No let-up in operation against Assam ultras: Centre

Notwithstanding the recent arrest of several top insurgent leaders from various groups in Assam, there will be no let-up on the counter-insurgency operation in Assam till insurgents give up arms and join the political process, said Union Home Minister P Chidambaram [ Images ].

The home minister, on a visit to Mizoram and Assam, reviewed the insurgency situation in Assam in a meeting with Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi [ Images ] as well the counter-insurgency unified command (UC) structure comprising Army, Police and paramilitary forces at the Raj Bhawan.

"All are aware about dramatic improvement in security situation in Assam. We have been able to apprehend number of leaders of the ULFA, NDFB, DHD(J). In the meetings, we reviewed not only the security situation, but also the political process ( for finding solution to insurgency problem). Security forces have been instructed to continue implement the policy (counter insurgency strategy) in force now," he said.


The home minister asserted, "Insurgency has no place. Insurgents have to lay down arms and join the political process. Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi will decide how the political process will take place in consultation with his cabinet colleagues. Government of India [ Images ] will fully support the state government in taking forward the political process and also help security forces in counter insurgency operations."

The home minister, however, declined to make any comment on the continuing stand-off between the Manipur government and NSCN-IM leader Th Muivah over the latter's proposed visit to his birthplace Somdal in Ukhrul district of Manipur.
K Anurag in Guwahati