Source: Hueiyen News Service
New Delhi, January 30 2010:
Centre has convened a high-level meeting of chief ministers on February 7 to discuss the internal security situation.
The meeting would be crucial for the strife-torn North Eastern States of Assam and Manipur, which have witnessed a spurt in violence.
The status of negotiations with militant outfits, the rise in extortions and killing are expected to figure in the day-long deliberations a major portion of which is expected to focus on the naxal violence in the State.
The meeting convened by Home Minister, P Chidambaram is expected to be attended by the Prime Minister.
Sources said the meeting would take stock of the internal security situation of the country and Centre is expected to fine tune its anti-terror strategy in consultation with the Chief Ministers, said sources.
Home Minister's concern over the situation in Assam is primarily over the activities of anti-talk group of NDFB and sharp deterioration of the situation in Bodoland area.
Besides, despite wane of militancy in North Cachar Hills there has been no let up in extortions.
The Centre is also expected to brief the Chief Ministers about the progress in bilateral dialogue with Bangladesh resulting in handing over of several top leaders of ULFA.
New Delhi is also engaged in similar dialogue with Myanmar Government to launch flush out operations in the country targeting ULFA, NSCN and militants outfits of Manipur.
Situation in Manipur is even more alarming and Manipur Chief Minister may have lot of explaining to do.
The State Government has asked the Centre to seal the entire international border with Myanmar to curb the movement of the militants.
Beleaguered Ibobi Government has also requested Centre to strengthen deployment of Assam Rifles in the State.
The meeting on internal security situation would be preceded by a meeting on rising prices of essential commodities convened by the Prime Minister on February 6 .
However, the Home Ministry is yet to finalise the dates for the meeting on ULFA peace process.
The meeting is expected to be held at the official level.
Meanwhile, Home Minister, Chidambaram has convened a separate meeting of the Chief Ministers of West Bengal, Orissa, Bihar and Jharkhand at Kolkata on February 9 .
Official sources said that the meeting would discuss inter-state coordination issues regarding joint operations by the States against the naxals.
Development issues would also figure, said sources.