Govt taking adequate measures in Nagaland border: Hussain

Guwahati, July 12 (UNI) Asom government has been taking adequate measures to protect the people living near the Nagaland border, Asom Environment and Forest minister Rockybul Hussain assured the state Assembly today.

Replying to a Zero Hour question of CPI member Drupad Bargohain on an encounter between Asom Police and suspected NSCN militants in the border area, he admitted that two patrolling parties were fired upon by six Naga youths on July 10 in Geleki Reserved Forest.

The youths later escaped to Nagaland when police retaliated, he added.

Mr Hussain said police found empty cartridges of AK-47, T shirts and other items from the scene and suspected the youths to be from the NSCN. He also informed that the Deputy Commissioners, Superintendents of Police and Sub-Divisional Officers of both the adjoining districts of Asom and Nagaland met at Sivasagar on May 16 and resolved to maintain peace in the area.

Mr Hussain, who replied on behalf of the Chief Minister, reiterated that the government is committed to protecting the territorial integrity of the state as well as the people living in he border area.

He pointed out that NSCN has been trying to woo the people of the area with their Nagalim dream, but so far could not succeed as the state government has been taking stern action on extortion bids of the outfit.

The minister also assured of taking legal action on all such matters, adding that already a case has been registered on the firing incident.

UNI XC MT SP RN1444