Guwahati, Aug 18: The recent bomb threat by ULFA (I) could significantly impact Assam’s investment scenario by creating an environment of uncertainty and fear, Assam Tourism Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah said here on Saturday.
The anti-talk faction of ULFA has claimed to have planted bombs in 24 locations of Assam as a mark of protest against the Independence Day celebrations on August 15 prompting the state police to announce Rs 5 lakh in reward to anyone providing information on the 24 bomb-like devices planted at several places in the state.
“The ULFA bomb threat can indeed send a negative message to potential investors, making them reconsider their decisions and perceive Assam as a state still grappling with insurgency and violence. This perception could undo the progress made in recent years under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s leadership, where a more stable and investment-friendly environment was cultivated,” Baruah told reporters in the sideline of a programme to distribute sanction letters to 34 selected tea gardens under Phase II of the Assam Tea Tourism Development Scheme in Guwahati on Saturday.
“Over the past three years, Assam has seen increased efforts to attract investments, with the state government actively promoting Assam as a peaceful and viable destination for businesses. However, incidents like this threaten to vitiate that positive atmosphere, potentially leading investors to question the long-term stability and security of their investments,” the Minister said.
“Assam is indeed on a promising path toward development, with significant investments, like the Rs 27,000 crore semiconductor project, marking a new era of economic progress for the state. This project, in particular, is a monumental step forward, positioning Assam as a key player in India’s tech and manufacturing sectors.,” he said.
The minister distributed sanction letters to 34 selected tea gardens under Phase II of the Assam Tea Tourism Development Scheme.
“This is a significant stride towards transforming Assam’s tea heritage into a world-class tourism destination. By fostering socio-economic growth in rural communities and preserving our rich history, we are poised to see Assam’s tea tourism flourish globally,” he said.
Earlier, the state government had aided 22 tea gardens under Phase I of the scheme.
“This year 37 tea estates have been selected. The sanction letters have been distributed among 34 tea estates. Each state will get Rs 2 crore subsidy under the programme,” he said.
The minister also said the state will promote river tourism in six places of interest with the help of Sagarmala Ltd from this year.
“We have already signed an agreement with Sagarmala Ltd to promote river tourism in six state destinations. By developing a circuit that includes key destinations like Umananda, Ashwaklanta, and Auniati Sattra, and connecting them to the iconic Kamakhya Temple, Assam is poised to attract both domestic and international tourists,” he said.
“We are also promoting Chapori tourism for three months starting in November. This is an excellent initiative to highlight Assam’s unique riverine landscapes and cultural heritage. The Chaporis, or river islands of the Brahmaputra,” he also said.
Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC) chairman Rituporna Baruah, tourism principal secretary JB Ekka, and ATDC managing director Kumar Padmapani were present in the programme.
