Promises Assam Accord implementation
Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, March 24: Promising implementation of the Assam Accord in toto with a special emphasis on Clause 6, the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) today released its election manifesto just two days ahead of the first phase of polling.
Like its ally BJP, the AGP too skipped the contentious issue of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in its entirety in the manifesto.
Releasing the eight-page document, party general secretary and MP Birendra Prasad Baishya and senior party leader Kumar Deepak Das said the party was committed to protect the political, economic, social and cultural rights of the people of Assam under Clause 6 of the accord.
The regional party, in its manifesto, asserted that the problem of cross-border illegal infiltration was the main burning problem of Assam and the party would continue to pressurise the Union government to detect and deport all illegal foreign nationals from the State.
It also stressed on updating the NRC to make it totally free from the names of foreign nationals.
When BJP’s central leadership has asserted that the CAA would be implemented in letter and spirit, the AGP avoided a clear response to the issue. “We have approached the judiciary for repealing the CAA. The matter is already in the Supreme Court and we would take up this issue once again after the court ruling. Our stand over the matter has been reiterated a number of times. Implementation of the Assam Accord is our steadfast commitment,” Kumar Dipak Das said.
The AGP manifesto also stressed on solving the unemployment problem of Assam, utmost utilisation of local resources, the overall economic development of the State, agricultural development, market linkage for local produce and mitigation of flood and erosion problem of the State.
Emphasising on solution of border disputes, the party stated that no other State would be allowed to encroach upon Assam’s land.
Development of the SC and ST communities, solving the issues of BTR, Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao regions, special schemes for tea tribes, char area development, special schemes for women and children, specific measures for elderly and differently abled were some other key points in the AGP manifesto.
Laying stress on industrial development of Assam, the regional party stressed on infrastructure creation to aid small and medium industries in the State. It further added that the party would put pressure on the Union and the State governments for improving the transport system, including the water and rail transport for a speedy industrial development.
