Maoists trying to establish base in Assam

Jorhat (Assam), Feb 22 (PTI) Maoists were trying toestablish their base in Assam and the anti-talk faction ofULFA led by Commander-in-Chief Paresh Barua had launched a"massive recruitment drive, particularly in Upper Assamdistricts, to strengthen its base, a senior CRPF officer said.

There were specific intelligence reports indicatingthat youths from Assam were "veering towards the Naxalphiosophy which is a matter of serious concern", CRPF IGP(Operations) M P Nathaniel told PTI.

"With most insurgent outfits coming forward fortalks, the Maoists are trying to establish its roots in thestate and we are keeping a close watch on both these forcesand ULFA cadre in the state", he said.

Adequate measures were being taken to stop the youthsfrom being indoctrinated and the whereabouts of youths whowere reported missing when they went outside the state forgetting jobs were also being ascertained, he added.

"As the peace process is on, the ULFA anti-talkfaction is keeping a low profile but their recruitment drive,particularly in Upper Assam districts, is on full swing,Nathaniel, who is in charge of Upper Assam, Nagaland andArunachal Pradesh", said.

The IGP also appealed for all-round cooperationfrom locals, public and the media for active follow up in thisregard.