Hailakandi/Silchar, May 3: Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal said a hi-tech security system would be put in place along the Lathitilla-Dumabari stretch of the India-Bangladesh border in Karimganj district to put an end to infiltration.
He said the Israeli model of a security system will be implemented in the Lathitilla-Dumabari areas of Patherkandi in the district. The border security system of Israel includes high-quality long-range day cameras along with night observation systems employing third generation thermal imagers.
After visiting the border yesterday, Sonowal said the Centre had released Rs 32 crore to install floodlights but the negligence of the electricity department had delayed things.He also looked into the absence of fencing along the 3.5-km riverine border in the Kushiyara river.
Karimganj MLA Kamalakshya Dey Purkayastha had raised the issue before chief minister.
Sonowal visited the border outpost at Bhanga and Steamerghat Road and met BSF officials. He also visited Jokiganj border area of Karimganj town at night, escorted by state PWD, fisheries and excise minister Parimal Suklabaidya, Deputy Speaker Dilip Paul and MLAs Krishnendu Paul and Kripanath Mallah, among others.
Sonowal said Karimganj port would be revamped and a riverine route to Calcutta established.
Speaking at a programme held in Silchar during the concluding ceremony of the sesquicentennial celebration of the Cachar deputy commissioner's office, Sonowal said the government would ensure that Barak Valley reached significant heights in terms of development.
The chief minister launched an anti-corruption campaign titled Debo Na, Nebo Na (will neither give [money], nor take).
"Work with honesty and dedication, I will salute you, acknowledge you. Indulge in corrupt activities and I will throw you into jail," he added.
On steps taken to bring achhe din in Assam, he said Rs 200 crore would be allocated for every town of the state with a population of more than 1 lakh.
A sum of Rs 100 crore would be sanctioned for the development of Silchar Medical College and Hospital. An auditorium (in memory of Swami Vivekananda), a flyover and a planetarium would be built here.
Sonowal unveiled a memorial, Manorom Tower Clock at Madhuramukh point, Rongpur, and gave away cheques to 10 families who suffered losses in thunderstorms last month.
Cachar deputy commissioner S. Viswanathan said, "It is a proud moment in the history of Cachar district today. The administration has been pro-active in maintaining law and order and the effort of each and every official deserves appreciation. Credit also goes to the people of Cachar district who have always been supportive towards the administration."
Suklabaidya said he was optimistic that the Barak Valley and the state would witness remarkable development under the leadership of Sonowal.
Amongst other dignitaries present at the programme were former minister Kabindra Purkayastha, Silchar MLA Dilip Kumar Paul, Borkhola MLA Kishore Nath, Sonai MLA Aminul Haque Laskar, officials from all the three districts of the valley and a few others.