Nothing short of tiol problem status: AASU tells Centre on floods

By our Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, July 10: The AASU has spelt it out in no uncertain terms that instead of talking the talk the Centre should walk the walk to put an end to floods and erosion that spell doom for the state economy.

In a statement issued to the press today, AASU president Dipanko Kumar th said: “We want nothing short of permanent solution to floods and erosion in the State by declaring it a tiol problem. The government should take measures for the protection of Majuli. The coalition government in the State led by Sarbanda Sonowal should take positive measures towards that end. The flood-affected people of the State should be helped and rescued on a war footing. They should be provided with relief material.”

The AASU appealed to all its committees to extend their helping hands to the flood-affected people in the State.

AASU general secretary Lurinjyoti Gogoi said: “Floods and erosion have made life hellish in the State. Many people have already lost their lives by now. People have to pass their days atop trees. The paucity of rescuers is badly felt in the State. People have been reeling under pathetic plight. In many districts the administrations have failed to be succour to the affected people. The rescue operation in such a situation should go on a war footing. The affected people should be provided with food, child food and fodder.”      

They further said that floods created havoc in Lakhimpur and other districts downstream due to release of water from the Rangadi Hydel Project. This, they said, has justified it yet again as to why the people of Assam have all along been protesting against mega dams.  Releasing water from the Rangadi creating havoc among the people downstream is an unpardoble crime, they said, and demanded of the Centre of sending its specialists to witness what the mega has done in Assam.  “Let Assam Chief Minister take lead in this regard,” th said.

Gogoi, on the other hand, cautioned NEEPCO not to play with the life and property of the people of Assam.