AMN / GUWAHATI

Assam Chief Minister Sarbanand Sonowal has welcomed the Union Cabinet’s decision to implement the Assam Accord signed in 1985. He said the Cabinet’s decision is a historic step to safeguard and protect the interest and cultural and linguistic identity of the indigenous people of the state.

The Union Cabinet yesterday approved the setting up a high-level committee for implementation of clause 6 of the Assam Accord and measures envisaged in the Memorandum of Settlement, 2003 and other issues related to the Bodo community.

“Welcoming the decisions, Mr Sonowal said this is a New Year’s gift to the people of the state from the Centre. He said the Cabinet decision will go a long way in securing the future of all indigenous communities of the state. Assam state BJP President Ranjeet Kumar Dass has also welcomed the decision.