Duggal assures 'safe, smooth, successful' National Games

Guwahati, Jan 4 (UNI) Union Home Secretary V K Duggal today affirmed that the February National Games in Asom would be absolutely 'safe, smooth and successful', with foolproof security to thwart any untoward incident in the wake of the ULFA's boycott call.

Mr Duggal was talking to reporters in the city after reviewing infrastructure development and security for the National Games from February 9 to 18. He held a closed door meeting with the chief minister, chief secretary, Director General of Police and other officials of concerned departments.

He said, ''The infrastructure as well as security arrangements are on track. The few deficiencies that are there will be taken care of before time.'' To a query regarding possible deployment of the Army to handle security during the Games due to the boycott call, giving by the ULFA Mr Duggal said, ''There is no intention of changing the security plans. Reinforcement of forces is normal during hosting of big events.'' He added that there would be no shortage of paramilitary forces for handling security during the Games due to other major events in different states, including Assembly polls in three states.

Asked if the participating states could put off visits if the ULFA triggered violence during the Republic Day celebrations, as in the past, Mr Duggal said the government will take every possible action to ensure foolproof security.

He expressed confidence that the Games would be successful and appealed to the ULFA to withdraw the boycott call in the interest of the state.

He said, ''The state is going to host a mega event, a people's event. We appeal to the ULFA to be a part of this development and help the state in earning a good reputation by successfully and smoothly conducting the Games.'' On the ULFA's accusation that the Centre was not sincere in pursuing dialogue and that the Union Home Secretary was creating hurdles in the progress, of the talks he asserted that the government was always open to talks if the ULFA abhors violence.

He said, ''The ULFA has to abhor violence and then sit for talks.

Give indications (of ULFA's readiness for talks) and we are ready.'' UNI SG PL AB HT1855