Free flow of arms in NE due to corruption in security forces: BJP

Shillong, Dec 28 (UNI) The BJP today accused the security forces in the North East of indulging in corruption and alleged that the free flow of illegal arms through the porous international borders along the region had posed a grave security threat.

Talking to reporters here, BJP organising secretary in-charge of the North East P Chandrashekhar claimed that some of the illegal arms consignments, entering the NE from Bangladesh, Myanmar and Nepal, were being supplied to Maoist ultras, besides other militant outfits.

''The security forces are aware of the illegal arms transactions but have remained indifferent for reasons best known to them,'' Mr Chandrashekhar said.

''The arms transactions run into Rs 1,000 crore annually and are being helped by illegal narcotics, smuggling and extortion activities,'' he added.

Hitting out at the BSF, Mr Chandrashekhar alleged that despite the BSF's 161 battalion being stationed at Karimganj district in Assam, the area had become the hub of illegal cattle-smuggling activities, running into crores of rupees.

He also lashed out at the Tarun Gogoi-led Congress government in Assam and alleged that 33 jihadi groups were active in the state in connivance with the administration.

''The Congress is playing dirty vote bank politics against national interests,'' he said.

He also termed the ULFA as a ''mere pawn of the ISI and jihadi groups''.

''If these elements are not controlled immediately, it would create more internal trouble in the near future,'' he warned.

He urged the Centre, NE state governments and other agencies to check the Madrassas' activities.

''If their academic curricula are scrutinised, it will be proved that the ISI and CIA have been funding these institutions,'' the BJP leader said.

Mr Chandrashekhar said the BJP would contest 25 seats in the upcoming Assembly elections in Meghalaya, adding that it had not reached any pre-poll understanding with any other party.

UNI