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03/20/2006: "Rio accused of project sellout"

Rio accused of project sellout OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, March 19: The Neiphiu Rio government was on Saturday accused by its former power minister K. Therie of orchestrating a “sellout”, in the guise of leasing out the 24-MW Likimro hydroelectric project in Nagaland’s Kiphire district. Replying to a starred question by Congress legislator K.V. Pusa in the ongoing budget session, Rio, who also holds the power portfolio, said the government had decided to hand over the project to a private company for operation and maintenance.
Therie accused the government of selling out the project, on which Rs 265 crore has been spent since construction started 18 years ago. Congress leaders claimed to have a copy of a notice inviting tenders for operation and maintenance of the Likimro power project. The former power minister accused the state of negotiating with the highest bidder instead of the lowest one. Rio contended that since most of the applicants were asking for lakhs of rupees from the government every month for spares, the technical committee had decided to lease it. After examining five tenders, the government leased out the project for 10 years, instead of opting for operation and maintenance. The chief minister said the lessee firm, NEC Energy Pvt. Ltd, was a “technically sound and competent company” and justified the move saying the government did not want to spend any more money on the project. He said the agreement had not been signed yet. The Opposition, however, was unrelenting. “The lowest bidder can go to court,” Congress legislator and lawyer, Taka Masa Ao, told The Telegraph.
Leader of the Opposition I. Imkong posed two vital questions — if the tender notice for the project invited tenders for lease and, how much of the power generated was given to Kiphire compared to Kohima — which the chief minister shied away from answering. Kiphire is a remote and backward area on the Indo-Myanmar border. Engineers involved in the project there are still awaiting peripheral infrastructure like schools and amenities. The government had recently allotted Rs 6 crore to revive the project. The Likimro project has been facing hurdles ever since it was commissioned.
NSCN-IM refutes rival’s charges Nagaland Post
Dimpur, March 19 (NPN): NSCN (I-M) deputy kilonser, MIP, Kraibo Chawang, has dismissed as "totally baseless" the allegations made by NSCN (K) spokesman Kughalu Mulatonu that a "secret" meeting was held at Athibung on Saturday under the protection of the Assam Rifles and IRB.
Kraibo said the meeting was not secret as alleged, but a public meeting where the NSCN (I-M) leaders informed the villagers about the ongoing political talks with the Government of India. Instead, Kraibo said, the AR and IRB had tried to prevent public from attending the meeting.
He further alleged that the CFMG chairman Lt. Gen. (Retd) R.V. Kulkarni had "shown his true colours" by his attitude in favour of the rival faction.
Further, he refuted the rival's allegation that a colonel of the Assam Rifles attended the secret meeting. Chawang said an officer (camp commander of the Athibung AR camp) in the rank of captain, attempted to attend the meeting but was prevented by the NSCN (I-M).
He also said the NSCN (K) allegations of a nexus between the NSCN (I-M) and AR-IRB was bereft of facts and in fact, the NSCN (I-M) has proof of a nexus between the rival with the AR-IRB.
He disclosed that the very location of the NSCN (K) camp lay between the AR-IRB camps at Athibung and from where it prevented movement of NSCN (I-M) cadres.
Chawang further said the rival's contention that Athibung was its designated camp amount to a claim that the entire Athibung town was the designated camp.
Permanent peace eludes Tobu conflict Morung Express News Kohima | March 19
Congress MLA, K. Kongam has urged upon the state government to initiate steps for a written agreement that will bring permanent peace to the aged Tobu conflict.
Stating that a volatile situation may erupt again at any time since there is no written agreement as such to prevent the situation, the state government cannot say that the overall situations have returned to normalcy, Kongam said.
Congress MLA also said that the Konyak Union and Chang Union are still unable to sit down and hammer out the written agreement as the timing had failed to meet the convenience of both organizations.
“We will fix the date for meeting, but one party or the other will decline the meet on the pretext of one reason or the other”, said Kongam while cautioning the state government that such motive of both the Unions may conceal some hidden agenda.
He also told the state government not to be complacent over the temporary return of the situation to normalcy but to work out a solution that will bring permanent peace between the two communities.
FGN told to stop holding public functions The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, MARCH 19 (MExN): Cautioning the Federal Government of Nagaland from holding any kind of function at public grounds, complexes or similar habituated areas “to disrupt normal life,” the NSCN (IM) today said “responsibility of any untoward circumstances and consequences will have to be borne by them.”
