Anti-nationals a threat to Assam: Governor

Sushanta Talukdar

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Defying ULFA’s boycott call people hoist flags
Two battalions of AISF raised to protect tea estates

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Guwahati: Assam Governor S.C. Mathur on Monday said gravest threats to the State and its people emanated from the activities of a section of anti-national forces who, he said, were operating with support from organisations based outside the country.
In his Republic Day address after unfurling the Tricolour on the Latasil parade ground here, the Governor appealed to insurgents and militants to shun violence and come forward for dialogue within the framework of the Constitution.
“We are committed to bring peace to Assam and shall keep our doors open for dialogue but we will not leave any stone unturned to fight anti-national forces.”
The Republic Day passed off peacefully in the State. People defied the boycott call given by the United Liberation Front of Asom and joined the celebration by hoisting the Tricolour in houses, public places and participating in official functions.
The Governor said that for the security of tea estates and industries, two battalions of the Assam Industrial Security Force (AISF) had been raised. Another battalion was being raised for protecting the installations of Oil India Limited and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation.
Mr. Mathur said a development council for the Gorkhas and six new development councils for the Ahoms, the Mataks, the Morans, the Koch-Rajbongshis, the Chutias and the Adivasis were being set up. The six communities were demanding the Scheduled Tribe status and organisations spearheading their cause had rejected the State’s earlier announcement of the development councils.
On the foreigners’ issue, the Governor said the government was committed to the implementation of the Assam accord without causing any harassment to genuine Indian citizens. The updating of the National Register of Citizens was on and the data entry of electoral rolls would be completed shortly. Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi was present.