Concerned over the sudden upsurge in militant violence in Assam and neighbouring Nagaland, the Centre on Wednesday decided to dispatch nearly 5,000 additional para-military personnel and deploy helicopters as part of its multi-pronged strategy to deal with the situation.

Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil, who paid a two-day visit to Assam and Nagaland to assess the situation after a series of bomb blasts claimed over 60 lives, discussed the situation at a high-level meeting attended by Army Chief N C Vij, Intelligence Bureau Director A K Doval, Home Secretary Dhirendra Singh and other senior officials of his ministry.

Later, Patil said investigations were on to identify those responsible for these acts of violence.

Special Secretary Anil Choudhary said as part of the strategy to tackle the situation government would strengthen the intelligence set-up, increase the presence of armed forces and activate the Unified Headquarters in Assam.

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