NEW DELHI, Aug 26 � Expressing his concern, Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh described the growth of identity based assertiveness in the North-east, particularly in Manipur and the North Cachar Hills, as unfortunate.
The Prime Minister, who was addressing the Conference of the DGPs and IGPs, suggested that the phenomenon needed well thought-out and sensitive handling.
In the North East, the situation in general is better today than it was in the recent past, but some areas of concern still remain, Dr Singh said.
In Manipur, for example the Naga-Metei divide has increased. �In other areas of the North-eastern part of our country, we need to consolidate the gains of the past, while at the same time ensuring that new problems do not arise and it can be controlled when they do,� he said.
The Prime Minister said that after a relative lull in 2009, the challenges to internal security seem to have re-emerged in more virulent forms. While they have made good progress in terms of recruitment and setting up of better institutional arrangements for intelligence, investigation, coastal security and counter-terrorism, the problems the country face remain daunting. �We need to do much more to meet the challenge of Naxalism,� he said.
The Prime Minister appreciated the steps taken to ensure greater inclusiveness in the police forces. The extent of reservation for appointment in Central paramilitary forces for candidates from areas affected by insurgency, militancy and Naxalism has increased from 20 per cent to 40 per cent five years in.
�A number of States have also raised battalions from such areas. I think we need to take this further. This will reduce the feeling of alienation that might exist among the population in certain parts of our country,� he opined.
