Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Saturday reviewed the security scenario of Assam at the Army’s Red Horns Division headquarters at Rangia in lower Assam and assured to provide more funds for Operation Sadbhavna to carry out welfare activities for the people. Parrikar was supposed to visit the forward areas in Arunachal Pradesh but could not do so due to inclement weather. The review assumes significance in the backdrop of the fact that the security forces have been launching a series of operations, particularly against the anti-talks faction of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) after the cadres of the outfit massacred over 70 Adivasi civilians in Assam on December 23 last year. It may be mentioned here that the series of operations have yielded in arrest of several top level leaders of the outfit, recovery of huge arms and ammunition and neutralisation of several cadres and leaders of the outfit, who were directly involved in the December 23 massacre.
The Defence Minister had on Friday visited the headquarters of Army’s 4 Corps in Tezpur and discussed the situation with top brass of the Army. Parrikar was given a detailed briefing on the ongoing counter insurgency operations in lower Assam, Defence spokesman said. “He was also given specific details about the operations undertaken against anti-talk faction of NDFB and the Minister expressed his satisfaction on the progress of operations and also appreciated the efforts made by the formation to dynamically review and alter its tactics to counter the rapidly changing situation in the region,” said the spokesperson.
“Parrikar was specially satisfied with the citizen friendly approach and empathy displayed by the Army in conduct of the operations and he said if required more funds can be provided for Operation Sadbhavna to carry out welfare activities for the people of the region,” he said adding that the Minister had also appreciated the efforts of the Army in the violence free conduct of Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) elections in Bodoland territorial Areas Districts (BTAD) and also to bring peace and normalcy to the region. The Defence Minister also interacted at length with the troops and appreciated them for the high state of morale and operational preparedness. He also lauded the Army personnel for their selfless service towards the Nation and assured them that the Nation stood behind them and would support them in all their endeavours.