Shillong, September 05, 2009: The Inspector General, Assam Rifles (South), Maj Gen AK Choudhary, avsm, sm, vsm has said that "insurgency can not be solved by the military action alone".

"It can only be solved throught development, education, social upliftment, good governance and timely political dialogue along with concurrent military/police action to give violence level under control," Maj Gen Choudhary said.

He was answering to questions placed by Regional News Unit, All India Radio, Imphal during an exclusive interview on September 4.The following is the unabridged version of the interview which has been made available by the PRO, IG AR (South), courtesy Nando Singh, News Editor AIR, Imphal.

The interview will be broadcast on AIR, Imphal shortly.

The interview follows:

AIR, Imphal: Assam Rifles had made some major successes in the counter insurgency operations in Manipur in the past.

In that light, what is your overall assessment of the counter insurgency operations in the state?

Maj Gen Choudhary: With the concerted efforts of Army, Assam Rifles and the Police.

There have been a no of successful operations against militants operating in Manipur.The Assam Rifles in particular has carried out very effective operations against armed terrorists whether it is in the valley, or in far flung areas of hill districts and in the close vicinity of borders with Myanmar.

Resultantly as you are all aware, all the areas of Manipur have been cleared of militant domination and many of them have started operating from temporary camps from Myanmar.

Recent conduct of free and peaceful elections in the state bears testimony to the prevailing security sit and professional conduct of all Govt machineries.

The militants are under pressure and resorting to attacking the hapless civilians mainly for extortion purposes.

In my opinion I feel that since armed action by terrorists is effectively under control, there is a need for synergized action by the Govt and all other agencies including the security Forces towards good governance, improving the law & order situation, education & developmental activities.

On the specific security situation front I feel that we must concentrate on the following:-

(a) Effective counter measures against over ground workers who I call the white collared terrorists.

These are the culprits who are assisting the terrorists in generation of funds whether by extortion or by siphoning off developmental funds by taking contracts with the support of terrorist groups in connivance with some people in the administration with dubious vested interests.

(b) Quick and adequate rehabilitations pgme for those militants who have surrendered or are in the talks with the Govt.

(c) Initiate talks with UG gps who want to join the main stream.

I must add here that there are a No of Int inputs to suggest that the majority of rank and file of almost all groups are disenchanted with the false promises made to them while recruiting them and are keen to join the main stream and live peacefully with their families.

AIR, Imphal: Insurgent activities have been checked to a great extent.

But extortion is on the rise, kidnapping ransom is also increasing?

Maj Gen Choudhary: As I have already mentioned, extortion is an easy way of making money and basically a law and order problem.

Extortion is basically continuing because of the OGW networks who are the `white collar terrorists' who ensure funding of the militants.

The prevailing atmosphere has also facilitated a large number of anti social elements to indulge in extortion taking advantage of the situation.

There is a need for sustained Govt action to combat these elements.

We all have to initiate strict measures against these elements and cooperation from the local populace is a must in this regard.

I would love to see articles in the news papers stating JACs formed against extortion and coercive activities of the militants.

AIR, Imphal: Do you have any plan to check large scale extortion?

Maj Gen Choudhary: The issue mainly pertains to initiation of planned deliberate action by the Govt. We as SFs are carrying out counter insurgency/ counter terrorist operations, mainly involving military action against armed militants.

We are always prepared to provide all possible assistance in countering this menace of extortion.

AIR, Imphal: In view of the improved situation and necessary amendment in the CrPC Act in 2008 particularly Section 41, do you still consider the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (1958) necessary in the counter insurgency operations in Manipur ?

Maj Gen Choudhary: I will take this opportunity to clarify some facets of this issue.I entirely agree that if the security situation is fully under control and can be handled by the state law enforcing agencies, CPOs & PMF within the ambit of CrPC and other acts, there is no need to enforce AFSPA and call the Army/ SF in aid to civil authority.

The question here is that whether the situation can be controlled within the ambit of laws available with the state Govt ? I would like to ask you or a normal citizen this question that do you feel that security situation in Manipur is normal and can be handled without the help of Armed Forces? If you ask any normal citizen who is not connected with militancy, he wants security against militancy and is looking forward to development and economic sustenance.

My experience is that whenever we move out any Army/ Assam Rifles post from any area, the local populace have come out openly asking them to continue.

They know that the moment these troops mov out anarchy would prevail and they will be under the grips of militants who are non accountable.

The second point I wish to highlight that today's terrorists are armed to the teeth with latest sophisticated weapons and are left with no morality.

In many cases they are being funded and helped by organizations being inimical to our National interest.

Under these conditions the soldiers must act swiftly & effectively with specificpowers.

You need extraordinary powers to deal with an extra ordinary situation However, it does not give the security forces right to violate rules of operational engagement for which there are enough checks & balances in our system.

I would like to assure you that whenever any soldier or officer violates these norms immediate action is taken against them.

There is also a need to ensure that militant groups and their fronts in the society do not exploit an odd incident of violation of code for their agenda which is against the security of the populace, state and the Nation.

AIR, Imphal: Insurgency problem is in fact a political one.

It cannot be solved by the gun or force, therefore isn't if the right time for negotiated settlement of the problem in Manipur?

Maj Gen Choudhary: I entirely agree with you.

The insurgency cannot be solved by the military action alone.

Military action is reqd mainly to combat armed militants so that sit can be brought to a level where the law and order can be maint by the state administration.

The problem of insurgency can only be solved through development, education, social upliftment, good Governance and timely political dialogue along with concurrent mil/ police action to keep violence level under control.

I feel in Manipur today the militant organizations are on the back foot and are unable to carry out effective operations.

There have also been indications from some of the groups who are open to negotiations with the govt. The SOO with Kuki groups has already brought down the level of violence in the major portion of the hills and one of of the VBIG's is also carrying out talks with the govt. I feel time is now ripe for initiation of talks with groups who want to join the main stream within the preview of the constitution of the country.

AIR, Imphal: The civic action programmes of the Armed Forces are quite commendable.

People definitely appreciate them.

But it is far too short in view of the existing communication gap between the Armed Forces and the people.

In order to narrow it down, are you making a specific effort to reach out to the common man? Maj Gen Choudhary: At the outset, I would like to thank for the appreciation of our efforts and it'll be our endeavour to continue our effort and further improve the conduct of civic action pgme.

The basic policy of MCA is to reach out to the far flung area the civil administration has not been able to go.

However I would also like to bring to your notice that we as security forces can only do these activities in a limited way due to our involvement in main task of counter insurgency and also availability of limited funds.

Whereas we would continue in our endeavour to carry out effective civic action pgme, the issue of devp has to be tackled by the Govt with the help and cooperation of the public.

On our part, we would try and take more MCA projects in consultation with local populace so that optimum results and its utility can be ensured.

AIR, Imphal: Finally, do you have any message for the youth?

Maj Gen Choudhary: You are the pillars of the Nation.

The potential of human resources in Manipur is tremendous in terms of talent, intellect and emotional quotient.

The standards achieved by the youth of Manipur whether in the field of education, sports, cultural and social activities and specifically their contribution to the Armed Forces has been outstanding.

I personally am thoroughly impressed and fascinated towards the youth of Manipur and have often expressed my appreciation towards them in various forums.

I take this opportunity to convey the following :-

(a) Choose the path of progress and development.

Do not get way laid by elements inimical to the interest of the society and the Nation.

(b) Direct your energy towards education & co curricular activities and excel in every field which you are capable of.

(c) You know what is right and what is wrong.

Do not get exploited by organizations / groups who want to retard the process of security stabilization & development.

(d) Fulfill the dreams of your parents.

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