'Want detection and deportation of illegal infiltrators on the basis of Assam Accord'

Q: What is your and your party's stand on the issue of illegal migrants and how do you propose to address it?

Atul Bora: We want detection and deportation of illegal infiltrators on the basis of the Assam Accord.  The Assam Accord should be implemented within a stipulated time, and we will be accountable to the people of the State to seal the intertiol border, besides taking other stringent measures. We also want to make the tiol Register of Citizens (NRC) free from foreigners, and when it becomes a reality, the task of detection and deportation of foreigners will be easier. If we become part of the government to be formed at Dispur, we will make the Foreigners Tribuls existing in the State more active. There was an agitation on the issue of foreigners leading to the birth of the AGP. The AGP has never compromised on the issue of illegal foreigners, nor will it ever do so.

Q: What will be your party's policy on safeguards to indigenous people of the State?      

Bora: We will work hard to ensure linguistic, cultural, economic and political rights of the indigenous people of the State through the implementation of Clause 6 of the Assam Accord. When we were in power in the State earlier, we did try to implement this clause. In the event of becoming part of the government to be formed this year, our prime task will be to implement Clause 6. This clause of the Accord has to be implemented for the sake of safeguarding existence of the indigenous people of the State.

Q: What steps will your party take to protect and preserve xatras?    

Bora: Steps will be taken to free xatra lands from encroachment so as to preserve the age-old xatriya culture and to spread it. We will hold meetings with Xatradhikars and their associates to seek suggestions from them so as to make xatra lands free from encroachment. The identity of the Assamese people is in their xatras. If any Indian is in the occupation of xatra lands, he/she will be settled elsewhere so as to free such lands. If any foreigner is found to occupy xatra land, he/she will be deported from the State. More funds will also be allocated for the preservation of xatras.

Q: What steps will your party take to protect and preserve Kaziranga tiol Park and other green sanctuaries in the State?    

Bora: Steps will be taken to protect wildlife in the State in cooperation with local people. A special security force will be floated for the purpose, besides providing all facilities to forest officials. The Congress government in the State did not take any tangible step to protect Kaziranga tiol Park. Poachers continue to kill rhinos and take away their horns, giving forest and police forces the slip.

Q: Unemployment is a key problem in Assam. How does your party propose to address it?  

Bora: We will take up skill development schemes. Besides introducing vocatiol courses in educatiol institutions, new schemes will be undertaken to create job avenues. We will put pressure to make 100 per cent appointment of local candidates in both government and private sectors. We will also lay stress on filling up vacant posts in the State based on merit.

Q: What will be your party's policy for the development of agro-based industries in the State?

 Bora: Our priority is to make getting bank loans easier for farmers, as well as their repayment. This apart, agricultural appliances and goods will be supplied to farmers at fair prices. Additiol supply of power to farmers is top priority. The Congress government in power since 2001 has utterly failed on the irrigation front. The department has been plagued by corruption. In the event of AGP becoming part of the next government, we will make efforts to ensure scientific irrigation in the State.  

Q: Why will the people of the State vote for your party? What will be the basis of your party's appeal to them?

Bora: We will ensure transparent and efficient governce, besides involving people in development schemes. We will be accountable to the people of the State in solving their basic problems. Development schemes will be in accordance with the demands of each and every gaon panchayat. We will also seek opinions of the people while taking up such schemes. We are resolved to work for the existence of the Assamese people by providing them a government free from corruption.