Chidambaram expresses concern over increasing Maoists' feet in Assam

Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram on Monday expressed his concern over rising footsteps of Maoists in already insurgents hit state Assam. ‘Left wing extremism is a formidable threat. Assam has become the 'newest theatre of Maoist violence,' said Chidambaram while addressing a chief ministers' conference on internal security in the capital.

"At the operational level there is no conflict between the state and central agencies. What is however worrisome is that in practically every case, a small group of people spring to the support of the suspect. Assam has emerged has the new theatre of activity of the CPI (Maoist)."

He said the CPI (M) Maoists have used every democratic tool at their disposal to threaten the internal security of India, be it through shutdowns, or through asserting their right to freedom of expression.

"Even while implementing a democratic strategy of police action and developmental action, some means must be found to blunt the propaganda tools employed by the Naxals," Chidambaram said.

He further said there is indeed a decline in the number of casualties in Jammu and Kashmir and the North East.

"The decline in violence has come down due to two reasons first effectiveness of security forces and second ability to reach out to adversaries and convince them that there is scope in the Indian political system for all shades of opinion," he said.

"But behind these figures lies a more worrying narrative. The target is the Indian state- the adversary doesn't recognise state borders," he added.

--With ANI Inputs--