Violent incidents come down in North East, says Chidambaram

New Delhi, Aug 25 (ANI): Home Minister P. Chidambaram on Wednesday said the incidents of violence have dramatically come down in the North East and the talks initiated by the government with various groups had contributed to the reduction. .

Addressing DGP and IGPs of the states here, Chidamabaram said: "North East had seen remarkable progress and it had been terror-free for the past 21 months. There is no denying that the success achieved in bringing so many groups to the negotiating table has contributed immensely to the decline of violence in the North Eastern States."

He also expressed the hope that the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) will formally come forward for talks with the Centre and the Assam government.

"I would appeal to the groups - or factions of groups - that have stayed away from talks to give up violence, accept the offer of the Governments to hold talks, enter into agreements of ceasefire or suspension of operations, and begin talks with the Governments' representatives," he added

"I am confident that solutions can be found within the Constitution of India to the demands of various groups for recognition of their identity, history, culture and desire for self-government," he said.

He further said that it is a matter of great satisfaction that a number of groups are engaged in talks with the Government of India. Among them are NSCN (IM), NDFB (PT), DHD (Nunisa), DHD (J), UPDS, ANVC, KLNLF, KNO and UPF.

"We have appointed two Interlocutors: R.S. Pandey to talk to the NSCN (IM) and P.C. Haldar to talk to NDFB (PT), DHD (Nunisa), DHD (J), KLNLF, UPDS and ANVC, besides ULFA," he added.

Expressing his dismay that petty disputes trigger conflicts between communities and groups, Chidambaram said, there is a need to remain vigilant and asked police officials to deal with the situation firmly at the first sign of outbreak communal and caste violence.

He further regrets that Manipur and Assam have been affected by long-duration blockades and shutdown and by intermittent violence. (ANI)