Insurgency leaves Asom traders divided

Guwahati, June 5 (UNI) Faultlines between Asom traders have started to deepen in the aftermath of the recurring strikes by ULFA in Guwahati, the business hub of North East.

Even as a traders' delegation today left for New Delhi to press for President's Rule in the state, another section of businessmen has vehemently opposed the demand saying that traders could not demand it.

One of the leading traders' organisation of NE, the Kamrup Chambers of Commerce(KCC) said the chief minister had been given a representation and the government had taken steps to control the law and order situation.

Speaking at a packed press conference, KCC president Mahabir Jain said the chief minister has assured that adequate measures were being taken to tackle insurgency and the people should have faith in the government.

Significantly, ULFA exploded at least 16 bombs in the city's Fancy Bazar area, the main business hub of the North East, in the last five months.

In the wake of the violence, the chief minister went on record saying the government had failed to provide security to the people.

The violence triggered a downfall in business transaction, which fell by more than 50 per cent.

Every day, the area witnesses a transaction of nearly Rs 200 crore.

The KCC president admitted that investors and suppliers were reluctant to come into the state now, especially since the last three months.

Two days ago, another section of traders floated the Asom Chambers of Commerce(ACC) in a bid to reinforce the business community which had bore the brunt of the recurring incidents of violence in the state.

''The new body will work for the welfare of the business sector, and coordinate between the government and the traders,'' said Rupam Goswami, convener of the ACC, adding that the KCC had failed to raise the concerns of the traders appropriately.

The new state-level organisation will stage a dharna at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on June 7 demanding President's Rule in the state and immediate restoration of peace and normality.

The KCC, however, has termed the formation of the Asom Chambers of Commerce as a move to extract political gains.

Mr Jain also informed that two of the office bearers of the KCC, Rupam Goswami and Vijay Gupta, who had been instrumental in forming the new body, had been expelled from the KCC.

On the allegations of the ACC that it had failed to raise the voice of traders, the KCC president said it was the collective responsibility of all the 400 members of the organisation.

On the alleged nexus between ULFA and some traders, Mr Jain said he had come to know of it from media reports only.

He mentioned that no issue regarding any extortion notice served by the ULFA to traders had come to his notice.

Rubbishing allegations that he had nexus with the ISI, Mr Jain said a section of elements were engaged in such a false campaign for fulfilling their political ambition.

''I have requested the government to inquire into the matter and book the culprits who are maligning the image of the KCC,'' he added.

Meanwhile, a delegation of the ACC today left for New Delhi. They are expected to meet prime minister and President to apprise them of the situation arising out of the persistent ULFA violence in Asom.

They will also stage a dharna at Jantar Mantar demanding President's Rule in the state.

UNI