Assam CM confident of peaceful I-Day

Guwahati, Jul 24 (UNI) Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today said heavy security arrangements had been made to ensure peaceful Independence Day celebration.

The August 15 celebration would be peaceful like previous years, he told newsmen here.

The proscribed ULFA is known to strike during the Independence and Republic Day celebrations and its run-up.

Referring to the peace initiatives started by ''A'' and ''C'' companies of ULFA's ''28th battalion'', Mr Gogoi said, '' It has been a positive start and the response from the people has also been good. '' He also urged the people to put more pressure on ULFA's central leadership and said, '' People want peace and it won't be long before ULFA ''c-in-c'' Paresh Baruah sees the writing on the wall. '' The Chief Minister informed that a plan for training and rehabilitation of ULFA cadres, who had come forward for talks, was being worked out in consultation with the rebels themselves.

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