Ahead of his meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on separate statehood demands by a number of groups in Assam, chief minister Tarun Gogoi on Sunday warned of strong action against shut downs and blockades. Gogoi left for New Delhi during the day and is expected to meet Congress president and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, besides Singh to discuss the separate statehood issue.
The state has been witnessing violent protests and bandhs affecting normal life in at least six districts since the Centre’s announcement on Telangana.
‘I have appealed to everyone many times to stop bandhs, but it is still continuing. If bandhs and blockades continue like this, then we will have to take strict steps.
‘We are talking to them (agitators) and we are for a peaceful solution. For any progress in the positive direction, violence has to be stopped,’ Gogoi told reporters after launching a new website for Assam Public Service Commission here.
Gogoi also said, ‘I am going to Delhi today and will meet the Prime Minister. I will definitely let him know about the demands. I will also try to meet Sonia Gandhi to discuss the issues related to demands of separate states.’
The state has been witnessing violent protests and bandhs affecting normal life in at least six districts since the Centre’s announcement on Telangana.
‘I have appealed to everyone many times to stop bandhs, but it is still continuing. If bandhs and blockades continue like this, then we will have to take strict steps.
‘We are talking to them (agitators) and we are for a peaceful solution. For any progress in the positive direction, violence has to be stopped,’ Gogoi told reporters after launching a new website for Assam Public Service Commission here.
Gogoi also said, ‘I am going to Delhi today and will meet the Prime Minister. I will definitely let him know about the demands. I will also try to meet Sonia Gandhi to discuss the issues related to demands of separate states.’