Patil holds emergency review meeting of situation in Assam

NEW DELHI: Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil on Saturday night reviewed the security scenario in Assam at a high-level emergency meeting to take stock of the situation arising out of sudden spurt in ULFA killings in the state.

After the hour-long meeting at Patil's residence, Union Home Secretary V K Duggal told reporters that a high-powered Central team led by Minister of State for Home Sriprakash Jaiswal will leave for Assam on Sunday for an on the spot study of the situation. He will be accompanied by the Special Secretary (Internal Security) and other senior officials.

He said the Home Ministry was in constant touch with the state government.

"While the Home Minister has spoken to the Chief Minister, I have talked to the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police," he said.

"The situation is some what tense, but under control. Patrolling has been intensified."

To a question, he asserted that the National Games would be held in Assam as per schedule.

Duggal said the state government has been asked to take every possible step to ensure safety and security to people from Bihar and West Bengal staying there and added that the meeting condemned the attacks in the strongest possible terms.

On the demand for more Central forces, he said while some extra companies had been provided in the recent past, more forces would be given, if needed.

The meeting was attended by Directors General of Military Intelligence and Military Operations, DG CRPF, IB Chief and other senior officials.