Sonowal meets Rajnath, discusses various issues

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday called on Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and discussed a wide spectrum of issues including the NRC, ongoing peace talks with militant outfits, counter-insurgency operations against anti-talk faction of militants and many others.

Sonowal, who is in the national capital on a three-day tour to discuss solutions to the issues that the state confronts, requested the Union Home Minister to expedite talks with the 13 extremist groups who are under ceasefire agreements as well as early consideration of the government's proposal for enhancement of stipend amount to the cadres of the outfits from Rs 3,000 to Rs 10,000.

He also requested the Home Minister to take all necessary steps for sealing the India-Bangladesh border and revamp border infrastructure. He also took up with the issue of proposed 133 km long road along the India-Bhutan border.

Taking up the issue illegal foreigners in Assam, the Chief Minister appraised the Home Minister that the 100 Foreigners Tribunals are functioning but that central government's assistance is needed to improve their infrastructure. He also sought assistance over construction of Detention Centres for the persons declared as foreigners by the tribunals.

He also urged the Home Minister request the Ministry of External Affairs to take up with the Bangladesh government so that there can be a fast-track mechanism between the two countries to deport the declared foreigners.

The Assam Chief Minister also apprised the Home Minister about the counter insurgency operations under Unified Command structure with Army and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) alongside Assam Police and demanded the Home Minister's intervention to send back 75 CAPF companies, withdrawn from the state after the assembly polls.

He also sought assistance for modernisation of police in the state.

--IANS

ah/vd