The Assam government yesterday insisted that it was not the Army authorities but the state chief secretary who is heading the highest policy making body that has become into operation for a co-ordinated Army, police and para military offensive against militants in the state. Chief Minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta told a news conference here that his government rejected an initial proposal by the Centre to have a unified command structure headed by the Army corps commander. We insisted that the highest body must be headed by the chief secretary. and the three tier structure that has become operational now is headed by the chief secretary as the chairman of the strategy group.
Mahanta said this arrangement would not only give primacy to civil authorities but would also smoothen any abberations that might arise during army operations in the state.
Saying that his government had to take recourse to a coordinated strike against militants as there was sudden spurt in militant activities which was aided by foreign elements as well as enemies within.
Mahanta regretted that the militants did not respond to his governments appeal for negotiations and instead had started resorting to large scale kidnappings, killing and extortions. He hoped that situation should have changed with the coming of the five party alliance to power but unfortunately they (militants) did not respond to our appeals which necessitated such an offensive.
However, he said the doors for a settlement was always open and the insurgents should see reason and eschew the path of violence.
