Laloo Prasad Yadav had his case clear before the Prime Minister today: the clashes in Assam were not between two states; the NDA government was to be blamed for the job crisis in the state that was the root of the problem. The RJD chief made his way to A.B. Vajpayee around 9.30 am, hours ahead of his tour of Assam. He was livid over the plight of Bihari workers in Assam — only two days ago, another 11 Bihari labourers were gunned down, taking the toll to 42. He also took on Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray for his ‘‘irresponsible’’ utterances about throwing out ‘‘Biharis and Hindi-speakers’’ from Maharashtra. ‘‘These people will break the country into pieces,’’ said Laloo, ‘‘and with all the big NDA leaders involved with polls, I don’t know who will save the country.’’ Accompanied by party general secretary and Rajya Sabha MP Prem Gupta, Laloo implored Vajpayee to take urgent action to protect Biharis in Assam. Speaking to The Indian Express over phone from Guwahati, he said: ‘‘This is not an ethnic clash between Biharis and Assamese. It is a fight for meagre job opportunities and the NDA government has failed to provide jobs.’’ Laloo reminded Vajpayee of Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi’s pleas for paramilitary forces. ‘‘Gogoi had assessed in 1999 that he needed at least 180 companies but he has been sanctioned 120 companies so far. Another 12 companies have just arrived but it is not enough.’’ Laloo also trained his guns on the Centre for its ‘‘indifference’’ to the crisis. ‘‘Home Minister L.K. Advani is looking after his own home. He would rather be campaigning than taking charge of such a situation.’’ Vajpayee reportedly asked Laloo to assess the situation on his Assam tour. He is also believed to have complained that he was inundated with demands for more forces. Minister for the Department of Development of N-E Dr C.P. Thakur said his ministry is contemplating a new policy for the safety of ‘‘outsiders’’ in the region, with special reference to Assam. Talking to mediapersons, he said though law and order is a state subject, it doesn’t prevent the Centre from formulating a policy for the safety of countrymen. He said his ministry would prepare a proposal suggesting measures for the safety of outsiders working or settled in the region. Thakur, who led a three-member ministerial team to Assam on Saturday, has also suggested to the Prime Minister that a combing operation be launched to flush out mischief-makers. Thakur maintained that the mass base of the ULFA is eroding; most of them come from Bangladesh and go back after committing crimes. DAY’S DEVELOPMENT: Dhaka raps Thakur z 3 bodies found
