Chidambaram says 'minimal' Maoists in Arunachal

Itanagar, May 12 (IANS) Home Minister P. Chidambaram Saturday said there was a minimal presence of Maoists in Arunachal Pradesh.

But he asked the state government to keep the pressure on the Maoists so that they don't get any foothold in the state.

Chidambaram told reporters here after a meeting with Chief Minister Nabam Tuki and senior officials on the law and order situation.

The minister, who was accompanied by Minister of State for Home Jitendra Singh, also called on Governor General J.J. Singh.

'There is minimal presence of Maoist cadres along the Assam-Arunachal border. Assam has been doing its part against the Maoists and I have asked the Arunachal chief minister to keep the pressure (too),' he said.

'Firm action will be taken against those identified to be Maoists or found to be extending help to the Maoists.

'Arunachal Pradesh is a peaceful state and there is no reason Maoists are allowed to get a foothold in the region,' he said.

On the disturbed Tirap and Changlang districts, Chidambaram said the government had taken steps to recruit more police personnel and upgrade the police infrastructure.

Asked about the factional fight among the Naga underground factions, he made it clear that no ceasefire agreement existed in Arunachal Pradesh.

'The state government and police have been asked to take firm action against NSCN (K) or NSCN (IM) if they were found to be violating the rights of citizens in Arunachal.

'It is a different issue that the (Naga) factions are fighting among themselves.'

He said the central government had given Rs.92 crore to the state to develop the border areas, up from about Rs 50 crore the previous year.