'Illegal Immigration in Assam Ignored'

Pune, Oct 4 : Former chief minister of Assam Prafulla Kumar Mahanta on Saturday said that infiltration of illegal immigrants into Assam was never taken up as a national issue. Mahanta said that the need to cease influx of foreigners and prevention of insurgents have remained challenges before the government and several organisations operating in the troubled state.

Mahanta was speaking at a function organised by Sarhad', a city-based organisation. Former MP and wife of Mahanta, Jayshree Mahanta, was also present.

Mahanta said, "Besides illegal immigration and insurgency, Assam and northern states lack in basic infrastructure like road, rail connectivity. Absence of educational opportunities has become a major concern for youngsters." He also threw light on the effects natural calamities and flood-like disasters have had on Assam over the years.

Mahanta said there is influx of a large number of foreigners into the state, mostly from Bangladesh. "The border with Bangladesh is about 3,000 km running through Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram and West Bengal. The work to construct a wall on the Assam-Bangladesh border is still incomplete," he said.

Mahanta said that the issue of illegal migration was never taken up as a national issue. "Many top political leaders don't feel like visiting Assam to understand the situation there. They feel alienated." He also criticised the Congress party on its stand on illegal immigrants. Mahanta alleged that illegal immigrants are used by the Congress during elections.

The former chief minister said that the state of Assam has a rich history of art and culture, besides a well-developed flora-fauna. "The people here need opportunities to bring about development using these resources."

At the beginning of the function, Mahanta was honoured with a Puneri pagadi' by Abhay Firodia. Sarhad's founder president Sanjay Nahar delivered the welcome speech.