Gogoi asserts National Games will be held as per schedule

New Delhi, Jan 29 (UNI) Dispelling doubts over the holding of the 33rd National Games at Guwahati in the backdrop of ULFA boycott call, Asom Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today asserted that it would be held as per schedule.

Addressing a press conference here, Mr Gogoi said UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi would inaugurate the Games while Prime Minister Manmohan Singh would attend the closing ceremony of the February 9-18 multi-disciplinary event.

''Foolproof secuirty arrangements have been made and there is no question of any apprehension from any quarter,'' Mr Gogoi said.

The Chief Minister said his Government had urged upon the ULFA leadership to give up the boycott call in the interest of the state.

Mr Gogoi said work at all venues were being completed and handed over to the Army for security reasons.

For ensuring total security, additional 20 companies of paramilitary forces were being deployed which would look after the routes of the tourists, athletes and their possible areas of movements in the state, he added.

He also claimed the Games will be a bigger success than the previous ones.

''In the previous National Games there were 28 events. It had been raised to 32, the highest number of events under the aegis of the National Games,'' he added.

Mr Gogoi said it was a great honour bestowed upon the people of Asom to hold the Games and it was their turn now to rise to the occasion and ensure the Games was held successfully.

Responding to another question, Mr Gogoi denied charges that his Government had paid Rs ten crores to ULFA for buying peace during the National Games from February 9 to 18.

He said this was a ''total lie'' and if anybody could prove this he would quit his post.

UNI