Bhopal, Nov 23: Holding Ulfa responsible for the anti-Bihari violence in Assam which has claimed 50 lives in the northeastern state so far, Defence Minister Geroge Fernandes today said more army personnel would be made available to restore normalcy for which the Assam and Bihar governments should sit together and hold discussions. "Ulfa is exploiting the situation in Assam and if we don't curb violence quickly they may trigger more trouble. I want early solution to the problem for which I will not blame anybody," Fernandes told reporters here.
Observing that he did not approve of the 'sons of the soil theory' that favours employment of locals in government jobs, Fernandes said both the state governments should sit together and discuss ways and means to tackle the problem.
The Defence Minister said he had instructed army commanders to despatch more soldiers to the affected areas in Assam if necessary to prevent spread of violence and restore normalcy as early as possible.
The army is already deployed in counter-insurgency operations in some areas of the state.
The Minister said he has asked Defence officials to meet all security requirements of Assam government in controlling the situation.
He also called on all political parties to appeal to the people to exercise restraint and contribute towards restoring peace.
Bureau Report