P Chidambaram concerned over growing Maoist influence in Assam

GUWAHATI: Union Home Minister P Chidambaram today expressed concerned over growing Maoist influence in Assam and their links with insurgent outfits of the state as well as Pakistan's intelligence agency ISI.

During a top level review meeting at the Raj Bhavan here, Chidambaram, who is on a visit to the north east, expressed concern over growing activities of Maoists and outlined strategies to counter the threat, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi told reporters.

"The insurgency problem was discussed in detail and the Maoists influence with the active help from ISI and links with ULFA, NDFB and KNLF were on top of the meeting's agenda and strategies to check it were discussed," he said.

Chidambaram also stressed on increased border vigil as Myanmar has emerged as a hub of NE-based terrorists with most of the insurgent outfits of the region having base in that country, he said.

"The union home minister also made it clear that doors for negotiation with all the major outfits, including the anti-talk faction of ULFA were open," Gogoi said.