The turmoil in Bangladesh has put the spotlight back on the “non-implementation” of key clauses of the 1985 Assam Accord.
The Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) has demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi announce a time frame for the implementation of the accord in his Independence Day address.
The pact was signed on August 15, 1985, to end the six-year-long anti-foreigner movement that had resulted in the loss of 855 lives.
The demand was made by AJP president Lurinjyoti Gogoi after a party delegation visited Kalooghat in Mankachar under the South Salmara-Mankachar district bordering Bangladesh on Monday.
Gogoi told The Telegraph the visit revealed that there was “hardly any effective fencing” in Kalooghat, Sialtari, Kusimara, Bowaliya, Jhonjhoni and Sisumara to check influx or cattle smuggling.
“What we saw and heard during our visit to Mankachar left us disappointed and worried. The fencing at Kalooghat leaves a lot to be desired and there was less BSF movement when we were there. It is really disturbing given the situation in Bangladesh, which has seen attempts by people to cross into India,” Gogoi said.
