SAG proves peace in Assam: Gogoi

GUWAHATI, Feb 17: Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today said that the successful conduct of the 12th South Asian Games (SAG) has amply proved that "peace has returned to the State". In a statement here today, Chief Minister said the Games that concluded yesterday passed off peacefully without any incident is a pointer  that peace has returned to the State.

Gogoi also felt that the 12th edition of SAG, co-hosted by Assam and Meghalaya, is the most successfully staged ever in terms of participation and number of disciplines. “For the smooth conduct of the prestigious intertiol event, I would like to thank the people of Assam and Meghalaya, officials of Government of Assam and Government of India, the Indian Olympic Association, the different sports organisations, the players and delegates, the volunteers and the media,” he added.

Chief Minister also added: "It is a matter of great satisfaction that the players and delegates alike have exuded happiness at the arrangements being made for them in terms of security, food, accommodation, transportation and other logistic support. The fond memories they carry with them would give a big fillip not only to sports but also development initiatives undertaken by the State Government for infrastructure development of Guwahati in the past 15 years.”

Gogoi, however, pointed out that he had received complaints from some sports organisers that the Organising Committee of the 12th South Asian Games headed by Sarbanda Sonowal did not take the State official into confidence while making preparations for the Games. “If the complaints are genuine, then it is very unfortute,” he added.