Guwahati, Jan. 27: Assam governor J.B. Patnaik emphasised the state government's commitment to address the people's apprehensions about the safety of the Lower Subansiri dam during his Republic Day speech here yesterday, in an apparent bid to pacify anti-big dam protesters.
"Regarding the Lower Subansiri dam, it is the state government's solemn commitment to ensure that all apprehensions are effectively addressed and all possible steps taken to ensure that people living in the downstream areas are not affected in any way," Patnaik said.
The anti-big dam movement in northern Assam has taken the shape of a mass movement with influential organisations such as All Assam Students Union (AASU), Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) and Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) spearheading the agitation.
The governor said since the source of floods is beyond the state, the state government is reiterating the need for expeditious establishment of the North-East Water Resource Authority (NEWRA), which will address all issues relating to scientific water resource management and flood control in the entire region.
While the governor conveyed Dispur's views on the issue, the group of ministers (GoM) set up to resolve issues related to big dams in the state geared up to hear out the 23 ethnic and students' organisations as requested by the AASU.
Since AASU, Takam Mising Porin Kebang (TMPK) and the Mising Mimag Kebang (MMK) participated in the first round of talks with anti-big dam groups and experts and civil society members, 23 organisations have been invited to tomorrow's meeting to be held at the Administrative Staff College at Khanapara here.
Two representatives from each organisation will be participating in the deliberations to be chaired by power minister Pradyut Bordoloi. The other members include health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, forest minister Rakibul Hussain, irrigation minister Ardhendu Dey and welfare of plains tribes and backward classes minister Rajiv Lochan Pegu.
Bordoloi told The Telegraph, "Since there was a request by the AASU, we have called the other organisations and will hear them out and convey our views and steps to them as well. From day one we have been very open in our approach to allaying the concerns."
"The in-camera talks with organisations and experts have been constructive so far. We have made it clear that we will be taking all steps to mitigate problems that are likely to occur in downstream areas," he said.
The GoM, according to Bordoloi, is likely to wrap up this process of engagement by inviting NHPC, which is executing the project, in February before submitting its report to the cabinet.
After unfurling the Tricolour at the Veterinary College playground at Khanapara here, Patnaik said a multi-pronged strategy adopted by the Assam government had made signing of peace pacts with various militant groups possible.
He said the multi-pronged strategy included sustained development efforts, counter-insurgency operations and peace overtures to people willing to come forward for negotiated settlements. "The government is hopeful that the Paresh Barua group of Ulfa will also come forward to solve their problems through negotiations by shunning the path of violence," he added.
"I am happy to note another milestone in tackling militancy has been achieved recently with nine militant groups from different parts of the state laying down arms in a ceremony on January 24," Patnaik said.
The governor thanked the people of Assam for their contribution towards ushering in an era of peace and prosperity in the state and called upon rebel groups that had not come forward for talks to go for a negotiated settlement of their demands within the framework of the Constitution. "Our doors are always open," he added.
Patnaik also inspected a guard of honour going rounds of the ground in an open jeep and waving at the crowd.
He dwelt at length on the various welfare schemes of the government and development achieved in the state over the past decade.
There was a good turnout of people, including children, at the Republic Day function, which was held at this venue for the first time after being shifted from the Latasil playground.
Chief minister Tarun Gogoi, some of his ministerial colleagues and senior civil, police, army and paramilitary officers were among the dignitaries who attended the function.
The function, which lasted for about two hours, concluded with colourful and impressive cultural programmes showcasing the rich cultural heritage of different communities of the state.
However, a stunning display of malkhamb (traditional Indian gymnastics), by a team of the army's Maratha Regiment, stole the show, with viewers breaking into thunderous applause.
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