Bangladeshi factions allegedly collaborating with ISI to incite militancy in Assam: CM Sarma

Kokrajhar (Assam), Jan 28 (NationPress) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated on Tuesday that multiple reports indicate that certain factions within the Bangladeshi establishment are attempting to rejuvenate militancy in Assam with the assistance of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

He was in Bodoland (Kokrajhar) to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the 2020 Bodo Peace Accord.

During this event, he noted that for the past three and a half years, there has been no political unrest in Bodoland.

Following the accord, peace has been maintained in the region, he added.

CM Sarma remarked, "The situation in Bangladesh is concerning. We have learned that the ISI, in collaboration with certain factions of the Bangladeshi establishment, is trying to rekindle militancy in Assam. However, it is not practically feasible as there is no local backing for such endeavors. Furthermore, the populace desires peace."

The Chief Minister continued: "The schemes of particular sections within the Bangladeshi government and ISI will not succeed, as local support is crucial for fostering militancy, and there is a lack of such support in Assam. All residents of Assam yearn for tranquility in the state. The borders of Assam with Bangladesh are fully secured, yet the vulnerable areas along the Brahmaputra River, where fencing is impractical, are being monitored using electronic devices, particularly drones."

Regarding infiltration attempts from Bangladesh into Assam, CM Sarma mentioned that incidents are detected daily with the aid of devices like drones.

"Additionally, the people of Assam remain alert in preventing infiltration, and we will not allow this to occur," he affirmed.

In a response to IANS regarding the relationship with Bhutan and its recent infrastructure initiatives, the Assam Chief Minister indicated that the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) is adjacent to Bhutan.

Bhutan is developing a significant city akin to Singapore, and the numerous tourism-related ventures in the neighboring country will benefit Bodoland as it is merely eight kilometers from the international border.

CM Sarma noted that he had engaged in discussions with King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan.

He is also set to converse with Bhutan's Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay, who will visit Assam to take part in the "Advantage Assam" business summit scheduled for next month.

The business summit will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sarma added.

The exiled ULFA leader Paresh Baruah is reportedly in contact with stakeholders in Bangladesh through ISI to revive militancy in Assam.

Chief Minister Sarma expressed, "From my perspective, he seeks peace and will not disrupt Assam, as he would not instigate violence in his own state."

The Chief Minister also addressed the potential ecological risks posed by a dam allegedly being constructed by China upstream of the Brahmaputra.

He stated, "As a state, we cannot engage in talks with China, but the Indian government has raised this issue with China, and I am optimistic that a diplomatic resolution will be reached."

Regarding the financial needs of the Bodoland Territorial Council, established following the signing of the Bodo peace accord between the Union government, Assam government, and Bodo leaders on January 27, 2020, the Assam Chief Minister asserted that the state is financially self-sufficient.

"My vision is to transform Assam into a state of benefactors rather than dependents. We possess sufficient funds to collaborate with BTC. We have ample resources for development, and the populace is content. BTC has its annual budget, and the state government invests nearly double that amount in developmental initiatives in Bodoland."