Saturday, February 11 2006 14:52 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Tezpur (Assam): Congress supremo Sonia Gandhi today (Feb 11 2006) kicked off her party's assembly election campaign in the state urging the people to remain vigilant against the 'communal and evil forces' at large during the hustings.

"Assam in particular and the North East region in general is an example of secularism. But now the people will have to be aware that the communal and evil forces will be at large, particularly as election is around," warned Gandhi at a public rally here.

"But I know the people will realise the real character of the evil forces and defeat their nefarious designs," she said.

Gandhi also claimed, "Since the Congress Government came to power in Assam five years ago, the law and order situation had totally changed for the better."

Attacking the previous Asom Gana Parishad Government, she said, "During the AGP Government the people were afraid to come out of their houses after dark. Now is not the case".

On the ailing tea industry in the state, she said, "I am aware that the tea industry here is facing a problem. However, the UPA Government has taken up the responsibility and the commerce ministry is soon going to announce a package to ease the situation."