Ex-CM's criticism draws sharp reaction from Asom govt

Guwahati, June 8 (UNI) The Congress-led Asom government today criticised former Chief Minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta's demand for President's Rule in the state for 'total law and order failure', alleging that more violence and scams occurred during his reign.

Reacting to Mr Mahanta's allegations against the state government at a press conference in New Delhi earlier today, government spokespersons Ripun Bora and Himanta Biswa Sharma alleged that Mr Mahanta was distorting the state's image to gain sympathy from the people.

They also criticised Mr Mahanta for leading a trade body delegation to New Delhi and participating in a dharna with them yesterday.

Mr Bora said, ''The former chief minister is only bothered about the killings in Fancy Bazar, the violence and sufferings in other parts of the state do not bother him.'' ''Tea garden executives had to flee the state during his regime due to increase in kidnappings, extortions and killings. Many industrialists and businessmen had left the state, but he could do nothing then,'' Mr Bora added.

On Mr Mahanta's allegation that the present government is trying to check militancy only through use of force and not emphasising on talks, Mr Bora said, ''The first talk initiative was taken by our government. He wanted to wipe out ULFA, without any stress on dialogue.'' Mr Bora also dismissed Mr Mahanta's allegation that only Hindi-speaking people were being targeted by the militants, stating that no specific community was being targeted as people of all religions and origins have fell victim to insurgency.

He also pointed out that Mr Mahanta was involved in the 'secret killings' and LOC scam, besides being embroiled in numerous other disputes.

Mr Sharma also alleged that Mr Mahanta had been indulged in various scandals during his regime and had no moral right to criticise the present government.

''We are open to genuine criticism but Mr Mahanta is shedding crocodile tears, with a bunch of politically motivated traders,'' he added.

On another allegation that the government had not filed any defamation case against NE TV over its report that the government had bought peace with the ULFA for the National Games, Mr Sharma said the formalities were in its final stages.

He said, ''Filing a criminal case against a television channel has its formalities and we are completing those.'' UNI