By IANS,
New Delhi : The union home ministry held a high-level meeting Wednesday to take stock of the reported restrictions imposed by militants on train movements in North Cachhar Hills of Assam and to initiate steps to deal with the problem.
“The home ministry has been in regular touch with the state government and the railway authorities in this connection. Union home secretary Madhukar Gupta has spoken to the Assam chief secretary and senior railway officers in the matter on several occasions,” a home ministry communique here said.
A high level meeting was held in the North Block here to discuss the issue. It was attended by senior officers from the railways, Food Corporation of India and security agencies. Special Secretary (Internal Security) M.L. Kumawat chaired the meeting.
A union government team led by secretary (Border Management) Shantanu Consul is leaving for Guwahati Thursday to discuss the issue with the state government.
“Efforts will be made to remove bottlenecks, if any, in the way of smooth running of trains in the North Cachhar Hills area,” the communique added.
Militants had disrupted movement of trains, especially those carrying passengers from northern India, to target migrant labour from Bihar and other states. The militants feel these labourers take away jobs from the Assamese people and also change the demographic profile of the state as they settle down there.