Leave violence, join mainstream: Assam governor to militants

Assam Governor Janaki Ballav Patnaik today appealed the underground militant groups to abjure violence and come to the discussion table to solve the issues for an overall development of the state.
Hoisting the National Flag on the 65th Republic Day here, Patnaik also condemned the recent incidents of violence in many districts across the state and said the culprits will be punished.
"I appeal to all...Organisations to shun violence and join the mainstream for the development of the state... The government is making all out efforts to persuade the other remaining outfits to come forward for negotiations," he said.
The Governor said, 13 extremist groups have laid down arms on account of strategies adopted by the government to counter terrorism and separatism, under the unified command structure, comprising both civil and military authorities.

"My government condemns the recent killings of innocent persons in Karbi Anglong, Chirang, Kokrajhar and Udalguri districts. We are taking firm steps to strengthen the security environment in these areas and to apprehend the perpetrators of such inhuman crimes," Patnaik said.
He also said the capital city will get a Police Commissionerate this year to meet the law and order needs.

"Assam has undergone a sea-change over the last dozen years, emerging from two decades of conflict and economic stagnation and is rapidly developing as a vibrant economy... However, much remains to be done," Patnaik said.
Accepting that "there are challenges ahead", he said the state can together move further on the path of peace, progress and development.

The government was committed to provide equal opportunities to all ethnic groups and was pursuing the matter of according Scheduled Tribes status to six major communities.
"My government has adopted the Swavalamban Scheme with effect from October, 2013 for helping the weaker and economically disadvantaged sections of the society engaged in the unorganised sector," he added.
Besides, various initiatives were started under the Multi Sectoral Development Plan in areas like agriculture, cottage industry, drinking water and education to uplift the minority communities, he said.