GUWAHATI, April 9 : Coming down heavily on the Opposition parties for their hue and cry on the current law-and-order situation in the State, Asom Governor SC Mathur today asked them as to why they had failed to tackle terror during their ten-year rule in the State. He, however, said being the constitutional head of the State he does not take any side.

Talking to newsmen at Raj Bhavan today, Mathur said: “The need of the hour is cooperation from all, including the media. No party should play politics with the current situation in the State, as that will only harm the interest of the common people. Local committees should be formed as is the case in Punjab. Such committees should inform the police of all developments in their respective areas. Such committees have scripted a success story in Punjab.”

While appealing to the rebel groups of the State to join the mainstream of society, the Governor said rehabilitation packages are a must for surrendered rebels. “I take the responsibility of taking up the issue of rehabilitation packages for surrendered militants with the State and the Central governments. A State-level committee should also be formed for the purpose. We should see that the rebels get bank loans after their surrender. When a youth don’t have to think for his livelihood, naturally he will be less inclined towards rebel groups.”

On the current law-and-order situation in the State, the Governor said: “I have asked the DGP this morning as to why the police can’t stop blasts in the State. He said the militants have changed their modus operandi. In the recent blast at Maligaon in Guwahati, the bomb was planted under the seat of a bicycle.”

Replying to a query from reporters, Mathur said: “We aren’t secure today. Safety of the common people is under threat.” When asked whether he is defending the Congress by questioning the role of the Opposition parties, the Governor said: “I am the constitutional head of the State. I don’t take any side.”

When he was repeatedly asked about Independent MLAs Jiten Gogoi and Kushal Duori against whom arrest warrants have been issued for violation of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, an evasive Governor said: “I have done my duty by asking the government to arrest the two MLAs. They will be arrested soon.”

When asked on the reasons behind the failure on the part of the government to arrest NC Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC) Chief Executive Member (CEM) Mohet Hojai for his alleged links with rebel groups, the Governor said: “I have done my duty. Hojai will be arrested soon.”