GUWAHATI, Sept 20 � Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has failed to allay the apprehensions created by the construction of dams on the Chinese side of the Brahmaputra.
Referring to the visit of China President Xi Jinping to India, Gogoi said the Prime Minister had not taken up the issue the way he should have, in the greater interest of the people.
�Construction of new dams in China has fuelled apprehensions in the downstream areas of the North East, especially Assam. The Prime Minister should have paid heed to the concerns of the people who fear a disastrous impact,� Gogoi told mediapersons here today.
He also said the Centre should not confine its development plans to states like Gujarat only, adding that the North East should be given equal priority. �The North East is an integral part of India and its interests cannot be compromised at any cost,� he stated.
The Chief Minister was also critical of some hotels in Ahmedabad rendering step-motherly treatment to youths from the North East working in them. �Why are our boys and girls looked at with suspicion? We are not terrorists,� Gogoi said.
On the threat percept from the Al Qaeda, the Chief Minister said there are reports about local insurgent groups like ULFA and NDFB(S), supporting the cause of the dreaded Islamic militant group.
�We are equipped to thwart any kind of nefarious design. They (NDFB and ULFA) have entered into a passive understanding with the anti-national external forces. That is what I feel,� said Gogoi.
He added that the existing intelligence network needed to be upgraded for better results.
