Assam defies boycott call of Northeast militants

Defying the threat of outlawed Ulfa and NDFB, people came out in large number to attend the Republic Day celebration in Assam.

In what was also the indicator of diminishing militancy, even after the boycott and bandh called on Saturday by Northeast rebels, vehicular movement was as usual in most of the districts of the state.

Unfurling the tricolour here on Saturday, Assam Governor J. B. Patnaik said that counter- insurgency operations have yielded positive results in the state.

Announcing that his government was taking steps to bring about socio- economic development of the state, Mr Patnaik also said that his government was committed to fight out the corruption.

Though, central function was held in Guwahati, similar official Republic Day functions were organised by the government at every district headquarters to which Cabinet ministers addressed.

In view of the intelligence reports, state government had alerted the security forces but no untoward incident was reported from any part of the state.

To defy the bandh call of separatist outfits and register their protest, some slogan- shouting people were seen walking down to the venue of Republic Day celebrations.

Buses, private taxis and auto- rickshaws plied as usual, though shops and business established remain closed in some of the localities of Guwahati.

The northeast insurgent outfits had called for boycott of R- Day celebration from 1 am to 5.30 pm as a mark of resistance.

In a joint statement the northeast insurgent outfits had alleged that there was heavy investment in militarisation and policing in the region and under the mask of ceasefire, suspension of operation, homecoming ceremonies, military civic action programs, etc., the government was indulging in covert military operations.

Security sources however clarified that outlawed Ulfa and NDFB rebels tried their best to create trouble by motivating their cadres and linkmen.