Civilian killings on decline in Assam, says Tarun Gogoi

GUWAHATI - Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Wednesday said the security situation in the region has improved in comparison to previous years, as the number of civilians’ killings has come down.

“The civilian killing has come down in the State in comparison to previous years. In the year 2008, 261 were killed, and in 2009 it was 232, and till now the number of civilians killed is 20,” said Tarun Gogoi.

The State had previously witnessed a number of attacks on civilians by several separatist groups active in the area, including the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA).

The Assam CM, who had extended the proposal of holding talks with all rebel groups including the ULFA, also informed during the conference that no word was forthcoming from the group’s commander-in-chief, Paresh Baruah.

He added that the Maoists are also trying to establish a base in the state, but the government is keeping tight vigilance, restricting Maoist activists.

The ULFA, which has accused New Delhi of ignoring its needs and polluting Assam’s culture, has been battling for the independence of 26 million people in the tea- and oil-rich state since 1979. Some 20,000 people have been killed in the struggle. (ANI)