Protect Hindi-speaking labourers in Assam: LS MPs

New Delhi, Mar 18 (UNI) RJD and BJP members today demanded in the Lok Sabha a joint operation by the Centre and the Assam government to protect the lives of Hindi-speaking labourers who had become the target of extremists and terrorists.

Raising the issue during zero hour, Mr Devendra Prasad Yadav (RJD) said the Assam government was not doing anything for the safety of such people.

Such selective attacks would endanger the unity and integrity of the nation, he said. His party colleague, Mr Ramkirpal Yadav associated himself on the issue.

Mr Shahnawaz Hussain (BJP) said the Centre should respond immediately.

Mr Khiren Jijiju (BJP) said the Centre should also do something to check the spate of bomb blasts rocking Assam. ''Would the Centre have adopted the same attitude if such incidents were taking place in Delhi,'' he asked.

While Bangladeshis were being welcomed into Assam, Hindi-speaking people were being driven away, he said and urged the Centre to take urgent, concere steps.

UNI SN RR GC1354