Round table dialogue for Constitutional Protection of Assam held in Guwahati

Taking part in the “Round Table Dialogue for Constitutional Protection of Assam” organised by Assam Accord Implementation Department in association with North East Political Science Association at a city hotel, Sonowal urged the people from all sections to come forward with their suggestions and opinions for a better future of the state.

Saying that the government needs close cooperation of the civil society to make provisions for constitutional protection of the land and its people, Sonowal informed that the government is taking measures to formulate a new land policy as securing the land for the indigenous inhabitants of the state is of paramount importance.

He also said that the concept paper for the land policy would take views from all section of society before putting it in cabinet for approval.

“Without land there can be no existence of the Assamese race and it is the government’s fundamental duty to protect the land for the original dwellers of the state and no compromise would be accepted in this regard,” Sonowal said. 

Stating that discussions like these would be held more frequently in the future, the Assam CM said that to take views from cross sections of the society about ways to amend the Clause 6 of the Accord for ensuring Constitutional safeguard of the state, this type of round table discussions would be held in the Barak valley and other part of the state as well.

“There is room for all opinions in a parliamentary democracy and we must have patience to listen to other’s views opposed to ours for a correct implementation of the Accord,” Sonowal said.

Reiterating the government’s commitment to seal the Indo-Bangla border the Assam CM said that the central government is very keen to complete the work at an early date and NRC update work is another priority for the state government which is would protect the interest of the indigenous people of the state.

“Assam is a pioneer in carrying out a massive and historical exercise like NRC update and every measure is taken to complete the process without any mistake,” Sonowal said.     

Saying that “Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas” is the guiding mantra of the government Sonowal stated that interest of even the smallest of indigenous community would be protected by the government and civil society must extend its full support to the government in carrying out developmental works and in implementing the Assam Accord in the right spirit which would pay real tribute to the sacrifices of the martyrs of Assam Movement.

        
Agriculture Minister Atul Bora, Cultural Affairs Minister Naba Kumar Doley, Media Adviser to Chief Minister Hrishikesh Goswami, MLAs of different constituencies, Chief Secretary V.K Pipersenia and many dignitaries were present on the occasion.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)