Union home minister P. Chidambaram on Saturday said that Maoists are trying to spread their terror network to destabilise the Northeast, but state governments of the region have been asked to deal firmly with them.
Lauding the Assam government for its steps to check Maoists, Mr Chidambram told reporters at Itanagar that New Delhi was alive to the situation created by such groups in the region and was taking concrete steps to curb them. “There will be no compromise with Maoists trying to destabilise peace in the region and the police has been instructed to take stern action,” he said, claiming that there was minimal presence of Maoists in the region.
Making an appeal to the residents of the frontier state to remain vigilant against the Maoist menace, Mr Chidambram said, “There is no reason to allow such elements (Maoists) to settle in the region and create disturbances.”
The home minister was on a day-long visit of Arunachal Pradesh to review the prevailing law and order situation of Arunachal Pradesh.
In reference to growing activities of Naga rebels in two trouble-torn districts — Tirap and Changlang, Mr Chidambram clarified, “There is no ceasefire agreement as far as Arunachal Pradesh is concerned. We don’t recognise the NSCN (I-M) or NSCN-K’s presence in Arunachal. If they indulge in any activities violating law and order, the state government and state police will take firm action against them.”
Stressing the need of accelerating the modernisation of the state police force to make it capable in handling the changing security scenario, Mr Chidambram, however, said, “I am satisfied with the security system of the state but much more needs to be done. Efforts will continue.”