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Insurgency main hurdle in NE progress: Rajnath

By CORRESPONDENT

AGARTALA, Feb 14 � Asserting that militancy is the main hurdle in the development of the north-eastern region, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh today appealed to the outlawed groups to shun the path of violence.

Speaking to mediapersons at the State Guest House here, he said the Centre wants to focus on developmental activities in the north-eastern region.

�Development is not possible in the region as long as insurgency prevails here. I would like to request the insurgent groups to shun the path of violence for at least a few years so that the Centre could push forward the developmental activities,� he said.

However, he made it clear that the government would not tolerate any form of violence. On being asked about the progress of peace talks with the NSCN(IM) and ULFA, he simply said, �No comment.�

To a query about NE militants� presence in Myanmar, he said, �Our neighbours Bangladesh and Myanmar are very cooperative. We do hope this cooperation will continue in future too.�

Singh, who arrived here on Saturday, met Reang refugee leaders at Kanchanpur in North Tripura district and took stock of their problems. He also had a meeting with Chief Minister Manik Sarkar on the Bru problem.

�I requested the refugee leaders to go back to Mizoram and the Centre will ensure their rehabilitation and security there. And, it appears they are interested to resettle in Mizoram,� he said.

Regarding the Mizoram Chief Minister�s absence from the crucial meeting, he said there might be reason for it. �I request Mizoram Chief Minister Lalthanhawla to take their people back and ensure their resettlement and security. The Centre will extend all sorts of help,� he said.

Earlier, Singh visited the Indo-Bangla border in Tripura and reviewed the situation there, particularly in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

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