GUWAHATI, Nov 15 - Though the jehadi groups have not been able to strike in Assam so far, the threat perception cannot be overlooked and the Assam Police is chalking out a plan to sensitize its personnel to thwart attempts by jehadi groups to establish roots in the state.
Highly placed police sources told The Assam Tribune that the threat to Assam cannot be overlooked as the communal clashes in Assam in 2012 were mentioned in the videos released by the jehadi elements in different parts of the world, while, after busting a training camp of the Jamaat-ul-Mujaheedin, Bangladesh (JMB) in Chirang recently, police recovered some training videos, which becomes cause of serious concern. Though more than 20 JMB militants have been arrested in Assam so far, sources admitted that the activities of JMB in the state came to light only after an accidental blast in Burdwan in West Bengal.
The porous nature of the international border with Bangladesh has also become a major cause of concern, more so because of the recent development in the neighbouring country. The killings of bloggers and other secular persons prove beyond doubt that jehadi elements are active in Bangladesh and according to reports, the Islamic State (IS) may have influence over some active jehadi elements in that country. Because of the porous nature of the international border with Bangladesh, the possibility of such elements sneaking into the North East cannot be ruled out.
However, to deal with the situation, steps have been taken to improve coordination and sharing of intelligence between the police and other forces engaged in counter insurgency operation with the border guarding force. Sources said that regular meetings of the Land Intelligence Agency (LIA) is being held to share intelligence to prevent elements of anti-India forces from sneaking into the country.
Police sources admitted that lack of policing in the char areas, particularly those bordering the international border has become a cause of concern.
The Government has already formed a high level committee to examine the need for reorganizing the police stations, which would include staff pattern, connectivity etc. and it is expected that the lack of security cover in the vulnerable areas would figure in the recommendations of the committee.
Sources said that collection of �human intelligence� is vital to check growth of jehadi elements and a plan has been chalked out to sensitize the police personnel about the steps need to be taken in this regard. The help of the central agencies will also be taken for the execution of the plan.
Police sources further said that the social media boom is also posing a security threat as the jehadi elements very often take help of the social media to spread their messages and indoctrinate youths. To deal with the problem, the Assam police has started efforts to keep track of social media activities.
