The Republic Day was celebrated across the Assam on Tuesday despite the militants’ outfits of the region called for a shutdown and boycott of the celebrations and thousands of people came out to take part in the celebrations, which remained peaceful.
Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi unfurled the Tricolor at the official function organised by the Assam Government at Khanapara area in Guwahati and renewed his call to the anti-talk faction of the militant outfits to shun the path of violence and join the national mainstream for a better and developed Assam.
Expressing his gratitude towards the freedom fighters for their selfless service to the nation, Gogoi said that his Government will set up a Freedom Fighter Memorial and added that the Government had also taken steps to raise freedom fighter’s pension to Rs20,000 in this year.
Highlighting the developmental activities undertaken by his Government, Gogoi said that Assam was in a state of turmoil due to violence perpetrated by various extremist groups when his Government took over in 2001. “There was a sense of despair and hopelessness all around. People lived in the shadow of fear as the state was in the grip of insurgency, lawlessness. Secret killings were an open secret,” Gogoi said adding that his Government has been able to make great strides in bringing peace as 13 militant outfits have entered peace pacts with the Government in last 15 years.
“My Government had all along been pursuing with the Centre for repatriation of UlFA General Secretary, Anup Chetia. Now, since he had been finally brought to the country, I feel that his association in the ongoing peace talks will definitely expedited the peace process. I would also like to appeal to Paresh Baruah faction of the UlFA and few other insurgent groups to eschew violence and return to the mainstream for the sake of the State’s interest,” Gogoi appealed.
Gogoi, however, rued the fact that the funds released by the Central Government for the planned development of the State have got significantly reduced since last year. “This would adversely impact the growth and development of the State. My Government has taken up for the continuance of special dispensation for Assam at the highest level. I have already submitted Memorandum to the Prime Minister for restoration of Special Category status to Assam as well as for restoration of funding pattern of Centrally Sponsored schemes and also for augmentation of Central Assistance to the State,” he said.
“I take this opportunity to appeal to the Central Government once again for the continuance of the Special Category Status for Assam and also for continuance of the funding pattern of all Centrally Sponsored Schemes as 100 per cent Central Share or on the principle of 90 per cent Central Share and 10 per cent state Share,” Gogoi said in his speech.