Jehadi threat to State real, says Gogoi

Staff reporter
GUWAHATI, Sept 27 – Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today said that the threat to Assam from the jehadi groups including Harkat Ul Jehadi Islami (HUJI) is a serious one and asserted that the Army operations in the State would continue till the situation improves. Addressing a Press conference here today, the Chief Minister said that the entire nation is facing threat from the jehadi groups and the threat to Assam is much more because it has long international border with Bangladesh. He said that the porous border and the riverine international border increase the threat to Assam.

The Chief Minister said that the Government is taking all possible precautionary measures to prevent the jehadi groups from indulging in any kind of violence. At the same time, he asserted that the Government would deal with any anti-national force firmly. He said that efforts are on to modernise the police force and provide the force with modern equipment. He said that he has already taken up the issue of modernization of the police force with the chairman of the 13th Finance Commission. He also stressed the need for sharing of intelligence by all the security forces and agencies to prevent the designs of the jehadi groups and other militant outfits.

Replying to a question, the Chief Minister admitted that the Government was examining the possibility of bringing in new laws to deal with terrorism. But at the same time, he said that he was against the POTA. “As per the provisions of the POTA, a statement given before the police was admissible, which is very dangerous,” he added.

Gogoi said that though the Judicial Commission formed to enquire into the “Secret killings” recommended dismantling of the Unified Command, the Government would not do so. He said that though the situation in the State improved considerably, the time is not yet ripe for the dismantling of the unified command or suspension of Army operation. He revealed that the term of the Unified Command is extended by a period of six months and the Government would dismantle it only when the situation is fully under control.

Gogoi said that the identity of the seven armed persons killed in Basbari area of Dhubri district by the Army yesterday is yet to be ascertained. He said that the investigation into the incident is on but it might take some time before the Government is fully aware of the identity of those killed. source: assam tribune