In what may be called a major policy decision, the ministry of home affairs has decided to give up the policy of finding community-based solution to the ongoing ethnic strife in Assam.
Disclosing that the home ministry has realised the mistake of finding community-based solution, joint secretary (Northeast) ministry of home affairs Shambhu Singh told this newspaper, “We have made it very clear to the state government that home ministry was not in favour of finding community-based solution to the ongoing ethnic unrest for various separate states in Assam.”
Admitting that it was a mistake, Mr Singh said, “There have been demand of separate states by various ethnic groups but decision will be taken in consultation with all the stakeholders.”
Contrary to the earlier policy of the government that was followed so far, the MHA has decided to find a inclusive solution to the problem of various ethnic groups, Mr Singh said adding, “We are open to their demand of separate homeland but let them convince us about the feasibility of such states.”
Mr Singh also clarified that the MHA has advised the state not to entertain a section of the trouble-monger groups who are spreading false information for their vested interest. He referred a group of non-Bodo Surkha Samity while pointing out that outfit was imposing a fine on non-Bodos who are not coming out for their agitation opposing the Bodoland.