SONARI, Aug 26 � Even after 48 hours of shoot at sight order against the NSCN(IM), Charaipung under Charaideo sub-division still remains tense. At least four houses were burnt down last night by suspected NSCN cadres.
Gautam Roy, Minister of Border Areas Development today visited Charaipung. However the minister failed to visit the Assam and Arunachal Pradesh border area at river Teok which separates both the States. This, has evoked a sharp reaction from the residents of border areas who have condemned the minister for not visiting the boundary.
Addressing mediapersons at Charaipung, the minister stressed upon all-round development of Charaipung. He informed that a primary health centre, a model school and water supply schemes would be opened at Charaipung beside construction of border roads. He said that the government would consider granting land pattas to small tea gardens of the bordering areas numbering more than 600.
Acting CM�s visit: The acting chief minister of Assam Dr Bhumidhar Barman will visit Charaipung area very shortly. The people here felt that Dr Barman who is also the revenue minister has to understand that a serious situation is prevailing in Charaipung area due to continuous infiltration of NSCN(IM) guerillas into Assam�s territory.
Pro-talk ULFA: A team of pro-talk ULFA visited Charaipung today. Mrinal Hazarika, leader of pro-talk ULFA criticised the State government for its failure to protect the geographical boundary of the State. He asked the government to handover the border area to them in case the government can not secure the life and property of the citizens living in border areas.
Economic blockade: The economic blockade of Arunachal Pradesh has crossed six days. The agitationist refused to withdraw the road blockade programme even after Border Areas Development minister Gautam Roy appealed them to withdraw the blockade to create a friendly atmosphere.
A PTI report from Sivasagar adds: Denying involvement in the border violence, NSCN-IM said it was under ceasefire and involved in peace talks, although they have camps nearby.
�When we have rocket launchers, AK-56 and mortars why should we be involved in petty incidents of house burning,� a NSCN cadre said.
Assam IGP, Law and Order, Bhaskarjyoti Mahanta, camping at Charaipung, said cooperation, joint vigil and interaction between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh could control the situation.
Asserting there was no necessity for deployment of neutral forces like CRPF in the area, Mahanta said, Assam Police was capable of protecting the area and its people.
Noting that he was in constant touch with high police officials of the neighbouring state, Mahanta said, there was no need for the local people to be panicky and resort to violence as the police was doing its job well.
