Source: The Sangai Express
Dimapur/Guwahati, October 03:
Visiting Assam and Nagaland rocked by a series of blasts, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil tonight said the Centre would soon work out a long-term and joint strategy to tackle militancy in the North East and asserted the talks were the only way out to resolve issues.
Patil first had a meeting with Tarun Gogoi, Chief Minister of Assam which was rocked by bomb blasts for the second successive day killing at least six persons, and then went to Dimapur, the scene of yesterday's twin blasts that left 26 people dead, where he reviewed the situation separately with Nagaland Governor Shyamal Datta and Chief Minister Nephieu Rio and top security officials.
After the series of meetings, he told reporters in Dimapur and Guwahati that a long-term strategy for combating terrorism in the North East would be formulated soon and emphasis would be given on coordination among the States' law-enforcing agencies, army, paramilitary forces and people in general.
Patil said all help, including additional security forces, wherever necessary, will be provided by the Centre to ensure protection of human lives in North East.
Asked about Gogoi's proposal for a coordination committee and joint strategy for North Eastern States to cope with militancy, he said "it is a good idea.
It is suggested by the Chief Minister.
We have already accepted it.
We'll try to do that".
On whether the latest bout of violence will deter the Centre from holding talks with the militant outfits, including ULFA, Patil said in Dimapur that "talks are the only way by which issues can be solved.
These incidents are sad.
Still, we are determined and we will not stop talking".
Asked if the violence in Nagaland would have any bearing on the peace process with Naga insurgent's outfits, Patil said "no certainly not".
Queried if the peace process was going in the right direction, the Home Minister said "there has been peace for several years now which shows it is going in the right direction".
On if the blasts in Assam and Nagaland were linked, Patil said "I think we should not jump to this conclusion.
The only thing in common is the date (Oct 2) and the weapons used".
About joint operations against the insurgents with Bangladesh providing sanctuary to the ultras, he said Home Secretary and BSF DG-level talks were on and "I would not like to say anything that will vitiate the atmosphere".
"We know the truth.
They know the truth.
We are setting things right on our side and I hope they will also do," Patil said.