The public has also been advised to refrain from participating in such “un-mandated functions aimed at undermining the current on-going Indo-Naga Talks.”
Terming as insignificant the 50th Republic Day celebrations of the FGN scheduled to be held on March 22, a release said such a gala was an “irrelevant relevance of the 1975 Shillong Accord signed between NNC and the Government of India.” “The revival of dead pasts remains absurd and devoid of any relevance, except for records remaining in the history of the Nagas,” a release said.
Stating that celebration of any occasion by any individual or group is never objectionable as long as it does not hamper social life, the NSCN (IM) said, “But relegated groups biased and with the intent to depict a divided nation/ people at the juncture presents absurdity and an inclination to disintegrate the Naga Nation.”
“A single nation cannot celebrate two days declaration of a single Republic,” it said and added, “The NNC/FGN does no more represent the Nagas and remains to be a defeated organization.”
Do not be misled by false propaganda, Signya says DIMAPUR, MARCH 19 (MExN): In his speech which is to be read out when the FGN celebrates its 50th Republic Day on March 22, the Kedaghe (President) of the organization S Signya says, “The much hyped ongoing peace talks between the GOI and NSCN (IM) had deviated from the national principle.” The speech was made available prior to the day of celebrations. “It (talks) is only an eye wash from which we can expect no acceptable solution,” Signya says while offering that the FGN is ever ready to amicably settle the Indo-Naga political problem honourably if India will sincerely come forward. “Our people also must no longer be misled due to the false propaganda spread by some national workers who cannot realize this reality.”
Saying that he was compelled to proclaim National Emergency after taking into account the national security threats posed by factors “from both within and outside and failure of constitutional machinery,” he went on to say that “failing to uphold the National Yehzabo (constitution) and demeaning the mandate of our people by some National Workers is our folly.”
In greeting his ‘countrymen’, the FGN President says, “How noble is the event when on this day in 1956, our people had pledged and committed our nation to govern ourselves and live by upholding our cultural and traditional values which is the essence of our identity and unitedly defend individual and national liberty.” Because of that solemn pledge taken fifty years ago, thousands of patriots have laid down their lives, Signya requests, “I call upon each and every one of you to join me in paying our due homage to them which is the least we can do today.”
Naga bodies against TIPS move Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Mar 19: The efforts and concerns of Threatened Indigenous Peoples’ Society (TIPS) to form a fact finding team and the appeal to all civil societies/organizations to attend a meeting for the formation of the team to probe the gang rape committed by the UNLF cadres at Thangthu-lian village, Tipaimukh sub- division, Churachandpur district on March 25 at the Manipur Press Club, Imphal is appreciable, however the concern at hand have been testified by the rape victims and the eye witnesses through the press interview in the North-east Sun Ma-gazine, said a joint state- ment issued by All Naga students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM), and Naga Women's Union, Manipur (NWUM).
Much have been said and published about the January 16 Thangthulian village gang rape incident in the local and national dailies and the living witn- esses have testified publicly the beastly acts committed by the UNLF cadres to the innocent Hmar girls, the joint statement contended.
The bodies also pointed to the 'accepted fact' of the rape victims paraded before the public in the presence of Governor Dr SS sidhu.
When the gang rape incident at Thangthulian was already confirmed, why is it necessary to form a fact finding team to probe, que-stioned the Naga bodies. The NWUM and ANSAM while expressing their solidarity with the rape victims, their family members and the affected people expressed views against the formation of the fact finding team to probe the incident, because solid facts had been confirmed by the affected people in the area as well as by the mass based organizations in Churachandpur district, the joint statement asserted. The formation of the fact finding would also amount to raping the innocent Hmar girls psychologically and causing double infliction to their already wounded bo-dy, mind and soul, it added, while observing that rape victims need not be traumatized any further.
What are obstacles to peace? Letter to the editor The Morung Express
All of the Nagas want peace. If so, what are the obstacles to peace? At Bangkok, in reply to questions Th.Muivah said, “We want reconciliation and peace. So we sent our men to Naga Reconciliation Meeting at Kohima and our representative spoke in the meeting. But you NGOs and Church leaders, you should do your home works. Let NNC/FGN come out of the Transit Peace Camp and let NSCN (K) detach themselves from Assam Rifles camp. If not, our peace will comprise Naga national Principle”.
