Assam CM calls on Modi

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi Monday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi here and discussed issues concerning the state, including militancy and illegal immigration.

During the meeting at Modi's office in parliament, Gogoi urged the prime minister to set up a counter-insurgency coordination mechanism involving police forces of all northeastern states to tackle problems of militancy in the state.

Spread of left wing extremism, floods and erosion problems were among other issues discussed at the meeting.

The chief minister informed Modi that the left wing extremism has spread its base in some areas of Assam and requested him to include Tinsukia and Dibrugarh districts within the ambit of the integrated action plan to combat extremism.

Gogoi also called for the central government's help to strengthen state police forces to deal with the emerging challenges.

Besides, Gogoi apprised Modi about plans for strengthening policing the riverine areas by setting up river police stations.

Gogoi took up development issues with focus on the border areas that have been considered breeding grounds of insurgency due to backwardness.

"The problem of militancy is a reflection of the lack of development that continues to affect the state.

"However, to ensure sustained development, there needs to be increased emphasis on infrastructure and employment generation," he said.