Guwahati, August 24 2010: Assam has blasted Nagaland and the NSCN-IM for all the border problems in the North East India region.

Spokesman of Assam government and state Health minister Himanta Biswas told media persons in Guwahati today that Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio supported by NSCN-IM continues to carry out all sorts of aggressive activities.

Neiphiu Rio should be held responsible for all its border skirmishes with the neighbouring states in the North East region, said the spokesman of Assam government.

The Assam minister then made it clear that Assam would not part with even an inch of its territory.

At the backdrop of the ongoing row between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh on the issue of border, Himanta Biswas said, "Neiphiu Rio is the man responsible for the breach in ties among the 'Seven Sisters' (read the Northeast) on the issue of border".

"Backed by NSCN (I-M), Neiphiu Rio cannot continue with such aggressions.

However, if he persists, like if he treads one step, we'll tread two steps," Himanta Biswas said.

Apart from Arunachal Pradesh, Assam is embroiled in border conflicts with Nagaland, Meghalaya and Mizoram.

Terming the Nagaland chief minister as "provocative", the Assam government spokesman said Neiphiu Rio was the main person to create border conflict in the North East region.

Himanta Biswas then cautioned, "We will not accept such aggressive attitude of Rio.

By taking along the NSCN if he thinks the Assamese people are weak, befitting reply would be given to Nagaland".

Meanwhile, the Assam government spokesman appealed to Arunachal Pradesh government to immediately flush out the NSCN-IM from Tirap and Changlang districts of Arunachal Pradesh.

"If the Arunachal Government fails to do so, we will write to the Centre for similar action" Sarma said.

He and Assam's Forest Minister Rockeybul Hussain visited Charaipung on Tuesday.

Meanwhile talking to reporters during a visit to the border areas, Rio alleged that the Assam government had done little to restore confidence among the people.

"The Assam government should ensure that peace prevails on the border before levelling baseless allegations against the neighbouring states," he said.

It is pertinent to note that Charaipung, a village in Sibsagar district of Assam and bordering Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh, has been witnessing a tensed situation after the miscreants from Arunachal, allegedly backed by Naga militants, unleashed a reign of terror for the past few days.

However, the NSCN-IM has denied yesterday saying it did not involve in such activities.

Comment