A Transit Peace Camp is known to all. Regarding NSCN (K), how far their collision with the Assam Rifles is, we do not know except once the wrath of the public was poured on them and they were driven out from Mokokchung when their Oking was there.
In spite of anything, we insist that there should be peace an end to hostility. What is killing for? It is mainly for domination over an area. Should there be designated camps? All Naga inhabited areas belong to any Nagas irrespective of factions or organizations. Dominance of an area for free taxation is the main root cause of killing. No Naga should be deprived of his or her birth right of free access anywhere. When peace is declared among the factions, it will pave the way for understanding and unity of all of the Nagas as a result a settlement with the Government of India will be a peaceful settlement and the move for integration will have the backing of consolidated Nagas.
But however high political goal NSCN (IM) will be scoring, if killing is going on, it will be a great missing of the mark morally and a settlement with the GOI will be viewed as a factional settlement. There should be a meeting point of understanding. NNC/FGN and NSCN (K) are saying that they are for sovereignty and NSCN (IM) is going to compromise Naga National Principle in their talk with the GOI. Had they change for their positions and NNC/FGN or NSCN (K) taken the place of NSCN (IM) in the talk with the GOI, will they do better? In the context of the present situation, if any settlement short of sovereignty will not be accepted, it means to differ the issue to future generations. On the other hand apart from sovereignty, any settlement without prior declaration of peace among the factions will not be peaceful settlement. Nagas have to come to a point of understanding.
History should not be repeated. On the basis of the 16 Point Agreement, the statehood started running its administration with Security Forces in aid of Civil Administration. It has to deal with Underground national workers and the policy was so dirty, cruel and horrible. Curfew was imposed on the villages every now and then, combing jungle operations was constant, apprehended persons out of suspicion were subjected to inhuman tortures even electric shock and jails were fully packed and prisoners were sent to Assam, Meghalaya and Bengal. The scenario made Church leaders concentrated more on peace work than on Church normal works. Such diabolical history should not be repeated. Should we be complacent about the continuity of killing? No. We will never take it for granted. Killing will be taken as an act of anti-Cross of Christ and a denial of the way of the Cross. We have to deny selves and to take up the Cross under any circumstances. Rev. L. Suohie
Open letter to NPMHR, Naga Hoho, NMA, NSF & NPCC
Sir/Madam,

With due respect, we would like to bring to your organization/party be a political/political setup to fight for the well being of the society where your organization/party is also included directly or indirectly and also your organization/party was set up/send by the society to work for the benefit of the society. However, we are very sorry to point out some burning issues where your organization/party are completely silent and as a result our society is suffering from it.
Court (Judicial):
There is a shortage of Judicial Court (civil and criminal) in every district as here is not a single judicial court in the level of sub-division and as a result people living in the rural/sub-urban has to travel long distance to seek justice.
The district of Peren and Kiphire is lacking behind as there is no Additional Session Judge/ADC (J) which is a must for every district (since other lower judge cannot exercise the power like awarding life imprisonment, death sentence etc). Thus the people from these two districts have to travel to seek power judgment to the other district. While the district of Longleng is the only district in India where there is not a single judicial court for the whole district, thus the question of giving just and right (welfare) democratic government is in doubt. The Nagaland State Legislative Assembly which passed the introduction of Christian Marriage Act in Nagaland is only name, as it cannot implement in spirit because of the non-opening of family court which is a must for receiving/implementation of the Act.
Public prosecutors:
The works of the Public Prosecutors in the justice delivering system is very important as the public prosecutors represent the government/public in the courts. Thus, the performance of the public prosecutors shows the quality of the ruling government in the court of law. The present position of the public prosecutors in the state is very worse as there is shortage from infrastructure to manpower (public prosecutors) in every district comparing with the number of courts and it resulted in delaying justice to the people.
Shortage of Legal Officer in law department:
As there is no legal officer in other department except law department, the works in the law department has been increasing day by day as almost all the nearly seventy or more departments in the state has been referring to the law department for legal views due to increase in complication of working system in the government mechanisms as well as awareness of the importance of law for every work/decision.
However, the works of the law department used to be delayed due to shortage of legal officers (legal experts) as there is only four sanctioned post (legal officer) in the law department (two past are lying vacant as of now) to carry on the whole work (legal) of the state government.
