Centre asks Assam govt to tighten security

Apprehending a backlash following the handing over of ULFA Chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa by Bangladesh, the Centre has asked the Assam government to tighten security as supporters of the outfit's military wing head Paresh Baruah are still active in parts of the state.

Apprehending a backlash following the handing over of ULFA Chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa by Bangladesh, the Centre has asked the Assam government to tighten security as supporters of the outfit's military wing head Paresh Baruah are still active in parts of the state.

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Home Ministry officials are in constant touch with Assam government officials ever since the reports of detention of Rajkhowa in Bangladesh emerged two days ago and suggested measures be taken to beef up security across the state, sources said.

Baruah, who controls the armed cadres of the banned outfit, is at large and is against any kind of talks with the government. He may foment trouble by asking his followers to carry out subversive activities after the handing over of Rajkhowa and Baruah's deputy Raju Baruah, the sources said.

"We have asked the Assam government to take all necessary precautionary measures as we don't want to take any chance," a Home Ministry official said.

The Bangladesh authorities today handed over to BSF Rajkhowa, his wife and two children, his bodyguard Raju Borah, 'Deputy Commander-in-chief' Raju Baruah, his wife and son, and wife and daughter of ULFA's self-styled foreign secretary Sashadhar Choudhury, who was handed over to India along with 'Finance Secretary' Chitraban Hazarika last month.