Assam concerned over Maoists' presence, illegal coal trading

Expressing concern over Maoists' presence in his state, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Monday said that illegal coal trading in border areas of a number of northeastern states is fast becoming a major source of funding for terror outfits.

Gogoi, speaking at a conference of Chief Ministers on internal security, cautioned that Maoists' presence in Assam has the potential to grow into a major threat in the state where militancy related incidents have come down drastically last year.

The chief minister attributed change in Bangladesh's policy of not allowing sanctuary to militants from the region and better coordination between central and state security forces for the drop in militant violence.

However, he said funds coming from illegal coal trading have found their way to militant outfits and favoured better policing in the region to contain militancy.

"The illegal coal trade originating in bordering area of neighbouring states transits through Assam and is fast becoming a major source of funding for different militant outfits," he said, adding Dimapur in Nagaland is particular emerging as a centre for illegal arms trade and shelter for criminals and militants.

Identifying various challenges of internal security in Assam, he said inflow of fake currency into the state was a matter of concern which needes to be tackled with better border policing.

"The fake currency is being pushed into the country through the Indo-Bangladesh and Indo-Nepal borders. Hence, special focus is kept on districts along these international borders," he said, adding 514 cases relating to fake currency have been registered in the state in the last six years.

Gogoi said most of these fake notes are of a "very high quality" which cannot be detected by the common man and sometimes even by the banks.

The chief minister also highlighted the problem of proliferation of dubious Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) which have "misappropriated huge sums of money raised from the public.

"In last one year, 107 cases involving 62 companies have been detected leading to arrest of 99 persons, recovery of Rs 65 lakh in cash, attachment of immovable properties worth Rs16 crores and freezing of 70 bank accounts both within and outside state," Gogoi said.

Holding that better vigil on international border will result in improvement in security situation in the state, he said significant work on border fencing was nearing completion but sought floodlighting work to be completed speedily.

He said riverine areas of international border with Bangladesh are still a cause for concern as the proposal to have floating Border Outposts (BOP) could not be made operational. Assam has a 267-km border with Bangladesh and 269 km with Bhutan. In the past, both these countries have been used as sanctuaries by militant outfits.

Noting that public mood has been in favour of peace and development in Assam, Gogoi also complemented the Centre for helping the state in enhancing its capabilities to counter the militants. He said Assam Police is now second to none in counter-militancy skills.

"The central government has played a crucial role in helping to modernise police forces. In the past 10 years 85 per cent of funds allotted have been utilised to construct police stations, achieve better mobility, acquire modern weaponry and ensure effective communication," Gogoi said.

Seeking extension of the MPF (Modernisation of Police Force) scheme to the entire 12th plan period, Gogoi said time has come to stress on 'policing with a human face'.

Gogoi also favoured increased recruitment of youths from the state in central security Forces so that militant outfits cannot lure the unemployed young people.

For improving internal security, Gogoi also sought separating law-and-order from investigation wing of police, adding a major expansion in terms of manpower for police was needed.

Stating that better intelligence was key for effective policing, he proposed setting up of a Regional Training Centre for Intelligence and Security in Assam to cater to needs of the region.