NEW DELHI, Nov 30 � Union Home Minister, P Chidambaram on Tuesday feigned ignorance over the whereabouts of ULFA top man, Anup Chetia but warned of his detention, if he crosses over.
When asked whether India is seeking Chetia�s release, Chidambaram replied: �I don�t know�. I do not know where he is and I do know about his travel plans,� he said.
But he added that border guarding forces is watching the border closely and whoever crosses over to India would be detained. �Whenever he crosses over border guarding forces would apprehend him,� he said.
The Union Home Minister�s assertion assumes significance of recent reports of detained ULFA leaders seeking his release from prison in Bangladesh ahead of talks with government. The State Government has also subsequently taken up the issue with the Home Minister to pave the way for formal talks.
ULFA chairman, Arabinda Rajkhowa had recently sought Dhaka�s cooperation in bringing the ULFA general secretary to India. Rajkhowa said the outfit will take some crucial decisions on the issue of negotiations once all senior jailed leaders are released.
Anup Chetia's brother, who had left for Bangladesh a few days ago, has since returned though he reportedly failed to meet the detained general secretary. Chetia has completed his jail term in Bangladesh and is currently under protective custody.
Meanwhile, the Home Minister said he was aware of Comptroller and Auditor General�s report about excess allocation of funds to North Cachar Hills Autonomous District Council stating that that was why National Investigation Agency was asked to probe. �We are aware of the case and that is why NIA was asked to inquire,� he said.
The Home Minister�s response came on a day, when AGP MPs tried to raise the issue of CAG reports in both the Houses of Parliament. In Rajya Sabha, displaying placards Biren Baishya and Kumar Deepak Das attempted to raise the issue before the House was adjourned. In Lok Sabha, Joseph Toppo similarly tried to raise the issue amidst the turmoil over Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC).
Meanwhile, the Home Minister warned of stern action against anti-talk faction of NDFB. The security forces have been directed to take stern action in accordance with law, apprehend the leaders of the faction and the perpetrators of the crimes, and bring them to justice.� �They deserve � and will be given � exemplary punishment for their crimes,� he said.
Twenty-two innocent civilians were killed in different places in Assam in November.� The NDFB (Anti-Talks) faction claimed responsibility for the killings.� The Central Government condemned the atrocities committed by the NDFB (Anti-Talks) faction. ��Some arrests have been made, Chidambaram who toured Assam on November 12 to review the law and order situation, said. �
Meanwhile, discussions are on to deploy BSF along the international border with Myanmar. Though Assam Rifles is currently guarding the border, it is well inside the Indian borders. BSF may be deployed in the border, while Assam Rifles would be moved further along the international border.
Manipur Government has been demanding strengthening of vigilance along the border given the free run enjoyed by the militant outfits.
On border management, Chidambaram gave an update on the progress of the project work. On India-Bangladesh border 17 km of fencing and 20 km of road works were completed in November, under phase II of the project. At least 25 km of fencing were replaced in November, under phase III of the project. Poles for floodlighting were erected on a length of 60 km and cables were laid on 15 km stretch in November.
About project work along India-China border, Chidambaram said construction of 21 roads totaling 653.40 km. is in progress.� 19.43 km of formation works and 0.70 km of surfacing works were completed in November. �Working season has nearly ended due to snowfall, he said.
About capacity addition, the Home Minister said more BOPs are being constructed on the India-Bangladesh and India-Pakistan borders.
