Addressing the first session of the 16th Assembly, he said efforts to curb infiltration were constrained for many years due to porous and unfenced stretches along the international border, particularly in parts of West Bengal. The recent decision of the West Bengal government to hand over the required land for border fencing is a significant and welcome development.
He added that governments committed to national security are now working in close coordination at the Centre, in Assam, and in West Bengal. “A strong, integrated approach will now be undertaken to address the long-standing challenges. Completion of border fencing, including in strategically sensitive areas such as the Siliguri Corridor, will substantially strengthen border management and help deal with infiltration more effectively. My government will extend full cooperation and work closely with the Government of India and the Government of West Bengal to ensure timely implementation of these measures in the larger interest of national security and stability.”
He announced that the government envisages introducing an Indigenous Beverages Policy to formalise, regulate, and promote traditional beverages. “Effective steps shall be taken for implementation of the Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act, 1950, to expedite the detection and pushback of illegal immigrants. My government shall continue to pursue lawful and sustained measures to protect the demographic balance and socio-cultural fabric of the state.”
The Governor said, “My government shall also work towards enactment and implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in a manner that fully protects the traditional rights, customary practices, and social institutions of tribal and indigenous communities.”
The second day of the four-day Assam Legislative Assembly session witnessed disruptions on Friday as Congress legislators staged protests and walked out of the House over rising fuel prices and inflation during Governor Acharya’s address.
Congress MLAs raised slogans inside the Assembly, criticising the address for allegedly overlooking key public concerns such as rising fuel prices, inflation, and LPG shortages. Soon after, the opposition members staged a walkout and continued their protest outside the Assembly premises with placards and anti-government slogans.
The two Raijor Dal MLAs, led by their leader Akhil Gogoi, initially remained in the House and continued to speak even as the Governor delivered his speech. After about 30 minutes, they also walked out.
