Fencing works of Indo-Bangladesh border to be completed soon: Assam CM Sonowal

Sonowal said his government will able to meet the commitment that had given to the people of Assam.

On the other hand, the Assam CM announced one-time financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh to each of the victims who suffered bullet injuries during Assam movement. Sonowal further said a book reflecting every aspect of the movement would also be published by the state government to preserve its rich legacy and showcasing the same to the posterity.

The Assam CM made these announcements while speaking at the observation of Swahid Divas held in Guwahati to remember 855 martyrs of six-year Assam movement.

Sonowal asserted the state government’s commitment to implement every clause of the Assam Accord in letter and spirit and to safeguard the interests of the people of the State.

“The Assam movement was a strong manifestation of people’s power and great example of non-violent means of protest. This was one of the most significant parts of India’s history as the movement aimed at safeguarding unity and sovereignty of the country,” Sonowal said adding that the state government accords top priority to implementation of Assam accord, with active support and cooperation of the people of the state.

“Assam Accord aims at detection, deletion and deportation of foreigners from the state and due to the state government’s committed efforts Indo-Bangla border fencing work, with technological interventions at riverine areas has made significant headway,” Sonowal said.

He also thanked the people of the border districts of Cachar, Karimganj, Dhubri and South Salmara for their cooperation in successfully taking forward the fencing work.

Stating that people of the State thwarting evil designs of divisive forces that tried to derail the NRC updating process, made publication of final draft of NRC possible, the Assam CM hoped that people would continue their cooperation at the claims & objection process as well saying that an error-free NRC would be a major deterrent against the illegal foreigners.

“The construction of border fencing is on and it is smoothly progressing. We hopeful, within short span of time, we will able to meet the commitment that we had given to the people of Assam. During our two half year regime, we would able to keep the base of the progress very satisfactory. The NRC updation process is going on under the strict supervision of the Supreme Court and the claims and objections part is on. I hope that, the people of Assam will definitely take part in this process with their responsibilities and everybody will carry out effectively,” Sonowal said.

Sonowal also praised the role played by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in highlighting the Assam Movement at the national level.

“Vajpayee ji who supported the aims and objectives of the movement raised the issue of illegal migration to Assam at the national level through his fiery speeches at the parliament and different parts of the country. He made to realize the people of the country that the problem faced by Assam during that tumultuous period was not limited to the boundary of the State alone and it was more of a national problem,” Sonowal said.

Sonowal further said that the state government has been working to fully safeguard the interests of the local people and uphold their rights. He also vowed to continue the Government’s efforts resolutely and urged people not to panic.

The Assam CM further observed that implementing the Assam Accord is a national duty and called upon everyone to extend cooperation with the Government in performing this responsibility.

Industry & Commerce Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary while delivering speech on the occasion underlined his association with the Assam Movement and various steps being taken up by the State Government to immortalize the contributions of the martyrs. He also appreciated Chief Minister Sonowal’s role in scrapping the IMDT Act and securing the future of the people of the State through implementation of every clause of the Assam Accord. 

Earlier, explaining the objective of the programme, Principal Secretary of Home & Political Department LS Changsan informed that construction of Swahid Udyan spread over an area of 100 bigha in Guwahati has already begun. Besides, the State Government in a bid to speed up implementation of Assam Accord already opened an independent office of the Assam Accord Implementation Department and a photo gallery on Assam Movement, she informed.

Minister of Tourism Chandan Brahma also spoke on the occasion. The programme was also attended by Minister of State for Power (independent) Topon Kumar Gogoi, MLA Rituparna Baruah, Chief Minister’s Legal Adviser Santanu Bharali, Chief Secretary Alok Kumar, DGP Kuladhar Saikia, senior officials of State Government among others.

Stating that people of the State thwarting evil designs of divisive forces that tried to derail the NRC updating process, made publication of final draft of NRC possible, the Assam CM hoped that people would continue their cooperation at the claims and objection process as well saying that an error-free NRC would be a major deterrent against the illegal foreigners.