Lack of Directorate of Judiciary:
For smooth functioning of judiciary, the state government has created Directorate of Judiciary HQ Dimapur (some times back) headed by DC (J) as Head of Department. But it is very sorry to see and the state that the powers and function which are supposed to be functioned by any HOD has not been accorded to the Director DC (J) till date and are exercised by the Administrative Head (Secretary Law and Justice) which resulted in the concentration of dual power in one hand, while set back in the functioning of the judiciary in the state.
Non-existence of Directorate of Public Prosecution:
Till date Nagaland is the only state (above 40 years) in India where there is no Directorate of Public Prosecution. Thus the Administrative Head (Secretary Law and Justice) used to act as over all head, and many a time the Administrative Head lack legal knowledge (not from legal background) as many a times it happens to be from other grade.
Therefore, we would like to request our organization/party to pursue the matter at the highest forum for the benefit of our society which includes your organization/party at the earliest.
Kevi Angami
Hewoto Sema
Manlem Konyak
Chuba Chang
Budget Plan March 20 Today's Editorial The Morung Express
All eyes will be on Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who also holds the Finance portfolio, when he walks into the Legislative Assembly on Monday to presents the budget for the year 2006-07. Although the Annual Financial Statement of the State government has never attracted the kind of attention from onlookers and the media here in Nagaland, it does constitute an important calendar event that more or less defines how money will be spend and also the amount that different heads will get to utilize. While the expenditure side of the budget would call for greater discipline in terms of avoiding unnecessary waste, it is hoped that the government machinery is prepared to generate commensurate revenue to go along with the current expenditure accrued to the State exchequer. Unless revenue collection improves, problem of mounting deficit will only grow.
While the Annual Plan outlay for Nagaland for the year 2006-2007 has been fixed at Rs. 760 crores, which includes onetime special assistance of Rs.65 crores for projects of special interest to the State, hopefully the Finance Minister will judiciously allocate the money keeping in mind the all round development of the State. A balanced growth is necessary for the harmonious development of all regions. Unless this aspect is taken into account, Nagaland will continue to present a picture of extreme variations, district wise, in terms of indicators of economic growth such as per capita income, proportion of population living below the poverty line, urbanization and industrialization. This lopsided development aspect will hopefully be corrected in today’s budget.
The State government should also make sincere efforts to adhere to the provisions of the Nagaland Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, 2005. As already pointed out by Rio himself during the current session, the government is obligated under the Act to maintain the revenue surplus, to bring down the fiscal deficit to 3 per cent of GSDP by March 2009, to bring down the debt liability and to contain salary expenditure. To achieve these objectives, the government which is already sitting on a total accumulated debt of Rs. 2895.71 crores would have to gradually reduce fresh borrowings.
Since a major part of the State resources is being drained out owing to salary payment of government employees as also the burden of overstaffing, the three corrective measures announced by the Chief Minister earlier—ban on creation of new posts, inter-departmental transfer of existing manpower, Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS)—should be implemented both in letter and spirit rather than remaining a mere paper exercise. On top of all this, good governance, fiscal discipline and strengthening delivery system will remain the key for a holistic development across the spectrum of people and districts. At the same time, tax revenue collection and other resource mobilization has to improve a great deal to bridge the yawning gap between revenue and expenditure.
Choice of candidates dominate scene before Assam elections The Morung Express GUWAHATI, MARCH 19 (AGENCIES): Violent protests over choice of party candidates, seat sharing and adjustments in various combinations and permutations has dominated the scenario in the run up to first phase of assembly elections in Assam on April three.
As the process for filing of nomination papers by over 500 candidates from political parties and independents for 65 seats in the first phase has ended, intense resentment on choice of candidates was nagging both the ruling Congress and Opposition parties preparing to go to the hustings.
Campaigning in a visible manner therefore was yet to pick up as grass root party supporters are more interested in venting their ire for not getting candidates of their choice than in soliciting votes for their party.
The Assam Congress headquarters Rajiv Bhavan here virtually turned into a battleground with supporters of Congress party men clashing resulting in injury to several. The BJP, too, witnessed a similar situation with personal security officers of party N-E in charge V Shatish’s opening fire to protect him.
