Cong not to allow repeal of IMDT Act

RAJIV GANDHI NAGAR, March 17: The Congress today resolved that it will never allow repeal of the act pertaining to detection and deportation of illegal migrants from Assam. In its political resolution, the Congress said it would ensure that as in the past, the foreigners who had entered the State illegally and were staying there were detected and deported in accordance with the provisions of the Illegal migrants (Determination by Tribunals) Act. The Congress also called for according the highest priority for resolving the problems facing the north-east and fulfilling the pledges made to the people of the region for their socio-economic development. Unless peace and normalcy were restored in that part of the country, no progress was expected to be achieved. There was an urgent need for integrated development of the region. The Congress would constitute a high-power committee to go into the problems and suggest measures how to resolve the same, the resolution said. With reference to Assam, where Assembly elections are due next month, the Congress condemned the AGP government for its failure to protect the minorities. While the people belonging to the linguistic and religious minorities lived in the State "under a pall of fear and uncertainty", terrorists had let loose a reign of terror. The "incompetent State government" had not been able to hold panchayat elections. Despite repeated demands, President's rule could not be imposed as the AGP government was being protected by the Centre, the resolution said.