Imphal, November 21, 2009: The Assam Rifles-a paramilitary force actively involved in counter insurgency operations in the North-East including the state - is too soon to have its own commando units christened "Red Commando".

This was confirmed by Inspector General of Assam Rifles, (South), Maj Gen AK Choudhary, today at an interaction programme with media persons of the state today at the Auditorium of Headquarters IGAR (S) located at Mantripukhri here.

Maj Gen AK Choudhary, said raising up of commando units of the Assam Rifles has been approved in principle.

The same would be materialised soon, The AR commandos would be assigned to perform specific tasks relating to counter-insurgency operations.

He said, the 'Red Commando' units will be set up in line with other commando units of the paramilitary forces like the Cobra Forces of the CRPF, NSG, etc.

As the setting up of the commando units of Assam Rifles gets approval from the authority concerned, the same would soon be a reality.

In a free-wheel interaction with the media today, Gen Choudhary said, gradual improvement in security problem has been seen in the state in recent times.

But things that can't be solved militarily including extortion are a problem in the state.

He noted that there is no permanent camp of militants in the state.

Saying that the primary tasks of the AR are to ensure security and to get involved in developmental activities on its capacity, the general said free movement of militants has been restricted.

But extortions are prevalent in the state.

Maj Gen AK Choudhary reiterated that the problem of insurgency can't be solved through military might alone.

He said, improvement in all fronts like education and social sectors would greatly help in solving the problem.

He also said, the AR has maintained professionalism in dealing the militancy problems so as to avoid collateral damages.

In what could be the last interaction with the media persons of the state during his tenure as the IGAR (S) here, Gen Choudhary observed that media of the state is stagnant.

He urged the media to be more vibrant and be able to connect the state with the rest of the country.

He further urged the media to do justice to its duties.

Talks with one group of the militant outfits operating in the state would be finalised soon, he said.

He noted that violence level in areas occupied by signatory armed groups of the Suspension of Operation (SoO) witnessed gradual decline.

"The violence level has come down," he said.

He also said that the recovery of over Rs 4 crore in bank fraud case recently in Churachandpur was an indication that SoO is a productive.

The IGAR also extended warm welcome to those militant groups who desire to begin peaceful negotiation.

"The AR cannot accept any fake encounter," Maj Gen Choudhary said on allegations hurled against the AR of staging fake encounters.

Replying to a journalist's query on his assessment of the Manipur Police force, Gen Choudhary commented, "The works of the Manipur police are commendable." "They (Police) are effective.

If provided more guidance, they could be the best police force in the entire country," he said.

Interaction on wide ranging issues including his happiest and saddest moments during his stint as the IGAR (S) here, AR organisational set-up, fake encounters, etc were held.

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