India concerned about Islamic fundamentalists setting up base in northeast

India is concerned about the growing influence of Islamic fundamentalists in its northeast region, which could pose a major security threat to the nation. The security forces are on high alert to foil any such attempt by the jihadi outfits to woo the youth in the region and create instability.

A protest rally by members of All Assam Student Union (AASU) was taken out in Jorhat recently in protest against alleged activities and the threat posed by al Qaeda and IS in the region.

Six youth suspected to have links with the Bangladesh-based Islamic terror network Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen were arrested earlier from Barpeta district for alleged involvement in the Oct. 2 blast at Burdwan in West Bengal.

AASU submitted a memorandum containing all their demands to the Chief Minister and the Prime Minister.

"We demand that the people involved with Al-Qaeda and Jihadis in Assam should be arrested. We want the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister to take strict action against members of HUJI, Al Qaeda and other such Jihad outfits," said Tapan Gogoi, General Secretary, AASU.

There have been frequent reports of Al-Qaeda and other fundamentalist organizations trying to expand their base in the region, with possible help from northeast based insurgent groups.

Earlier in September, the Al-Qaeda had issued a video threatening to carry out its campaign in India and expand its base in several states including Assam.

Security forces are on high alert and search operations are being conducted all over the state to address the threat.

Security has also been tightened along the international border to prevent any cross border infiltration.

"In any place, any fundamentalist activity to the extreme is disturbing. We have to condemn that kind of forces anywhere in the country," said Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs.

"Earlier also there were some suspicions but today we have proved it. Assam is also one of their main targets to set up base, there is no doubt about it. We are vigilant, we are not allowing any place for Jihad and we will extend all possible help to the government of India," said Tarun Gogoi, Chief Minister, Assam

International terror group al Qaeda is trying to expand its activities to Assam in collusion with anti-talk faction of ULFA.

Northeast region has already suffered prolonged insurgency and the growing presence of Islamic terror outfits in the region poses a serious security threat.