Northeast ignores rebels’ R-Day boycott call (Second Lead, With Images)

GUWAHATI - People came out in large numbers across the northeastern states to participate in the Republic Day celebrations Tuesday, rejecting the boycott call by separatist rebels. Several states pledged to develop the backward region with joint centre-state efforts.

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said in the state’s main city Guwahati: “Despite a boycott call by militants, it is heartening to find people coming to attend Republic Day functions across the region.”

Five separatist guerrilla groups in the northeast called a 17-hour general strike from 1 a.m. to boycott the Republic Day celebrations. The groups are active in Assam, Manipur and Tripura.

“I appeal to all militant groups to shun the path of violence and join the mainstream by holding negotiations to settle their grievances,” Assam Governor J.B. Patnaik said in his Republic Day speech here.

Tripura Governor D.Y. Patil said after unfurling the national flag at the Assam Rifles ground in Agartala: “Investment-friendly policies of the Tripura government are attracting entrepreneurs from other parts of India to set up industries in the state.”

He said: “Despite location hindrance and communication bottlenecks, Tripura has achieved rice productivity higher than the national average. Tripura has also been making good progress in education, road connectivity, power generation and other infrastructure development.”

In Meghalaya, unfurling the tricolour in the state capital Shillong, Governor R.S. Mooshahary said: “The state remained peaceful without any law and order threatening situation. Peace in the state will continue.”

While many people turned out for the Republic Day functions across the northeastern states, shops and business establishment remained closed in the Khasi-Jaintia region in central and eastern Meghalaya in response to a 24-hour bandh call given by the banned separatist outfit Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC).

In Mizoram, Governor Lt. Gen. (Retired) M.M. Lakhera unfurled the tricolour at the Assam Rifles ground at Aizawl where the state’s main function was held.

The governor in his speech elaborated the state government’s efforts for all-round development.

In Manipur, Governor Gurbachan Jagat unfurled the tricolour at the Manipur Rifles ground at Imphal where the state’s main function was held.

He urged the separatist outfits to come to the mainstream and help the authority to develop the state’s resources and eradicate poverty of the people.

“We all must reiterate our resolve today to banish militancy with courage, vigour and determination and share the commitment of our government to bring the fruits of development to every home of the state,” the governor said in his Republic Day speech.

An official said: “People in large numbers across Tripura and Manipur participated in the celebrations defying the rebel boycott call.”

Militant groups in the northeast have for years boycotted national events to protest New Delhi’s rule over the oil and timber-rich region.

There are some 30 rebel groups operating in the region with demands ranging from secession to greater autonomy and the right to self-determination.