Manmohan Asks Assam Govt And Tea Industry To Resolve Differences

Former Union finance minister Manmohan Singh yesterday urged the Assam government and the tea industry mutually resolve the confusion prevailing over the alleged funding of insurgents by tea companies.

Speaking to newsmen informally, Singh said the funding issue had hampered industrial growth in the state and should therefore be resolved. Nothing should be done to destabilise the tea industry as it provided eight lakh jobs.

I am not going into the merits of the case and who is right or wrong but the issue should be resolved, Singh said.

Singh, who also delivered a key note address at a seminar, told the Assam government to improve the law and order situation in the state to help create an investment-friendly atmosphere and bring about economic development.