'We will not tolerate any threat from any group'

High level security meeting convened by Sonowal

BY OUR BUREAU

GUWAHATI/NEW DELHI, Aug 5: Condemning the terror attack on innocent people in Kokrajhar, Chief Minister Sarbanda Sonowal warned: “We will not tolerate any threat from any group. The militants would be dealt with very sternly. The Government will not bow to any pressure while tackling terrorist groups.”

Sonowal said it is the first and foremost responsibility of the State Government to protect the lives and properties of people. The Chief Minister has cut short his Delhi visit in the wake of the BTAD incident and rushed to Guwahati on Friday evening. After reaching Guwahati, he convened a high level meeting on the prevailing security situation in the State, especially the BTAD. He also fervently appealed to the people to exercise restraint and to maintain peace and harmony. 

The Chief Minister said he discussed the issue with the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister and both of them conveyed their deepest condolences to the members of the deceased families. 

Sonowal directed DGP Mukesh Sahay to beef up security and to launch a vigorous drive to apprehend those behind the heinous act.

Other top officials in the State have been put on high alert following the incident and in view of the upcoming Independence Day. All the top officials of the State Police have rushed to the spot to take stock of the situation. State Fince Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also rushed to the site of the incident.

The Chief Minister also informed that tiol Security Adviser Ajit Doval discussed the Kokrajhar incident with him and expressed his grave concern.

Sonowal asked the Kokrajhar district administration to ensure that the injured persons get proper treatment. All the medical expenses will be borne by the State Government.

The State Government has announced Rs 5 lakh each as ex-gratia to the next of kin of those killed, Rs 1 lakh to the seriously injured and Rs 20,000 to those who sustained minor injuries.

Sources said the Kokrajhar incident has caught the State Police on the wrong foot ahead of the Independence Day celebrations on August 15, a day on which there is always a threat perception not only in Assam, but also in other northeastern States.

On this issue, Rajya Sabha MP Biswajit Daimary said, “The most unfortute thing is that in BTAD area, operations against underground groups don’t continue for long. Operatiol strategy should be planned in the police station level. Now, it is very difficult to say exactly who was behind the dastardly act.”