Package for Adivasi victims of NDFB(S) attack: Assam CM Tarun Gogoi

GUWAHATI: The Assam government today said it would grant a special package for rehabilitation of Adivasi and other victims of ethnic clashes while asserting that actions were being taken to punish the culprits.

"Our government is committed to rehabilitate Adivasis and all other victims of ethnic clashes through a special package in a time bound manner," Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said, after hoisting the National Flag on the occasion of the 66th Republic Day here.

He, however, did not mention what kind of package it will be or what will be the time-frame for implementation.

In December 2014, at least 81 persons, mostly Adivasis, were killed in serial attacks by NDFB(S) terrorists across many districts, retaliatory violence and police firing to control mobs.

The chief minister said due to effective handling of the situation, the violence was contained and normalcy returned to the area within a few days.

"The transgressors, the perpetrators of such crimes, including the ones responsible for the recent carnage, shall be brought to book," said Gogoi, who hoisted the Tri-colour due to absence of a permanent Governor in the state.

The security forces have launched massive operations against the anti-national elements and have gained major successes, he added.

"We shall continue to use all our resources to deal with these subversive elements. Our government is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all the citizens," Gogoi said.

"The politics of divide and rule has extracted a heavy price on our state. If we do not work together, nothing will ever work," he said.