Author:
Publications: The Navhind Times,
Panaji, Goa
Dated: August 28, 2001
SILIGURI, Aug 27 (PTI): The West
Bengal Chief Minister, Mr. Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, has expressed concern
over security in north Bengal following increased activity by different
militant groups, in particular the Maoists of Nepal and Inter-Service Intelligence
of Pakistan.
"ISI is operating behind the scene
and was utilising different militant groups to destabilise peace in north
Bengal," he said, adding in order to effectively check the militants, the
government had decided to further strengthen the police by increasing man
power and providing sophisticated weapons in Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri and
Coochbehar districts.
Maoists from Nepal have infiltrated
in Siliguri and its adjoining areas taking advantage of the open border
and were trying to make the bustling town its base with the help of different
militant outfits operating in the region, he told a press conference here
yesterday.
He said, as per the 1950 Indo-Nepal
Treaty nationals of both countries can move about freely, settle and conduct
business without any restriction.
Asked about the abduction of businessman,
Mr. Mukesh Agarwal from the town on Saturday, he said it was the handiwork
of group from Bihar. The state police had already contracted its Bihar
counterpart and investigations were on "in the right directions," Mr. Chattacharjee,
who also holds the home portfolio said.
