On first meeting with PM, Assam CM discusses militancy

On Monday, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed the need to set up a comprehensive and coordinated strategy to nip the problem of extremism in the North-East in the bud.  

Gogoi discussed the need to set up a counter-insurgency coordination mechanism and the need for diplomatic coordination with neighbouring countries to tackle the problem of insurgency and militancy.

Apprising the PM of the growth of Left wing extremism in some parts of Assam, Gogoi requested Modi to include two districts, namely Tinsukia and Dibrugarh within the ambit of the Integrated Action Plan to combat extremism in the area.

“Of late, the trend of left wing extremists seeking to join hands with militants and insurgents has become noticeable. We would urge for a comprehensive and coordinated strategy between the Centre and state governments to nip this issue in the bud,” Gogoi told Modi.

The Assam CM also asked for the Centre’s help to augment the state police forces and assistance from the Ministry of Home Affairs to raise India Reserve battalions in Assam.

He also further requested the PM to focus on the development of Assam, especially on border areas that have been considered breeding grounds of insurgency owing to lack of development. “The problem of militancy is a reflection on the lack of development that continues to affect the state. There needs to be increased emphasis on infrastructure and employment generation. In addition, there has to be much greater focus on the border areas’ development, on account of their remoteness and isolation. In this way, we 
believe that people would themselves become part of the fight against militants,” Gogoi submitted to PM Modi. 

Image: Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi. Photograph: PIB