Army Chief reviews situation in violence-hit Assam

Guwahati/New Delhi, December 27

Army Chief General Dalbir Singh today reviewed the security situation in Assam after NDFB(S) militants killed over 70 people this week and directed his troops to carry out relentless operations against the perpetrators of terror.

He also pitched for greater synergy with Central and state intelligence and security agencies.

On arrival in Guwahati, the Army Chief was given an overview of the current status of operations, covering the various measures being taken to effectively improve the larger security milieu in Assam.

He was also briefed on the proactive actions undertaken by the Army along with different agencies to intensify the pressure on the militant outfits, Army sources said.

The General reviewed the deployment of 66 Army columns in the disturbed areas, while examining the blueprint for the employment of accretional forces being inducted into the sector.

Singh interacted with various commanders in the field to obtain a first-hand perspective of the area-domination operations on ground.

He thereafter made an aerial survey of the strife-torn areas of the state along with the officers leading the operations.

The Army Chief, while expressing satisfaction with the steps taken by the commanders at all levels, asked for greater synergy with the Central and state intelligence and security agencies, the sources said.

Taking note of the roadmap being planned by the Army jointly with the police forces, the General directed his troops to extend all possible support to the state administration in bringing back normalcy, while at the same time carrying out relentless operations against the perpetrators of terror.

Assuring additional support for the renewed focus of operations, he hoped it would rapidly ameliorate the security environment to bring about lasting peace and harmony in the state.

The Army Chief, while exhorting his field commanders to enhance the intensity of operations against those responsible for the carnage, said he would continue to maintain a close watch on the dynamics in the region.

NIA to take up Assam attack cases

The NIA has been directed by the Home Ministry to take up the cases relating to the recent killing of more than 70 Adivasis by NDFB(S) militants in two districts of Assam.

The four cases registered by Assam Police in two districts—Sonitpur and Kokrajhar—will be taken over by the National Investigation Agency, an official release said.

The Assam government in a letter yesterday had recommended the investigation of these cases by the NIA.

Considering the gravity of the offences and relevant factors, the Central government is of the opinion that these attacks are scheduled offences under the NIA Act, 2008 and should be probed by it, the release said.

During his visit to Assam on Wednesday and Thursday, Home Minister Rajnath Singh had said that the NIA will probe the NDFB attack cases.

The NDFB(S) militants carried out a series of deadly attacks on Tuesday on Adivasi tribals in several places in Assam. — PTI