Assam government will withdraw one lakh minor cases, including those filed for social media posts, to reduce the burden on the lower judiciary, announced Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday.
Speaking at a flag hoisting ceremony held in Guwahati to mark the 76th Independence Day, Sarma said there are about four lakh cases pending in the lower judiciary.
He said the government has decided that minor cases registered before midnight of August 14, 2021, will be withdrawn, adding that this will enable the judiciary to focus on more heinous crimes such as rapes and murders.
In an apparent message to militant groups ULFA(I) and NSCN who called for a 'boycott'' of Independence Day celebrations and 'total shutdown' in Assam and other Northeastern states, Sarma asserted that Assam is an integral part of India and that those who are still dreaming of "sovereignty" should return to the discussion table.
The mass participation in the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' programme in the state since Saturday has brought to fore the patriotic feeling that is inherent in each person's heart, the chief minister said.
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"The love people displayed for the Tricolour over the last three days proves Assam is always with India," Sarma said.
(With inputs from PTI)