Rajnath expresses concern over Islamist terrorism

Islamist terrorism has touched the Indian subcontinent and it is a matter of concern for the country, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said here Saturday.

Expressing concern that youth are joining the Islamic State (IS), he said some misguided youth of the country are joining the international terrorist outfit IS.

He was inaugurating the 49th All India DGPs and IGPs Conference in Guwahati.

He also expressed concern over the activities of Bangladesh-based Jamaat-ul Mujahideen Bangladesh and terrorist group Qaedatul Jihad. "These issues are of concern to India. We cannot take them lightly," he said, urging police and security forces to accept the developments as challenges before them.

Rajnath Singh said India cannot take the threats of organisations like the Al Qaeda lightly.

Reiterating that the government will not allow any of these groups to set up their base in the country, the home minister said one of such terrorist bases in West Bengal has already been busted by police and the National Investigation Agency.

He said the Indian Muslims have a history of sacrifice for the country since Independence and they will stand united for the country against such evil forces.

He said while there is a fall in Maoist insurgency in the last few years, the security scenario in the northeast region has remained a major concern. "The causality due the Maoist insurgency has decreased over the years. However, it is still a challenge for us," he said.

"Militant related incidents have also reduced in Jammu and Kashmir over the years. The good turnout in the assembly polls is an indication that people have reposed their faith in democracy. It indicates that the sense of insecurity among people of the state has disappeared," he said.

Rajnath Singh, however, slammed the role of Pakistan and said the terrorists from Pakistan are misleading the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.

"There are over 100 militant organisations in the northeast region. While some are in talks with the government, some have suspended their operations. However, some of them are still continuing their activities," he said.

The government is open for dialogue with the militants but it is not going to tolerate violence at any cost.

He said lack of development in the northeast region is a reason behind such problems and reiterated that the National Democratic Alliance government's is committed to develop the region.