Gogoi urges Paresh Barua to join peace process

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Monday called upon Paresh Barua, the fugitive commander-in-chief of the anti-talks faction of the United Liberation Front of Asom, to join the ongoing peace process with his colleagues in the militant outfit, led by 'chairman' Arabinda Rajkhowa.

Addressing the people of Assam on Independence Day in Guwahati, Gogoi said though his government was sympathetic towards the misguided youth of the state in the ranks of various insurgent groups, the operation against those outfits would continue in the greater interest of the security of the people of Assam.

"Conflicts can't be the solution to any problem while negotiations in a democratic environment can find the solution to any problem. So all the insurgent outfits still at large in the state should respond to the wishes of the masses and come forward for a dialogue to find a solution to their problem," Gogoi said.

In his speech, Gogoi highlighted his government's priority towards developing international and inter-state border areas in the state and announced that resources made available by the 13th Finance Commission would be utilised in developing the 269-kilometer India-Bhutan border in Assam and 263-km Indian-Bangladesh border in the state.

The state government will focus on the improvement of road communication, setting up of health and education infrastructure, drinking water facility, electrification and setting up of more border posts to improve vigil, he said.

The under-developed border areas of the state have remained the breeding ground for militancy that targets unemployed youths in those areas.

The Assam government is also going to explore the trade potential with neighbouring countries like Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Thailand. To boost bilateral trade, Gogoi said the administration would focus on setting up rail links and road links with Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, barring a blast on a railway track at Darrangiri in Goalpara district at around 2.30 am, Independence Day celebrations went on peacefully throughout Assam despite the boycott call given by several insurgent groups.