GUWAHATI, Jan 13 — The State Government will not compromise on the territorial integrity of the State in view of the demand for a greater Nagaland by the NSCN(I-M). Addressing the inaugural function of the 6th Brahmaputra Beach Festival here this afternoon, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi in presence of the Deputy Prime Minister LK Advani said, “we will oppose integration of all Naga inhabitated areas as demanded by the NSCN(I-M) leaders as it will create more problem for the State. We will not compromise on our territorial integrity.” He, however, hailed the peace process with the NSCN(I-M) which, he termed, as the mother of insurgency in the region. He hoped that the peace talks with the NSCN(I-M) would have a positive impact on other insurgent outfits like the ULFA and the NDFB.
About proposed inter-linking of river basins of the country, the Chief Minister later told newsmen that the State Government would not oppose it if the process of inter-linking of rivers did not jeopardise the interests of the State. On law and order front the Chief Minister today submitted before the Deputy Prime Minister that: the militants have set up bases in neighbouring States and countries. ULFA, NDFB and KLO have set up many camps in Bhutan. There is also collaboration, abetted by the ISI, between the different north-eastern militant groups. Moreover, the NSCN(I-M) and NSCN(K) are indulging in militant activities in Assam near the Assam-Nagaland border. It has become imperative that dedicated forces are deployed to guard the international border with Bhutan. A network of border roads may also be constructed to facilitate quick movement of security personnel. The militancy in Assam cannot be fought effectively without guarding the Indo-Bhutan international border and the closing of militants’ camps in Bhutan.
The assessment of the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding the requirement of Central Para Military Forces (PMF) deployment for Assam is 180 companies. However, the effective strength of the CPMF in Assam is much less. Therefore additional companies of CPMF are urgently required in Assam. The North Bengal corridor which is now being used by militants of different States as a meeting ground and an entry route from foreign countries may also be declared as a disturbed area. The Central Government may also bring about a coordinated and holistic anti-militancy strategy for the North East region as a whole. In addition, the option of negotiations for the sake of accelerated peace and normalcy may also be explored. The CM urged the Deputy PM to take necessary steps regarding these problems faced by the State.