoi also urged the national media not to read too much into “the negative publicity” that “just one or two” local dailies “with vested interests” are giving to the Games.

“All participants have full confidence in us. Or else, why would more than 7,000 athletes confirm participation in the Games? You also create that kind of confidence and help us defeat those malicious hands trying to disrupt the Games,” the Chief Minister said.

Allaying all fears regarding the Games’ success, Gogoi said: “This Games will be even bigger than the last edition at Hyderabad. Only 28 disciplines were held at Hyderabad but we are hosting 32 events. Naturally, more events means more participation. The stadia and other infrastructure (of which there was a video presentation just before the press conference) are world class and the best in the country.”

Assam Power and Industry minister Pradyutt Bordoloi, also chairman of the media and publicity committee, said the reason for this press briefing in the Capital was “to explode the myth” of security lapses and help everybody get a clear picture of things.”