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NE security scene better: Centre

By Staff reporter

GUWAHATI, Aug 8 - Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju today said that although the security scenario in North-east India had improved in the last 14 months, there were elements both inside and outside the country which were constantly trying to upset the peace and development process.

�There are elements in our society who do not want peace to prevail and there are elements that play from outside the country,� Rijiju said, without elaborating any further.

Rijiju, however, maintained that the government was fully prepared to foil any such designs.

The Minister was speaking at a foundation stone laying function of the office and residential complex of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) at Sonapur this afternoon. The campus, spread over five acres of land, will be constructed by the NBCC and is expected to be completed in 24 months.

While appreciating the effectiveness and intelligence of NIA officials, Rijiju opined that with nearly 100 per cent conviction record, the agency, in a short period of time since its formation, had emerged as one of the best in the world.

�India faces unique challenges. Our geo-political structure is different and challenging. Whether we look at the North-east, or we look at Jammu and Kashmir or Left wing extremism or even in the coastal border area, the threat is there. Under such a scenario, we are so much dependent on our security agencies,� Rijiju said, adding that the developmental process and peace must go hand in hand.

Rijiju assured that in the next few years, focus on the NE would take a big leap and the budgetary allocation would also improve.

�We are going a big way in border management, besides its security. I feel that instead of pondering too much over the demerits concerning the chicken-neck route, we must take advantage of the fact that we are sharing borders with so many countries,� he said.

Urging those who have taken the path of violence to join the mainstream, the Minister said that the NE should not be known for negative things, but for its beauty and assets.

Earlier, speaking on the occasion, NIA Director General Sharad Kumar said the agency had so far registered 24 cases in the region, of which 95 per cent were already solved.

He said, �We have been able to break the backbone of the insurgent groups since our inception and our officers will continue to work with the same zeal and vigour.�

The foundation laying ceremony was also attended by Chief Secretary VK Pipersenia, GOC 4 Corps Lt Gen Sarath Chand and DGP Khagen Sarma, besides a host of other noted personalities.

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