BJP demands stern action against secessionists in Asom

New Delhi, Jan 16 (UNI) Reacting sharply to the recent killing of migrant labourers in Asom by ULFA, the BJP today demanded strict action against secessionist elements in the northeastern state.

Party spokesman Ravi Shankar Prasad, addressing a demonstration by activists and people from eastern states, said people from these states were working in all parts of the country to eke out a living while contributing immensely to the welfare of that particular state.

''We are building roads in Leh and Ladakh where the oxygen is in short supply, so also in inaccessible places of Asom because it is our home,'' Mr Prasad said.

Referring to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to the violence-hit districts in Asom, the BJP leader said his party did not want to play politics over the issue but expect strict measures to be announced against ''secessionist elements''.

''There can be no compromise with national security,'' he said.

He said the recent attacks were the handiwork of separatist elements who were getting support ''from across the borders.'' Mr Prasad said a common Asomese can easily see through their ploy of putting one community face to face to with another and this was the reason that despite the provocation there were not retaliatory strikes.

UNI