Assam CM calls on Rajnath Singh over expediting completion of Indo-Bangla border smart fencing

Guwahati, April 13: CM Sarbananda Sonowal called on Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday and sought his help in expeditiously completing the international smart fencing being erected in the Assam sector of the Indo-Bangladesh border. 

In the meeting, which lasted for nearly 20 minutes in the North Block office, the Chief Minister also apprised Singh about the prevailing situation along the inter-state boundary between Assam and Mizoram and with other states.

The Home Minister hailed the restraint shown by the Assam government, preventing the situation at the border from going out of control.

CM Sonowal also expressed his gratitude to Rajnath Singh for his timely action to ease the situation. He informed the Home Minister that efforts are being made for the improvement of roads along the inter-state boundary, though much remains to be done. CM Sonowal sought the Home Ministry’s help in this regard, official sources said.

The meeting assumes significance in the light of the proposed Assam visit of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016. The opposition Congress has alleged that State government is not keen on a visit by the JPC and cited the possibility of the law and order situation getting out of control.

The previous chairman, Satyapal Pal Singh, had also scheduled a visit to Assam but deferred it at the last moment. The JPC is now meeting selected groups from Assam on April 17 here.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also held a meeting with the officials of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highway regarding repair of the National Highways running through the State.