Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh at a press conference in New Delhi (Photo: PTI)Most conflicts in the Northeastern region have socio-economic reasons behind them and these reasons have been there since even before Independence, according to Home Minister Rajnath Singh. Intelligence Bureau Director Syed Asif Ibrahim on the other hand said the Northeast situation was “fragile” despite several groups talking peace with the government.
Addressing the All-India Conference of DGS and IGPs Singh said these socio-economic disparities have existed due to lack of development in the region.
“The level of development, including infrastructure development, has not been as satisfactory as it should have been. Some conflicts have roots in these socio-economic reasons. This is a matter of concern. It is not an exaggeration that these disparities have existed since even before independence,” Singh said.
He also expressed concern over incidents of violence carried out by various groups in the region despite peace talks, ceasefire and suspension of operation by several of these groups. “The government has been talking to some groups while some others are either in ceasfire or have declared suspension of violence on their own. But despite that, extortion and other incidents have been on,” Singh said.
Focus on coastal security
Home Minister Rajnath Singh called upon the All-India DGPs and IGPs Conference to focus more on coastal security, by particularly pointing out that while the major ports are always well-secured, there are over 200 minor ports and 1,500 landing points which still appear vulnerable and require more attention. “Remember, the 1993 Mumbai attacks and the 2008 attacks? Both were carried out through the sea route. We have over 7,500 km of coastline. I am not happy with the security arrangement for our minor ports…we need to hammer out a new strategy,” he said.
‘Fresh strategy for Maoists’
Although the number of killings by Left-Wing extremist groups has gone down in the recent months, especially because of shrinkage of their areas of operation, the security forces need to draw up a fresh strategy to tackle the Maoists more effectively, Intelligence Bureau chief Syed Asif Ibrahim said here on Saturday. Speaking at the DGPs and IGPs conference, Ibrahim said increasing number of deserters, shortage of arms and ammunition and a crisis of leadership have together contributed to reduction of Maoist activities. The IB Director identified giving a bigger role to the state police forces as a key component in tackling Left-Wing extremism.
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