"The Numaligarh Oil Refinery (NIL), the fourth in Assam, will pave a new way in fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Assam", said Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee. The Prime Minister’s optimism was well reflected in his speech during the inaugural function. Mr. Vajpayee was addressing a large gathering on July 9, at the Late Kunjan Tea Estate near the NIL complex after dedicating it to the nation. The Centre offered the refinery to Assam through the Assam Accord in 1985.

The Prime Minister said that Assam had vast natural resources which required to be fully exploited for the all round development of the State. Mr. Vajpayee stressed that science and technology should be developed for speedy progress of the country. The Prime Minister was hopeful that the refinery would provide the much needed fillip to the process of industrialisation process with more employment opportunities to the local youths. Special attention has been paid to ensure the ecological balance of the world famous Kaziranga sanctuary, he informed.

Responding to a request by Assam Chief Minister Prafulla Mahanta, the Prime Minister declared that Rs. 100 crore loan to the Numaligarh Refinery would be converted as grant. Referring to the heavy expenditure incurred by the country for importing crude oil from outside, the Prime Minister stated that his Government had laid maximum emphasis on exploration of oil and natural gas to meet the country’s requirement.

Earlier, Mr. Vajpayee paid homage to the jawans who laid down their lives in the Kargil front. He also paid homage to Captain Jintu Gogoi, who hailed from the same district. The Prime Minister met the parents of the Captain.