Guwahati: The security scenario in Assam
has seen a "dramatic" improvement following the apprehension
of top rebels leaders and the onus is on the state government
now to take the political process forward, Union Home Minister
P Chidamabaram today said.
"There has been a dramatic improvement in the security
scenario in Assam. We have been able to apprehend a number of
leaders of major groups -- ULFA, NDFB, DHD-J. It is now time
to move the political process forward," Chidamabaram said.
"Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi will decide on how
talks will proceed, when they will talk to the groups, what
the conditions are regarding talks and who they will talk
to," he said.
"The onus of taking the peace process forward is with
the state government and the government of India will extend
all support to it," he told reporters at a five-minute
briefing.
"Security forces will continue with their operations.
Insurgency has no place in our society. Insurgents must lay
down arms or security forces will continue with their
mandate," Chidamabaram said.
He was speaking after reviewing the security scenario
with Gogoi and the Unified Command Structure at the Raj Bhavan
here.
Chidambaram said he had also visited Mizoram, but
could not beyond Aizawl due to inclement weather.
"Altogether 209 Bru families have already returned to
Mizoram so far and more are likely to come soon. We hope the
process continues and they are resettled and rehabilitated
adequately," he said.
Stating that Mizoram was now totally free from
insurgency and hoped that this continued, Chidambaram
appreciated Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla`s efforts for
the return of the Bru refugees who had fled to Tripura
following communal disturbances, saying that he was "totally
committed to their return".
He said he also discussed issues like border outposts,
border fencing, modernisation of the police force, besides
taking stock of their requirements with Lal Thanhawla.
Chidambaram, however, declined, to speak about the
Manipur-Nagaland imbroglio saying that he had not here to
discuss the issue.
PTI
