Gogoi discusses insurgency problem with Defence Minister Antony - India News and Travel Times Provides India-centric and other News and Features

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi called on Defence Minister AK Antony here on Wednesday and discussed insurgency problem in the State. Gogoi briefed Antony about the recent arrest of top ULFA leaders and the situation arising thereafter in Assam . He urged the Defence Minister to provide more funds to develop areas along the international border particularly in road communication sector. Antony assured him that Defence Ministry would give top priority for infrastructure development in the Defence sector within the State. Earlier, Gogoi has said his government is open for talks with the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) but the banned outfit will be dealt with firmly if it continues to indulge in senseless killing of innocent people. He further said that without the help of the Central government it would be impossible for the Assam government to nab the commander-in-chief of ULFA Paresh Baruah, who is believed to be hiding somewhere along Myanmar-China border. Earlier this month, ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa, who was underground for around two decades, was arrested in Bangladesh and brought to India . In less than a month, the ULFA has been dealt a body blow with the arrest of the group's top leaders including Rajkhowa Raju Baruah, Chitraban Hazarika, Sacha Chaudhary. Only the group's military commander, Paresh Barua still remains elusive. Police believe that he is hiding somewhere along Myanmar-China border. The ULFA, which demands independence for the tea and oil-rich Assam , is the biggest insurgent group, running a three-decade-old campaign that has killed some 30,000 people. Though the ULFA's military strength has waned, it still has capacity to organise attacks. At least six people were killed and 40 wounded in two bomb blasts in Assam last month.