Source: The Sangai Express / PTI
Shillong, October 30 2009:
Key security issues, including possible proliferation of Maoists activities and the looming jehadi threat, came under scanner at a meeting of top security officials of the Eastern region that began today.
At the inaugural function of the two-day conference, additional director of Intelligence Bureau RN Ravi said Northeast is afflicted with insurgencies and other security issues.
Admitting that the Northeast rebel groups had support from abroad, Ravi said the problem of insurgency is endemic and while countering the problem, it should be ensured that the
civil population is not affected.
He contended that the police in each State were better suited to tackle militants rather than other security forces and underlined that stress should be given on regional coordination among the forces.
Effective border (both inter-State and international) management, illegal migration and jehadi terrorism would be the key issues discussed during the conference, besides police modernisation.
With Maoists active in West Bengal, the presence of State police chief Bhupinder Singh at the conference was quite significant.
Referring to the Maoist problem in West Bengal, Meghalaya DGP SB Kakati feared that the proliferation of Left-wing extremists in that State may have an implication in the Northeast.
"We have to find a synergy in approach towards tackling this problem," Kakati said in his inaugural address.
"Northeast rebel groups, particularly those in Manipur and Nagaland were trying to establish links with Maoists.
It is not clear whether they have forged any working links," an official at the meeting said, requesting anonymity.
Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister BM Lanong said the groups operating in the region have hidden agenda and have nexus with groups in countries like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal.
The region is very vulnerable to jehadi strikes, he said, claiming that there was lack of coordination between the border guarding forces and the State police forces.
Top officials from BSF, Army, CRPF, Assam Rifles, intelligence agencies and DGPs of all Northeast States, including West Bengal are attending the meeting.
The Research and Development Wing (RAW) will also make a presentation during the conference.