Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Saturday said the people of Barak Valley need not worry as their safety and security is the responsibility of the government, apparently dispelling fear and anxiety among citizens over the National Register of Citizens (NRC).

The names of over 19 lakh citizens were left out of the final NRC published on August 31, causing dissatisfaction and apprehension among various sections of people in the state.

Massive protests under the banner of the North East Linguistic and Ethnic Co-Ordination Committee were staged in the three districts of Barak Valley recently.

Sonowal was speaking at a programme held at Police Parade ground here on Saturday in connection with the state-level closing ceremony of Poshan Maah under Poshan Abhiyan and launching of the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao scheme in Cachar district.

“There is no reason for the citizens of Barak Valley to worry. It is the government’s responsibility to ensure their safety and safeguard their rights and interests,” he said, as the crowd cheered.

Talking about the government’s vision for growth and development, Sonowal said the Barak Valley has a lot of potential and resources and is a vital part of the state.

“Mini-secretariat’s work has already started. Citizens here will be immensely benefited after the project gets completed. Various other initiatives will be taken for the valley’s all-round development in the days ahead,” he said.

Social welfare minister Pramila Rani Brahma said the government gives immense importance to women, their empowerment, growth and welfare.

“Educating women is a stepping-stone towards a strong and prosperous nation,” she said.

She heaped praises on Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his efforts towards the welfare of women. Prevention of malnutrition among women is a remarkable move towards a better society, she added.

Silchar MP Rajdeep Roy said Modi’s Poshan Abhiyan initiative had created a revolution across the country. He said the male-female ratio was disproportionate over the past several years but the scenario improved substantially after the scheme was launched.

He said the country has a rich history and has witnessed women in highly esteemed positions like those of the President and the Prime Minister. “They (women) have proved themselves everywhere,” he said, encouraging a huge gathering of women, who had come to attend the event.

Silchar MLA Dilip Kumar Paul, Barkhola MLA Kishore Nath, Udharbond MLA Mihir Kanti Shome, former minister Kabindra Purkayastha, deputy Speaker Aminul Haque Laskar and Cachar deputy commissioner Laya Madduri attended the event.