The firing by the PSO’s injured two when party workers angered by the choice of a candidate tried to attack him at the party office here. The main Opposition Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) was also not spared by workers who demonstrated at the party headquarters here shouting slogans and resorting to sit-in.
Protests were also echoed in all the parties’ district units where grass root workers ransacked party offices, tore party flags, burnt effigies of their leaders and threatened to ensure the defeat of the candidates they opposed. Sitting and former legislators representing their constituencies for several terms were sore with their parties denying them ticket and replacing them with new hopefuls who were either “outsiders” or were not actively involved there. The supporters of Education Minister Hem Prakash Narayan demonstrated on the National Highway 37 at Dergaon by blocking traffic and burning tyres to register protest after he was denied ticket. Former minister and until recently president of the Janata Dal (U) state unit, Rashidul Haque, who joined the Congress and was the surprise party candidate from Jamunamukh was not allowed by his former party workers from filing his nomination papers yesterday.
Turning renegade, Congress’ Bashiuddin Lashkar filed his nomination papers as an independent, while another three APCC office bearers turned rebels and submitted papers against official contestants.
Six-time winner Congress legislator Dileswar Tanti after being denied a ticket changed his party to file his papers as a NCP nominee from Tinsukia.
PCC secretary Kishore Bhattacharya joined the NCP and Dibrugarh district Congress vice-president Pradip Buragohain filed his papers as an independent from Naharkatia.
Rebellion also surfaced in the AGP when its veteran leader and former minister Biraj Sarma deprived of his Guwahati (East) seat quit the party he founded and filed his nomination as an independent. The recently formed Assam United Democratic Front also split with a section of the party functionaries floating a new party; United Democratic Front (Progressive) as party leader Badruddin Azmal had made the AUDF a one man show by ignoring the other constituents and the cause of the indigenous Assamese Muslims.
Unusual and complicated combination of seat sharing and adjustments are another peculiarity of the elections this time. Political parties have entered into arrangements with some on certain seats, while in different constituencies having seat adjustments with others.
While “friendly arrangements” in some constituencies was another specialty, the same parties are to be each others rivals in others. Execution of non-bailable warrants (NBW) was also engaging the state election office in monitoring their execution on a day to day basis.
Lunkim freed after 61 daysBy Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Mar 19: After holding him in captivity for 61 days on alleged charge of taking Rs 9 lakhs from the army authorities to effect the ceasefire with Kuki Liberation Army (KLA) and attempting to politically and physically assassinate its cadres, the Kuki underground outfit yesterday released Dr T Lunkim at a place in Sadar Hills.
The 80-year old senior Kuki Church leader was handed over to representatives of Kuki Inpi, Kuki Mothers’ Association, Kuki Students’ Organisation, Kuki Movement for Human Rights, Kuki Christian Leaders’ Fellowship at around 1 pm.
After his release, Dr Lunkim was brought from Molmom to Imphal under the security escort of Assam Rifles.
Earlier, talking to mediapersons, information secretary of Kuki Liberation Army (KLA/KLO) Malsawn Vaiphei said that Dr Lunkim tried to assassinate KLA and all its cadres politically and physically by effecting suspension of operation with security forces through a man named PM Thangeo without consultation on August 2, 2005. After that the security forces were pressed into repeated operations against KLA.
He also made another attempt to carry out a coup against KLA, and this was confirmed after arresting some of his agents, Malsawn said.
A sum of Rs 9 lakhs which Dr Lunkim had taken from the Army through PM Thangeo to effect the purported ceasefire agreement between the KLA and the army has been refunded to the outfit, he added.
Disclosing other ‘crimes’ committed by Dr Lunkim, the information secretary said that Dr Lunkim sowed seeds of dissension and disunity in Kuki society with his petty politics and misused his position as a Church leader and a human rights activist.
Dr Lunkim was also responsible for the formation of Upa Inpi (elders assembly), the main purpose of which was to counter the activities of Kuki Inpi, the apex Kuki body, the information secretary further charged.
He had been warned on a number of occasion for his misconduct earlier, the information secretary said, and added that for all his misdeeds, the outfit had earlier decided to award him capital punishment, but had to change the verdict in favour of Kuki customary law in view of the appeals made by his family members and other social organisations, the information secretary said.
‘Although we have shown clemency this time so that he could amend his ways, but he would not be spared in future if he continue with the same habit’, the information secretary warned.
