Firm in resolve to oppose terrorism tooth and nail: Assam CM

Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Saturday stressed that the state government was firm in its resolve to "oppose tooth and nail, the scourge of terrorism and violence".

"We must firmly work together for peace, social security and understanding among all sections of the people and rise in unison against subversive forces hell-bent on destroying human values and posing threat to our lives," Gogoi said after administering oath to state government employees on the occasion of 'Mourning Day' at the state secretariat.

'Mourning Day' is observed to mourn the tragic death of 18 people, mostly schoolchildren, in a bomb blast at Dhemaji on Independence Day in 2004.  The blast was carried out by ULFA militants at the Dhemaji College Ground during Independence Day celebrations. ULFA later apologised for the killings. The programme was attended by Chief Secretary Jitesh Khosla and senior officials and employees of the Secretariat, om Saturday.

Meanwhile, in all the district and sub-divisional headquarters, a minute's silence was observed at 11 A.M. in memory of those who lost their lives at Dhemaji and a pledge was taken against all acts of terrorism and militant violence. The national flag was flown at half-mast in all government offices/educational institutions.

The Dhemaji Deputy Commissioner convened a public meeting in which leading citizens; members of civil society and students were invited to take part.