Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi here on Thursday said that a Left wing insurgent group has formed Mega-dam Resistance Forum to strengthen its footholds in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
Accusing that Mega-dam Resistance Forum, a frontal organisation of the Maoists, was pro-actively involved in the anti-dam movement of the state, Mr Gogoi also clarified that Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz was opposed to mega dams only because of its negative impact of causing displacement but in case of dams in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, there is no displacement.
“I completely agree to views of the Nobel laureate. It was the reason that I am not encouraging mega industries in my state as it may cause displacement,” said Mr Gogoi asserting that he was not opposed to mega dams but it must not have any adverse impact over the state.
He also reiterated that Mr Stiglitz advocated excessive use of hydro-power which is cleanest energy. It is significant that remark of the Nobel laureate was attributed in media as his support to anti-dam movements in the state.
Regretting that Left-wing insurgent are targeting the state, Mr Gogoi however clarified, “All those opposing Subansiri hydro-power project cannot be branded as Maoists. In fact, Maoists have infiltrated in these anti-dam movements of the state.” Claiming that it was the report of the home ministry, Mr Gogoi said that insurgency was on the wane but security forces are required to be on high alert.
Mr Gogoi did not rule out the possibility of militant-attack in the run-up to the Republic Day celebrations in the state.