Assam attack fallout of lapses by Centre, state government: Prafulla Kumar Mahanta

RAJKOT: Asom Gana Parishad president and former Assam chief minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta today blamed Centre and the Tarun Gogoi-led Congress government for "failing" to prevent attacks by NDFB(S) militants on tribals which have left over 80 dead.

"Such attacks are taking place because there were lapses on part of Centre and state governments. To curb militancy in Assam, both governments should take tough measures," Mahanta said during his brief interaction with media before leaving for Upleta town near here, where he attended a camp organised by Swami Dharmabandhuji.

Responding to a query, Mahanta said militancy raised its head in Assam again after Congress government came to power in 2001.

"Its high time that peace be prevail in violence-hit state. The problem began when Congress came into power, and there is no sign of stopping. Many innocent people have been killed and numerous locals have been forced to live in relief camps due to militancy," Mahanta said.

He also expressed concern over the illegal influx of Bangladeshi immigrants into the north-eastern state.

The militants belonging to Songbijit faction of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland recently carried out near-simultaneous attacks on tribals in Kokrajhar and Sonitpur districts of Assam.