MHA steps up vigil along N-E borders

New Delhi: Union home minister Rajnath Singh has directed security agencies to increase surveillance along the borders in the entire Northeast. The directions were issued during a high-level meeting chaired by the home minister to review security in Northeastern India.

Security and intelligence agencies gave an elaborate presentation to the home minister on the prevailing law and order situation in the region, particularly related to militancy. Sources said that the situation was largely well under control as no major terror incidents has been reported from the region in the past few months and security forces were maintaining constant pressure on the militant groups operating in Northeast.

In addition, the home ministry was also briefed about efforts being made for ceasefire with some of the outfits. “We are talking to a number of outfits like Bodos, NSCN and a faction of ULFA with sole objective of bringing peace to the region where development activity has also been affected due to violence in last several years. The Centre is clear that the entire Northeast region should be roped into national mainstream for which it is imperative to bring peace to the region,” a senior home ministry official said.

Intense efforts are being made to normalise situation in Manipur as the state has witnessed a long economic blockade by Naga outfits. Since the blockade has now been lifted, sources said all out efforts are being made to bring Manipur back on track.

Apart from Manipur, the home minister was specifically briefed about the prevailing security situation in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland which are more affected due to militancy as compared to other states in the region.

Sources said the home minister specifically instructed border guarding forces to ensure that no infiltration takes place from across the border for which security should be enhanced along the international border. The entire region is “extremely sensitive” since borders of China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Myanmar touch the area.

Apart from militancy smuggling of arms and ammunition, fake Indian currency and cattle is a big challenge for security forces along the border. Most terror outfits operating in North-East have set up camps in neighbouring countries like Myanmar, Bangladesh and China where the Paresh Baruah-led faction ULFA is said to be operating from.