Imphal, Aug 17 2009: Describing the internal security in some States of North East India as 'problematic and worrisome', Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh has called upon the Chief Ministers of the region to pay more attention to the implementation of infrastructures and representation of all groups and communities in their police forces and carry out recruitment to these forces in a transparent manner.

On the other hand, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, while highlighting the problems of extortion by UGs through mobile phones in Manipur, has urged the Un ion Home Ministry to direct the Ministry for Telecommunication for cancelling the pre-paid mobile phone system in the State.

Speaking with specific reference to the North East region at the inauguration of the Chief Ministers' conference on internal security at New Delhi today, Dr Manmohan Singh observed that although there has been an overall improvement in the internal security scenario of the North East region, the situation in some States particularly Assam, Manipur and Nagaland, remains problematic and worrisome.

The Prime Minister pointed out that Assam and Manipur account for a disproportionately large number of violent incidents reported from the North East, with the latter's share being as high as 30 percent.

In Assam, the Centre had sanctioned an amount of Rs 750 crore for development of Bodo areas.

But the utilization of these funds remains unsatisfactory, the Prime Minister said, adding that the resettlement and rehabilitation of those affected by the violence in the Bodo areas and North Cachar Hills is a matter of concern.

The Prime Minister went on to say that Manipur is plagued by a large number of militant outfits and the Government of Manipur needs to put in place appropriate mechanisms for increased participation of people in developmental projects.

Calling upon the Chief Ministers of all the North Eastern States to pay particular attention, to the implementation of infrastructure projects, Dr Manmohan noted there is also a need in the North East for more emphasis on pro-active State police forces rather than exclusive reliance on the Central Para Military Forces and Army.

The resources for policing need to be enhanced substantially, he suggested, adding that Manipur has increased the sanctioned posts at the police station level but a large number of them remain unfilled.

All the States in the North East would do well to ensure the representation of all groups and communities in their police force & and carry out recruitment to these forces in a transparent manner, the Prime Minister added.

Participating in the conference, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh said the problem of extortion by UGs in Manipur is a serious concern, that could not be dealt without the intervention of the Union Home Ministry.

Urging the Union Home Ministry to give necessary instruction to the Ministry of Telecommunication for cancellation of pre-paid mobile phone facility, the Chief Minister also proposed to the Ministry for setting up a dedicated security force in this connection.

With regard to the extortion activities of the UGs along National Highways 39, 53 and 150, which are the lifelines of the people in the State, the Chief Minister urged for making the High way Patrolling Scheme operational.

Shortage of manpower and adequate security have also failed in ensuring protection along the National Highways, apart from causing hindrance in implementation of development works like downstream project, Railway and other major and medium projects in the State, the Chief Minister added and urged for providing additional man power and security for the protection of the Central and State Government offices and buildings.

Maintaining that police modernization scheme has really helped the State in fighting against the menace of insurgency, the Chief Minister requested for extension of the scheme which is expected to be over by 2009-2010, for another five years.

Urging for a special package from the Union Home Ministry for the proper settlements of the newly established battalions of IRB and MR, the Chief Minister noted that out of the total nine battalions of IRB sanctioned by the Centre, six have been raised and the 7th is on the progress of being raised.

Emphasizing on strengthening the State Intelligence Wing for effective use in counter insurgency, the Chief Minister referred to a proposal already submitted in the regard and urged for its approval.

The Chief Minister also urged for giving top priority to fencing of the porous border area to stop infiltration and arms trafficking.

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