NEW DELHI, March 4 — While ruling out the possibility of creation of an autonomous State for the hill districts of Assam, Minister of Home Affairs (MHA) has clarified that though ceasefire pact is in operation with Dima Halam Daogah (DHD) and United Peoples Democratic Solidarity (UPDS), formal peace talks are yet to start. In a written reply to a question tabled by Dr Jayanta Rongpi in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister of State for Home, ID Swami has clarified that at present, there is no proposal for creation of autonomous State within Assam under Article 244 (A) of the Constitution.
The Minister of State’s reply was reiteration of the stated policy of Central Government on creation of an autonomous State of Karbi Anglong and North Cachar Hills. The Centre is insisting that Assam Legislative Assembly should pass a resolution supporting creation of a separate State.
Meanwhile, Sri Swami said that although the Central Government has entered into a ceasefire agreement with both factions of the NSCN, DHD and UPDS, formal peace talks has taken place only with the NSCN (I-M) group. The Minister also confirmed that the NSCN (I-M) during the Delhi round talks raised the issue of unification of Naga inhabited areas and safeguarding the distinct identity of the Nagas.
During a Question Hour discussion in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Home Affairs, Harin Pathak said conceded that the neighbouring countries were still encouraging insurgents groups in their activities. The Central Government has laid special focus on border management, coastal security and strengthened the intelligence gathering machinery, he said, referring to the measures taken to tackle the problem. He also claimed the Centre has been regularly sharing intelligence with the States. All the State Governments have been advised to tone up their special branches, he added.
Referring to the problem of infiltrating across the border Sri Pathak said that influx from Bangladesh into West Bengal and Tripura was still high. Earlier, Trinamool Congress chief, Mamata Banerjee said unabated infiltration from across the border has led to serious problems not only in West Bengal but also the North Eastern States. She alleged that foreign currency were in circulation in North Bengal and North-East.
Charging the Left Front Government of turning a blind eye to the problem of infiltration she accused it of having their names enrolled in the voters list. She wanted the Central Government to clarify its Action Plan on tackling the problem of cross border terrorism and infiltration from across the border.
Meanwhile, in a separate reply, Sri Pathak said that all the States have been advised to review the security arrangements to prevent suicidal attacks in the future and minimise the damage during actual attacks. The various aspects including the strategies and modus operandi adopted by the Islamic terrorist groups in different suicidal attacks in the country have been studied by the Centre and the States have been advised to review the security arrangements, he added.