Assam traders demand security for Hindi-speaking people in the State

A 14-member delegation of Assam traders today met Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil sought adequate security cover for Hindi-speaking people in the State, and resumption of talks with United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA).

New Delhi, June 5 : A 14-member delegation of Assam traders today met Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil sought adequate security cover for Hindi-speaking people in the State, and resumption of talks with United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA).

The businessmen said regular bomb explosions and shutdowns in the region was affecting the state's economy badly.

"Hindi speaking people, both labourers and traders, are scared and ready to flee the State. This will have a negative impact on the economy which could collapse any moment and it would not augur well for the Government," said Vijay Kumar Gupta, a businessman from Assam

We have appealed to the Home Minister to provide security to our lives and property. We also want the government to restart talks with ULFA so that we are able to live without fear," added Gupta.

Gupta further said, kidnapping and extortion has become the order of the day for the Hindi-speaking traders in the State.

Earlier this year, the insurgent group have killed at least 72 people, mostly Bihari labourers working in brick kilns.

ULFA has time and again warned non-Assamese businessmen and labourers of dire consequences, if they continued to live in the State.

It has also accused New Delhi of flooding the State with outsiders to reduce the indigenous Assamese population to a minority.

Earlier, Centre had initiated talks with ULFA in February 2006, but it failed to make headway as the group remained adamant on its demand for sovereignty.

The ULFA says it is fighting for Assam's independence, which is richn oil, natural gas and tea. It accuses Centre of taking away itsineral and forest resources while neglecting the local population.

ANI