Definition of Assamese yet to be resolved: Patil

NEW DELHI, Feb 2 – Claiming that majority of the clauses of the Assam Accord stood implemented, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil today conceded that definition of Assamese could not be given so far. Returning from his four-day tour of the North-east, a visibly satisfied Union Home Minister, addressing a press conference here this evening, said that all points of the Assam Accord have been implemented barring one or two. “One is regarding the definition of Assamese, which could not be defined,” he said. Sri Patil also gave a different spin to AASU non-participation in the talks by asserting that the students body could not turn up because of its organisational elections. But the Accord would be implemented in full.

Patil interestingly steered clear of all controversial issues including the ensuing talks with the NSCN (I-M) that gets underway tomorrow. He declined to comment on news report that quoted him saying that Government was committed to protect the territorial integrity of the North Eastern States. He also sidestepped questions on the fate of the peace deal with the NLFT in Tripura.

Describing his visit as fruitful, Patil said that he has come back with the impression that the atmosphere has become more and more peaceful and helping in the North-East. On the talks with ULFA, he said that the outfit has to first agree to come for talks before a venue could be selected for holding dialogue. “But for talks we need two parties. I have already said that those who are involved in the terrorist activities are our brothers, not enemies. They are the misguided members of our family.”

The Home Minister further gave a detailed account of his tour to Tripura, Mizoram and Assam. Patil gave full credit to the State Government and Chief Ministers for improving the law and situation in the region. “My impression is that situation is improving and insurgency and killing has come down by 24 percent. Patil said he was impressed by Mizoram Chief Minister, Zoramthanga’s gesture of offering bamboos for rehabilitation of people affected by tsunami disaster.