GUWAHATI, Dec 19 � Members of the banned United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) have now turned into Maoist rebels and are trying to gain foothold in the State.
This was divulged by Inspector General of Assam Police (Special Branch) Khagen Sarma on the sidelines of the 21st Conference of Director General of Police (DGs)/IGs and Heads of the Central Police Organisation of the North East where the issue of emergence of Maoist activities topped the agenda.
�Although in nascent stage, the Maoist penetration is more on the Assam-Meghalaya and Assam-Nagaland border. However, the situation is not out of control and we are equipped to tackle the situation,� Sarma said, adding, �The strength of the group would be around 100.�
Sarma further stated that some of the Maoist cadres have undergone training under NSCN(IM), besides in places like Manipur and Jharkhand.
Earlier, Director General of Assam Police Sankar Barua, addressing the inaugural session of the DG meet, said that an improved coordination between various agencies, including Army and CRPF, have helped in effective policing in the last couple of years.
He also told the gathering, which included all the DGs of the north-eastern States, GOC of Army 4 Corps, and senior officials of Central agencies, besides other top police officials of the region, that the Assam Police is chalking out ways and means to tackle any kind of criminal or insurgent activities.
Chief Secretary NK Das pointed out the need to fill up the vacant posts in the Assam Police, which has emerged as a constraint.
�Assam is on the path of peace and prosperity and the tempo should be maintained through better and effective coordination between various security and intelligence agencies,� he said.
