The Hindu : National : “Centre will ensure safety of people in Assam”

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Wednesday, Aug 15, 2007
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“Centre will ensure safety of people in Assam”

Special Correspondent

State asked to set up unified command under Chief Minister

— PHOTO: RITU RAJ KONWAR

KEEPING VIGIL: A securityman keeps guard on a street in Guwahati on Tuesday during the 12-hour Assam bandh called to protest against the Government’s “failure” to ensure security of the people and the killing of Hindi-speaking people in Karbi Anglong district.

NEW DELHI: Condemning the merciless killing of Hindi-speaking people in Assam, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil on Tuesday assured the Lok Sabha that the Centre would take all steps to ensure the safety of the people in the State.

Responding to the “agony and anxiety” expressed by MPs over the killings, Mr. Patil said a committee, headed by the Special Secretary (Security) was in touch with the State Government and was looking into the matter.

He said the Centre had asked the State to set up a unified command under the leadership of the Chief Minister for better coordination among the Army, paramilitary forces and the local police. “We have also suggested appointing a nodal officer who would coordinate with the para-military forces at the Centre,” he said.

Mr. Patil said the State had increased the number of police stations in the two most affected districts of Assam with a large Hindi-speaking population, and stepped up patrolling in these areas. The District Magistrates and police officers had been asked to tell the people to maintain a vigil against the “killers” who often struck in police or Army outfits.

The Minister said the Centre had sent 110 companies of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) but the killings flowed from the “narrow thinking and mindset” of people. Earlier raising the issue during zero hour, members sought the dismissal of the Congress Government and removal of Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi for his failure to protect the life and property of the people.

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