Maoists a big problem: Tarun Gogoi

Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Tuesday said the presence of Maoists in the state was a "big problem" and promised measures to tackle it. "Although militancy is on the wane of late, which is a positive sign, Maoists are causing a big problem. However, the government is determined to tackle it," Gogoi told reporters here.

Gogoi said the matter had been taken up with the Centre which was convinced of the seriousness of the threat. "All steps will be taken to contain their activity," he promised. Asked about last year`s clash between illegal immigrants and Bodos in lower Assam, particularly in the areas under the Bodoland Territorial Autonomous District, the chief minister admitted that there were "certain problems". "Those have to be sorted out to maintain peace in the area," he said. PTI