Assam Solution Should Be Within Constitutional Framework

Assam Governor Lt Gen (retd) SK Sinha has said that demands of the people of the state would definitely be fulfilled but not at the cost of the countrys integrity.

In an interview, the Governor said that any solution should also be within the constitutional framework.

The Governor, however, expressed hope that a solution could be reached. We will find ways and means to help find a solution, he said.

The Governor, sworn-in on September 1, said that political solution to the problem of insurgency was imperative. Army can only help create a situation for a political solution, he said.

Answering a question, Sinha said as the constitutional head of the state his aim was not to replace the Assam government but to help it in solving the problems in the state.

The Governor said several factors were responsible for the growth of militancy in the state.

The factors included geographical isolation, a feeling of neglect, poor development and a large influx of refugees, he said.

With the influx of a large number of people in the state from outside, a sense of insecurity developed among the local people that they might be reduced to minority.

To a question on appointment of retired army officers as governors of insurgency-hit states, Sinha said that in his case the government might want to utilise his experience in the north-east.

He said in any case an army officer coming to such appointments should not bring any apprehension. I dont think the arrival of an army officer as Governor complicated the political problems and one should not read much in it.

On the demand for scrapping of the IMDT Act, the Governor said he was examining the issue.