The recent ethnic flare-up in Assam is because of a trust deficit (“PM visits riot-hit Assam, calls for ‘healing touch’,” July 29). The problems of the migrant population have never been properly addressed by the State government. In the past many years, this population and also that of undocumented migrants have increased manifold, leading to a situation where demographic equations have changed conspicuously. It may not be an exaggeration to say that this is how separatist tendencies arise. The State government, the Congress and the Opposition must sink their differences and think of a long-lasting peace initiative.
C. Koshy John,
Pune
It is sad that Assam is undergoing turmoil and that certain sections of the political class are now attempting to take advantage of the situation. It is a time when the voice of the people of the State should be heard. Assam has always faced the problem of having an international border. However, India being a secular country does not mean that we close our eyes to undocumented migration.
Ravikant,
Raipur
Political parties should play their role in ensuring an amicable settlement to various ethnic issues. As Kokrajhar is a major rice producing area, agricultural activity must continue unhindered. At the same time, an attempt at finding a solution must necessarily look at providing more employment opportunities in the agricultural sector as Assam is a fertile State.
S.K. Vijayan,
Alappuzha
