GUWAHATI, Dec 10 - With threats from jehadi elements looming large, the Government of Assam has started the process of setting up char police stations to ensure security presence in the areas vulnerable to the activities of such elements. The threat posed by the jehadi elements was discussed in a high-level meeting last evening.
Highly placed police sources told The Assam Tribune that the threat posed by the jehadi elements cannot be overlooked, and that is why, the Assam Police is also preparing strategies to deal with the situation. So far this year, around 25 elements of different jehadi groups, including 10 members of the Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) have been nabbed from different parts of lower Assam districts. However, there is need for keeping close watch on the situation to prevent such outfits from growing, sources admitted.
Sources pointed out that the char areas were always vulnerable to activities of the jehadi elements and for years, such areas were not under the security net and there was very little presence of the administration in those places. The normal police stations in the rural areas of the State only have jurisdiction over the revenue villages. Realizing the importance of increasing vigil in the char areas, the State Government has started the process of setting up char police stations, and so far around 20 such police stations have been set up. These are full-fledged police stations headed by officers of the rank of Sub-Inspectors and gradually more such police stations would be set up in the vulnerable localities.
Sources admitted that all the char police stations still do not have adequate facilities like requisite number of boats for patrolling. But proposals for it have been submitted to the Government. It is expected that the stations would have the necessary facilities in the days to come.
