NEW DELHI, Sept 13 � Skirting the contentious issue of the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) Prime Minister Dr Monmohan Singh while claiming that situation in the North-East has improved reiterated that there were some areas of concern.
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, the Prime Minister said, addressing Combined Commanders� Conference here today.
In Jammu and Kashmir and the North-East the armed forces have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with civil authority to protect the nation�s vital interests, he said.
Last month, addressing the Conference of DGP and IGPs, Dr Singh had spoke more or less on the same lines stating that 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.
In Manipur, for example the Naga-Meitei divide has accentuated. The unfortunate growth of identity based assertiveness in the North East, particularly in Manipur and the North Cachar Hills needs well thought-out and sensitive handling.
�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 had said.
The Prime Minister however, made no mention of the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act, whose withdrawal is being sought in several States in North-East and Jammu and Kashmir.
On left wing extremism, the Prime Minister said Naxalism is a serious challenge to the internal security. �We will do all that is necessary to protect each and every citizen of our country, and deal firmly with those who resort to violence�, he said.
The other integral part of the defence preparedness is border infrastructure. This involves not just our land borders but also ensuring appropriate coastal security. Several measures have been taken and are underway but it is important that all Ministries and Departments work in close coordination to ensure timely implementation of existing plans. It is necessary to approach this task with a sense of urgency, he said.
�In global terms, we are witnessing a shift of economic and political power to Asia. The Asia-Pacific region, including South East Asia, needs much more attention by us, and this must seep into our defence and foreign policy planning as never before. There is a palpable desire on the part of the countries of this region to enhance cooperation with us, which we must reciprocate,� the Prime Minister said.
Without taking any names, he said some of India�s toughest challenges lie in its immediate neighbourhood. �The fact is that we cannot realise our growth ambitions unless we ensure peace and stability in South Asia,� he said.
