Gogoi renews call to militants for peace talks

GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Thursday again called upon the militants operating in the north-east to come forward and hold talks with the government for not only a peaceful solution to the Bodo and Ulfa problems, but also for all round development in the state.
Gogoi, addressing the Independence Day function amid tight security due to a bandh call given by almost all the militant organisations of the state, stated that insurgency in the region had affected the development of the entire North-East.
He added that the government had been able to restore peace to a large extent during the last two decades. Peace would increase economic activities as also employment opportunities for the unemployed youths, he said.
The Chief Minister also announced 30 per cent reservation in government jobs for women and a legislation would be introduced soon to give a final shape to this decision. At present there is a freeze on recruitment in the state due to poor financial condition.
Gogoi further announced launching of a new rural health scheme - Rural Health Service - to improve the almost non-existent health facilities in the state.
He added that his government had taken up with the Centre the issue of declaring recurring floods and erosion in Assam as a national problem, but so far no positive response had been received.
He further said that Assam''s forest cover had decreased, with only 16 per cent forest cover left as against the required 33 per cent. In order to help arrest deforestation in the state the government was involving the villagers residing in the forest areas to help conserve forests.
Referring to the Bodo problem in the state, Gogoi said that his government would ensure the protection of Bodos and non-Bodos while solving the problem.
Meanwhile, the state government felicitated Dada Saheb Phalke Award winner and noted Assamese singer Bhupen Hazarika at the I-Day function. Speaking at the function, Dr Hazarika said that there was a cultural vacuum in the country at the moment.
He also spoke about the lack of development in the region as also the new initiatives taken by the state and Central governments to develop the region. He also regretted the huge financial burden of the state, which was hindering development in the state.