New BSF strategy to rein in northeastern rebellions

Mukhtar Ahmad in Srinagar

The inspector-general of the Border Security Force in charge of the Assam, Meghalay, Manipur and Nagaland frontier, Ajit Narayan, has said the situation in the area will improve within three months because of a new strategy adopted by the security agencies to tackle militancy.

In an exclusive interview here Narayan revealed that the BSF has arrested a senior Bodo Security Force militant while he was trying to infiltrate into the country along with arms and ammunition.

"This is big success for us and his interrogation will provide vital clues," claimed the IG who was on a visit to the Kashmir valley to inspect his troops. He said there was better coordination now among security agencies involved in counter-insurgency.

He said that a new system has been evolved at three levels. "We now have a strategic group of the army, the BSF, CRPF and the state police headed by the chief secretary of Assam which formulates broad policies on how to meet the challenge of the militants," said Narayan.

He said that in the second level there is now a Unified Command headed by the GOC 4 Corps of the area and it includes the army, BSF and the Assam police. The Unified Command, the IG said, monitors operations for better results.

In the third level there is district-level coordination, he said.

"We hope the situation will improve within the next three months in the area following recent steps taken for better coordination. He declined to comment on the number of militants active in the area but added there were many groups.

The IG said security forces are maintaining a tight vigil on borders with Thailand and Bagladesh. On the Kashmir situation, he said "It has improved after the polls."

UNI