DIPHU, Jan 25 - State Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma inaugurated several complete schemes at Diphu, the headquarter town of Karbi Anglong autonomous district today and addressed a massive rally in the afternoon. Besides announcing several developmental schemes he also spoke on the issue of Citizens (Amendment) Bill, 2016 and clause 6 of Assam Accord of 1985.
Sharma officially inaugurated the newly set up arboretum cum craft park at the vicinity of Diphu town. The park has been built over around 30 acres of land of diverse topography which takes in massive plantation of assorted species, number of craft centres, banquet halls, multi-cuisine cafeterias, swimming areas dotted with gigantic fountains, gymnasium, jogging tracks, children park, museum, watch tower and many other facets. Beside the arboretum, he formally unveiled the statue of Karbi legend Thong-Nok Bey and pictogram of Karbi nationality Jambaliatham at the town centre.
Sharma while replying to the media query about the CAB said that Assam is a land of multi- ethnicity where people of varied religious faith resides and this bill will be implemented without hurting anybodies sentiment. �We have consulted at our party level with our Mizoram and Manipur counterparts and they have understood the situation. This bill will help in protecting the political, social and economic prospects of all ingenious people of Assam from the demographic invasion�.
While addressing a mammoth rally at Chutianala at the fringe of Diphu town, Sharma announced several important schemes of Assam government which aims to boost surface connectivity and conserve and profiler the rich religious and cultural heritage of Assam.
The �Assam Mala� will connect maximum uncovered areas of the State with the highways and important landmarks. Moreover, under Assam Darshan scheme government will breathe life into all the heritage sites, places of religious importance, shrines, natural beauty spots through renovation and restoration, he mentioned that under this scheme all such places will also be connected with nearest commercial hubs. He announced that henceforth all the women self-help groups of the State will receive Rs 50, 000 instead of previous starting amount of Rs 25, 000. He announced that twelve lakh senior citizens will receive old age pension directly in their bank account. Sarma also announced Rs 5 crore of additional funds for the 26 Member of Autonomous Council constituencies of Karbi Anglong autonomous district. In the rally, a number of Congress leaders including ex-Diphu MLA Bidyasing Engleng joined the BJP formally.
Sarma concluded his speech with a warning. He categorically cautioned the people of Karbi Anglong to be vigilant against immigrants and not to allow Karbi Anglong to turn into second Dhubri, Barpeta or Jamunamukh.