Chidambaram warns of action against NE militants

GUWAHATI: In a tough message against the backdrop of new year-day serial blasts, home minister P Chidambaram said on friday security forces will deal with banned outfits in the north east 'decisively' if they threaten peace and integrity of India but said talks could be held with ULFA if it gave up sovereignty demand.

"The leaders of banned organisations if they are listening as I speak now or read it in tomorrow's newspapers or watch television later in the day, they must get this clear message that security forces will deal decisively with the members of these banned organisations who threaten peace and integrity of India," he said.

Addressing a press conference after a review meeting with Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi, who also chairs the Unified Command in the north east, Chidambaram said "no quarter would be given to militants."

Condemning Thursday's blasts here in which 5 people were killed and over 50 injured, he said police knew who were behind them and expressed confidence that Assam police would capture them.

The home minister regretted that 2-3 top leaders of the banned groups of the north east were taking shelter in Bangladesh and saw the positive statement emanating from the prime minister-to be on dealing with them.

On the ULFA, he said, "They have to drop their sovereignty demand. I have seen a change in the stance of its 'a' and 'c' companies (of the 28th battalion). I am examining them. The broad policy is that talks are held with anyone who abjures violence and makes no claim on sovereignty."