New Delhi: Home Minister P Chidambaram
today had some sharp words for the state government for their
handling of police when he said the officials were reduced to
football to be kicked here and there.
"Throughout the last nine months, my effort has been to
impress upon State Governments, the security forces and the
people at large that we can no longer do business as usual. I
cannot claim great success in this regard," he said in his
address at the three-day conference of Directors General and
Inspectors General of Police here.
He highlighted non-constitution of Police Establishment
Board which would decide on transfers and postings. "It is a
matter of deep regret that many police officers have been
reduced to a football, to be kicked here and there, from one
post to another, without regard to the damage done to the job
as well as the officer," he said.
Chidambaram had some blunt questions for the police
chiefs present at the meeting. "I ask you to search your
hearts and answer the question, what is the average length of
tenure of a District Superintendent of Police? What is the
average length of tenure of a Station House Officer?
"Why do you remain silent when arbitrary postings and
transfers are made by the State Government? Is it not your
duty, as the Police Chiefs, to raise your voice not only on
behalf of your officers but also on behalf of the people that
you are duty bound to protect," he asked.
‘Maoists alliance with N-E secessionists’
Maoists are trying to forge an
alliance with insurgents and secessionist elements in the
north-east to expand their network and influence, Home
Minister P Chidambaram said today, reflecting a new security
challenge.
"It(Communist Party of India-Maoist) has been keenly
seeking ideological resonance and tactical understanding with
the north-east insurgents and has begun to lend support to
their secessionist ideology and demands," Chidambaram said,
adding, the Naxals are making a bid to expand their network
and influence in the country.
The Home Minister said Left wing extremism purports to be
a radical form of communism and today, various groups adhering
to this outdated ideology have their pockets of influence in
20 states across the country.
"Over 2,000 police station areas in 223 districts in
these states are partially or substantially affected by the
menace," he said.
Chidambaram said violence, the most visible aspect of
Naxal menace, has been consistently witnessed in about 200
police station areas of around 90 districts in 13 states of
these states.
He said CPI(Maoist) has also improved upon its military
wares and operational tactics.
Besides targeting the police, alleged police informers
and so-called class enemies, it is laying greater emphasis on
attacking economic and development infrastructure such as
roads, bridges, railways, power and telecommunication
networks, he said.
‘Arms in SE Asia sustaining NE militancy’
The Centre today said insurgency
in the North-East has been sustained due to the extensive
international border which the militants could freely cross
over and take shelter in the neighbouring countries where arms
and ammunition are easily available.
Inaugurating a three-day conference of Directors General
and Inspectors General of police, Home Minister P Chidambaram
described endemic insurgencies in the North-East as yet
another security challenge before the country.
"Insurgency in the North-East has been sustained to a
significant extent due to an extensive international border,
safe sanctuaries in the neighbouring countries and easy
availability of sophisticated arms in South-East Asia," he
said.
Chidambaram said large scale diversion of development
funds to the militants gives them easy access to critical
resources which helps them recruit new cadres as well as
procure arms.
"This Conference should dwell on finding workable ways
and means to curb illegal diversion of funds to the
militants," he said.
Chidambaram said the trend of gradual deterioration in
security situation during the last several years seems to have
been checked this year with relative decline in overall
violence.
"Sharp shrinkage in social resonance has rendered ULFA a
much weaker organisation. A significant chunk of the NDFB
choosing to abjure violence and seek redressal through
constitutionally available means has marginalised the
anti-talks faction and has led to a perceptible reduction in
violence in lower Assam," he said.
Maintaining that the hill districts continues to remain
disturbed, he said the government welcomes the recent decision
of the DHD(J) to surrender arms, remain in camps and talk to
the Government of Assam on their demands.
"The security situation has improved perceptibly in
Meghalaya and Tripura where insurgencies have been contained.
Regretfully, Manipur remains resistant to counter-insurgency
interventions. It is the most insurgency-affected state in the
North-East," he said.
Bureau Report
