ULFA's Independence Day boycott call will have no impact: Assam Governor

Guwahati, Aug 13 : Assam Governor Shiv Charan Mathur has said that there will be no impact of the boycott call given by ULFA on Independence Day celebrations.

Asked about the measures being taken by the government to foil any attempt by insurgents to disrupt Independence Day functions, Mathur said enough security arrangements have been made for peaceful celebrations across the state.

The Centre has already alerted the Assam government to be extra vigilant ahead of Independence Day to avert any violence.

The Home Ministry had advised the state government to intensify security especially around vital installations.

ULFA and three other insurgent outfits in the Northeast have called for a general strike from 1 a.m. to 6 p.m on August 15 and to boycott the Independence Day celebrations throughout the region.

ULFA Chairman Arabindo Rajkhowa forwarded the joint statement calling boycott and general strike by the ULFA, the Manipur Peoples' Liberation Front (MPLF), the Kamatapur Liberation Organisation (KLO) and the Tripura Peoples Democratic Front (TPDF), in an e-mail to media organisations in Guwahati. According to militant outfits, the politico-military conflict between the region and Centre can be resolved only if the core issue of sovereignty and independence is addressed.

ANI