Situation tense, but under control: Gogoi
Source: The Sangai Express / Ninglun Hanghal

New Delhi, August 03 2013 : Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today said the situation in Assam is tense but not deteriorating.

They have every right to agitate, but protest should be peaceful and people should not take the law into their own hands, said the CM in his press conference held after a meeting Prime Minister and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi.

In the fall out of the creation of Telangana State, Karbi, Bodos, Dimasas and Koch-Rajbongshis have heightened their demand for separate States, followed by large scale violence in several areas.

Admitting that there are threats of such uprisings, the Chief Minister also accepted that there are genuine grievances and the Government is committed to tackle.

"To contain that the State Government is taking precaution, strict vigilance and the matter had been discussed with the central leaders, we will remain as one State, grievances can be met", said Gogoi.

On the issue of granting Schedule Tribe status to Santhal, Oraon, Munda, Kharia, Gond, Saora and other Adivasi communities in Assam, the Chief Minister stated that the matter lies with the Registrar General of India , who has not responded its acceptance nor rejection.

Tarun Gogoi also met Nagaland Chief Minister Nephiu Rio over the ongoing border issue after the recent escalation of violence in east Assam, Nagaland border of Jorhat, Sivasagar and Golaghat areas.

"The issue is complicated and will not be solved in a short time", he told reporters.

Reasserting Assam's stand on 1952 boundary, Gogoi categorically stated that Nagaland State was elevated into a statehood in 1963 under the existing boundary of the Naga hills of 1952 .

Unfortunately this is not accepted by the Nagaland Government, said the Assam Chief Minister.

The matter is currently in the Supreme Court and that mediators have also been appointed and have visited the disturbed areas as well, Gogoi said and adding that the two State Chief Ministers are working hard to settle the dispute amicably, while encouraging people to people contact and cultural exchange.

"Status-quo should not be disturbed by either side," Gogoi asserted.

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