Talks fail to break deadlock, protests against GAIL continue at Lakua

 From a correspondent

 Sivasagar, March 7:  Protests against GAIL authorities over closing down of the LPG project based at Lakua are still continuing here today as the talks held between the 23 organisations and GAIL authorities failed to break the deadlock.

 It may be mentioned that the GAIL authorities had closed down the production of LPG at Lakua on January 15 without prior notice citing the reason that the tural resources is  needed for production of Polymer at BCPL.  Local organisations have opined that after the closure of the project at Lakua which produced an amount of 2500 matric tons of LPG, shortage of gas and tural resources can be seen at various parts of Assam and the North East.

 In a meeting held between the representatives of 23 organisations and GAIL authorities and Sivasagar district administration it was  decided that a solution will be reached before March 23.

 The meeting was attended by Sivasagar Deputy Commisioner Birendra Mittal, Additiol Deputy Commisioner Bibekanda Das, and Additiol Superintendent of Police Jayanta Sarathi besides the office bearers of the organisation and GAIL .     Sources said the Gail authorities, however, have requested the protesters to withdraw their agitation .

 ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa, who was also present at the meeting said that the moral and social obligations of GAIL and other such companies to the people of Assam is not beyond doubt.