Govt mulling to set up RCM in NE for intelligence inputs

The Centre is contemplating to set up a Regional Coordination Mechanism (RCM) exclusively for the Northeastern region for sharing of intelligence among security agencies.

The Centre is contemplating to set up a Regional Coordination Mechanism (RCM) exclusively for the Northeastern region for sharing of intelligence among security agencies.

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The Home Ministry, which has been giving stress on strengthening the Multi Agency Centre (MAC) and Subsidiary MAC following the Mumbai terror attack, wants a separate intelligence gathering and sharing mechanism for the Northeast as the region is plagued by a host of insurgent groups.

The RCM will be on the line of Intelligence Coordination Group (ICG) which was announced by the Home Ministry to be set up after the October 2008 serial blasts in Assam, sources said.

However, after the 26/11 attack, the ICG could not see the light of the day as the Ministry decided to go ahead with the strengthening of MAC and SMAC.

The RCM will be entrusted with the responsibility of gathering district specific intelligence about insurgent groups, their cross border movement, arms, ammunitions and other operational issues.

Initially, the RCM units will be set up in 40 districts and all information would be shared with Army, Assam Rifles, state police forces, paramilitary organisations and Intelligence Bureau.