Atal promises to stand by Assam through thick & thin

GUWAHATI, April 14: Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee began his two-day visit of Assam with a positive note today, making an announcement ...

GUWAHATI, April 14: Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee began his two-day visit of Assam with a positive note today, making an announcement that he will stand by the people of Assam through thick and thin.

"I have not only come to participate in the Bihu celebrations with you, but also promise to be your partner during your days of sorrow," Vajpayee said, replying to a public reception he was accorded in the Latasil playground in the Assam capital. Vajpayee’s visit which coincided with the Rongali Bihu or new year celebration of the Assamese people, also recalled that he had stood by the people of the state during the Assam agitation against illegal infiltration during the eighties, and said he knew the problems of the state inside out.

"I have a lot of love and feel for the region from the core of my heart, and I am not new to this place," the Prime Minister said, also recalling his association with state Chief Minister Prafulla kumar Mahanta since the latter was a student leader. Vajpayee also describedthe problems of Assam as genuine, adding that he will carry out the responsibilities bestowed on him by the people of the country. He however did not mention anything about the insurgency problem during his brief speech, though he is expected to make some announcement on the issue tomorrow when he addresses a press conference before winding up his tour.

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The visit of Vajpayee as Prime Minister to Assam incidentally is his first visit to any state other than his home state Uttar Pradesh, as has also been with three of his predecessors Narasimha Rao, Gujral and Deve Gowda, all of whom made their first visit to Assam as their first visit to any state on assumption of office.

The Prime Minister, who will inaugurate the third bridge on the Brahmaputra at Jogighopa in Bongaigaon district tomorrow is being accompanied by Railway Minister Nitish kumar, Minister of State for Railways Ram Naik and Minister of State for Communication Kabindra Purakayastha.

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Prime Minister A B Vajpayee has assured the Assam Government full central finance assistance to combat militancy in the state. During the about 40-minute meeting at Rajb Havan here, Chief Minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta apprised the Prime Minister of the law and order situation in the state. The Prime Minister had also detailed discussions with Governor S K Sinha about the situation in the state. Vajpayee also met different political leaders including those from the BJP. Earlier, Chief Minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta appealed to Vajpayee to release adequate funds for modernisation of the state police force and for building a modern state capital at Dispur here. Mahanta submitted a memorandum to the prime minister highlighting the state’s problems.

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