Assam Governor Janaki Ballav Patnaik said the State government has achieved a significant milestone in tackling militancy. Unfurling the National tri-colour in Guwahati, Mr. Patnaik said, the multi-pronged strategy adopted by the Government in the form of sustained development efforts along with the counter-insurgency operations, paid a rich dividend which has been reflected in laying down of arms by most of the major militant groups in the State within last few months. the doors are always open for talks and called upon all other militant groups who have not yet laid down arms to shun the path of violence and come forward for negotiated settlement of their demands within the framework of the Constitution. AIR Correspondent reports that the Republic Day celebration was peaceful across the State despite a boycott call by several militant outfits of the North-East. Highlighting the developments in the State, Mr. Patnaik mentioned that Assam has achieved the third highest rate of progress among all states of the Country in Human Development Index in 2011.