Asom govt rejects Opp.'s demand for CM's resignation

Guwahati, Jun 6 (UNI) Asom government spokesperson Ripun Bora today criticised the Opposition Asom Gana Parishad's (AGP) demand for dismissal of the Congress government in the state over the violence in North Cachar Hills district, in which three top Congress leaders were killed.

He said, ''The AGP has no moral right to demand the dismissal of the Congress government over the trouble in NC Hills.

The AGP's rule was marred by much more violence.'' Mr Bora, also the state Education Minister, was reacting to the AGP's allegations that the government had failed to maintain law and order in the state and the Chief Minister should resign, owning moral responsibility.

Three top Congress leaders of the NC Hills autonomous council, including its chief, were killed two days back, which has led to a tense situation in the district, and the council election, slated for June 12, has also been postponed.

He said, ''There are few incidents of violence and we admit that there should be total peace. But the government is capable of controlling the situation and there is no need for President's rule.'' The spokesperson pointed out that during the AGP's reign, its own minister was killed and militants attacked even the Chief Minister.

He maintained that there had been no intelligence failure in the state.

He said, ''Intelligence has provided information and helped in averting many disasters.'' ''Their role is always silent and we cannot blame them for some unfortunate incidents,'' he added.

On the recent criticism of the government by a section of trade bodies, Mr Bora said, ''These are entirely politically motivated. There is division among themselves.'' He also alleged that many traders were indirectly helping the militant groups, like ULFA, by paying up ransom money.

''They don't inform the government and pay the militants money in form of donations,'' he added.

UNI