‘Onus of Taking Talk Process Forward is With Assam Govt’

Guwahati, May 25 : The security scenario in Assam has seen a “dramatic” improvement following the apprehension of top rebel leaders and the onus is on the state government now to take the political process forward, Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram on Tuesday said.

“There has been a dramatic improvement in the security scenario in Assam. We have been able to apprehend a number of leaders of major groups -- ULFA, NDFB, DHD-J. It is now time to move the political process forward,” Mr. Chidambaram said.

“Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi will decide on how talks will proceed, when they will talk to the groups, what the conditions are regarding talks and who they will talk to,” he said.

“The onus of taking the peace process forward is with the state government and the government of India will extend all support to it,” he told reporters at a five-minute briefing.

The Hindu Union Home Minister with Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi address the media during his visit to Assam on Tuesday. Photo: Ritu Raj Konwar

“Security forces will continue with their operations. Insurgency has no place in our society. Insurgents must lay down arms or security forces will continue with their mandate,” Mr. Chidambaram said.

He was speaking after reviewing the security scenario with Mr. Gogoi and the Unified Command Structure at the Raj Bhavan here.

Mr. Chidambaram said he had also visited Mizoram, but could not beyond Aizawl due to inclement weather.

“Altogether 209 Bru families have already returned to Mizoram so far and more are likely to come soon. We hope the process continues and they are resettled and rehabilitated adequately,” he said.

Stating that Mizoram was now totally free from insurgency and hoped that this continued, Mr. Chidambaram appreciated Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla’s efforts for the return of the Bru refugees who had fled to Tripura following communal disturbances, saying that he was “totally committed to their return“.

He said he also discussed issues like border outposts, border fencing, modernisation of the police force, besides taking stock of their requirements with Lal Thanhawla.

Mr. Chidambaram, however, declined, to speak about the Manipur-Nagaland imbroglio saying that he had not here to discuss the issue.