SHILLONG, March 22 - Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh today said intelligence inputs suggested Maoists were setting up bases in the North East.
�We have got information that in some parts of the North East, Maoists are trying to strike roots,� Singh said after attending the 181st Raising Day celebrations of the Assam Rifles here at Laitkor.
Stating that everyone should remain alert to such developments of Maoists infiltrating into the region, Singh said. �We have to check this (Maoists setting bases in the region)� the Union Home Minister added.
In an obvious reference to the recent developments in the country, Singh said there is an attempt to destabilise the nation.
�There is an attempt to destabilise the country. I am proud of the Armed forces, para-military forces and our police forces. The way they deal with the extremists by discouraging and nabbing them�we should appreciate that,� he stated.
Meanwhile, Singh said there is no thought of replacing the Assam Rifles from the Myanmar border. He lauded the efforts of the Assam Rifles along the border and said the paramilitary force have been able to successfully bring down insurgency in the region.
Singh also praised the BSF manning the Bangladesh border and said both these forces are doing a �commendable job.�
The Home Minister said the North East was not given priority earlier, but the present NDA Government has emphasised that developing the region remains one of its top priorities.
�Unless there is peace and security, no matter how much we try but development of the region will not be possible,� Singh said.
