Even though a number of militant groups are on ceasefire with central forces in Assam and other parts of the northeastern region, including Meghalaya and Nagaland, concern remain about the tendency of the ultras to violate ground rules.
A source informed
rediff.com that the issue came up for discussion in the recent meeting of state police chiefs held in New Delhi under the aegis of Union Home Ministry.
All along, the Army has played the key role in curbing militancy in the region, especially in Assam, Nagaland and Manipur and bringing the situation largely under control though some splinter groups are still active and are carrying out hit-and-run incidents.
Now, with marked improvement of the situation, the state police forces, which have better knowledge about the areas and close to the people, have been advised to take lead in tackling insurgents and keep a close tab on ultras in truce, thereby reduce its dependency on the Army.
In case of Assam, the GOC 4 Corps of Indian Army is the operational head of the counter-insurgency operation since 1997 and the arrangement is still