Asom CM assures of safe Games

Guwahati, Feb 3 (UNI) Asom Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today assured of a ''safe and smooth'' National Games from February 9, despite an intelligence report that the banned ULFA will try to hamper the Games.

Addressing a press meet here, Mr Gogoi, also the president of the main organizer Asom Olympic Association, said, ''We have heard intelligence report that ULFA will try to hamper the Games. But our security arrangements are most comprehensive and there will be no lapses.'' He denied any secret understanding with ULFA and said, ''Had there been any understanding, our intelligence reports would have spoken otherwise.'' ''There would be no relaxation in security,'' he asserted.

Mr Gogoi reiterated his appeal to ULFA to withdraw its Games boycott call in the greater interest of the state.

He said, ''The ULFA should read the writing on the wall, the people of the state want a smooth Games. The image of the state is at stake.'' He confirmed the participation of 10,000 players and officials in the Games, adding the response for tickets of opening and closing ceremonies of the sporting festival had been tremendous.

UNI