Gogoi seeks package for surrendered militants

Assam CM Tarun Gogoi sought this package in an attempt to bring ULFA militants into the mainstream.

In an attempt to bring ULFA militants into the mainstream, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Saturday asked the Centre to frame a comprehensive package for surrendered militants.

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Gogoi, who met Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil at his residence in New Delhi, is understood to have told the latter that if such a package is announced, more militants would join the mainstream, officials said.

The chief minister also asked the Centre to expedite the construction of a fence along the India-Bangladesh border in his state.

These requests bear significance in the wake of intrusions by Bangladeshi farmers along the border in Assam and repeated firing by Bangladeshi border guards in Cachar and Karimganj districts.

Gogoi also apprised Patil about the law and order situation in Assam in the wake of the suspension of operations by security forces against ULFA and the group's announcement of 'cessation of hostilities'.