Abduction of Dr Lunkim has nothing to do with ransom demand. He was to be set free on March 16, but delayed due to the bandh called, the information secretary clarified, while expressing resentment against the interference from some organisations like UCM and UPF in the internal affairs of the outfit. The information secretary further warned that action would be taken up if the Kuki Inpi led by P Gangte does not withdraw its registration. KLA is, however, grateful to Dr Lunkim for his translation work of Bible in Kuki dialect and contribution made in telecast of Kuki programmes on Manila radio, he added.
Dr Lunkim who was paraded before mediapersons said he would not interfere in the activities of KLA/KLO in future and would accept any punishment given to him in future if he repeats the same mistake again. He also pledged that he would not associate himself with Kuki Movement for Human Rights and Upa Inpi henceforth.
Leaders of Kuki Students’ Organisation, Kuki Mothers’ Association, Kuki Christian Leaders Fellowship, Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills, Kuki Inpi Churachandpur, etc also apologised for having called bandh and launched agitations in connection with the abduction of Dr Lunkim.

GP, Congress kick start poll campaign with massive rallies
We’ll make it to Dispur: AGP By a Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, March 19: The Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) started its campaign for the first phase of polls with a massive rally at Polasbari today, and sent the message to the voters of the LAC that the win of the regional party was certain.
“There is no force in the State which can resist the AGP from making it to Dispur this time around,” is what a confident Brindabon Goswami told the over 30,000-strong gathering at the Polasbari RB HS School playground. He assured the voters of Polasbari of drawing developmental plans from rural Asom instead of doing so by sitting tied at Dispur if the AGP was voted to power. “Our thrust will be on developing the greater Assamese society. When I was the Education Minister, Jatin Mali was the Minister of State for Education, and we are proud of having the distinction of being ‘corruption-free’ ministers,” he said, and added: “The headline of one of the highest circulated newspapers of that time distinguished me and Jatin Mali for being free from corruption. We are proud of that.”
Criticizing Polasbari sitting MLA (Independent) Pranab Kalita he said that over the last five years Kalita had helped the Congress and acted in favour of the Congress during the last Rajya Sabha election.
Addressing the gathering, MP Arun Sarma said that the AGP and its allies would form the Government in Asom this time. According to him, foreigners issue and border disputes will get top priorities of the AGP, if voted to power.
During his speech, Sarbananda Sonowal said: “The AGP will work for the interest of Asom and protection of its land at any cost.”
The party’s candidate for Polasbari Jatin Mali alleged that before his death ULFA leader Hirakjyoti Mahanta had kept Rs 6 crore in cash under the ground in the house of Pranab Kalita (Palasbari MLA) who was playing politics with that cash.
Gogoi raps CPI, AGP on ‘secret killings’ From our Correspondent Sentinel
SIVASAGAR, March 19: Asom Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi kicked off Congress’ election campaign in the State today by addressing two rallies, one at Nazira and the other at Sivasagar. Addressing the meetings, Gogioi lambasted the AGP, the BJP and the CPI, and termed them as opportunists without having any clear-cut plan, programme and ideology.
“The Prafulla Kumar Mahanta-led Government in the State and the BJP-led NDA Government at the Centre signed the MoU banning appointments in the State, and Promode Gogoi, who was a minister of the Mahanta Cabinet, did not utter a single word opposing the MoU,” Gogoi said, and added: “Now Brindabon Goswami and Promode Gogoi are critical of Prafulla Kumar Mahanta for engineering the ‘secret killings’ but they kept silent when they were in the Ministry. Promode Gogoi and Brindabon Goswami are as guilty as Mahanta insofar as the ‘secret killings’ are concerned.”
Gogoi said: “Our achievements are spectacular and unprecedented. We inherited a devastated economy, but now our economy is buoyant mainly for good governance and better financial management.” According to him, previously a major part of the funds meant for development had to be spent for paying salaries to the employees, but now the entire of Rs 3,500 crore given by the Planning Commission will be spent for development.
“The present AGP leaders, when they were in the AASU, rejected the proposal mooted by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1979 to take 1967 as the cut-off year for detection and deportation of foreigners in Asom. But in 1985, the same leaders accepted 1971 as the cut-off year,” the Gogoi said, and added: “It was simply because 1967 was not the right time for them to jumped into politics.”