The 33rd National Games to be held in Guwahati next month will be held despite terror threats from the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Mani Shankar Aiyar said in the Capital on Saturday.
"The Games will go on despite threats from ULFA. We are not going to bend in front of any terror groups. I have said this numerous times before and will continue saying this that we will go ahead," said Aiyar.
The Games, to be held between February 9-18, has come under a shadow following a series of attacks carried out by the outlawed separatist group this month claiming more than 80 lives.
"The union home secretary (VK Duggal) has visited Guwahati and the chief minister (Tarun Gogoi) has assured him that security issues will be taken fully care of and there would be no problem," Aiyar said.
Preparations for the Games are almost complete with finishing touches being given to the 18 newly built stadiums in and around Guwahati.
Aiyar, who is also minister of development of northeastern region, added that he would hold a meeting with the governors and the chief ministers of all northeastern states in Shilliong Feb 8 and would invite them to visit Guwahati for the opening ceremony of the Games.
{{/usCountry}}Aiyar, who is also minister of development of northeastern region, added that he would hold a meeting with the governors and the chief ministers of all northeastern states in Shilliong Feb 8 and would invite them to visit Guwahati for the opening ceremony of the Games.
{{/usCountry}}"I had a special talk with the home ministry and hopefully after our meeting in Shillong all the governors and the chief ministers will be flying down to Guwahati to witness the opening ceremony," he said.