GUWAHATI, Sept 10 - Former Chief Minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta today said that the Centre�s decision to grant entry and stay rights to Hindu migrants who had fled from Bangladesh and Pakistan owing to social persecution would add to the woes of the State which is already facing the problem of illegal infiltration from across the border.
Mahanta, a signatory of the Assam Accord, said at a press conference here today that the State is once again being used as a dumping ground, which is very unfortunate. He also informed that a State-level discussion, involving all who were involved with the Assam agitation, would be organised soon to come to a consensus on the move by the Centre and also draw a road map for the future course of action.
�We have nothing to say if other States of the country agree to the decision, but such a decision would lead to polarisation between Hindus and Muslims in Assam. This decision will have a detrimental effect on the entire Assamese society,� the two-time former Chief Minister opined.
�It is very unfortunate that the Assam Accord, which was the result of the supreme sacrifices made by several hundred people, is being overlooked in such a manner. The Centre�s decision is anti-Assam and should be withdrawn,� Mahanta said.
He alleged that the NDA Government has taken a U-turn in a number of issues concerning Assam, including the land swap deal and the problem of illegal migrants.
