Guwahati, June 5 : The Government of India is closely monitoring the security situation in Assam while making efforts to restore an environment of peace and development in the north eastern parts of the country.

Concerned over the security situation in North Cachar Hills District, a Central team headed by the Special Secretary (Internal security) of the Ministry Home Affairs (MHA) recently visited here to review the situation.

It has been noticed that local militants have been targeting trains and railway staff engaged in railway gauge conversion and national highway construction projects.

The central team held meetings with Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and senior officials of the Assam Government including police and security forces engaged in counter-insurgency operations in the State.

The Chief Minister assured that all possible steps would be taken to curb insurgent activities.

"North Cachar Hills situation has to be improved. We will take all the necessary steps. Government of India has taken it up seriously. We are also taking it up very seriously. Yes, it may take a little time but definitely we will go in a big way. Immediately, more forces will be sent there," said Tarun Gogoi, the Chief Minister of Assam.

All officials suspected to have links with the militants are facing investigation.

The Special Task Force commandos recently arrested Mohit Hojai, the chief executive member (CEM) of the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC) in Assam, for his alleged links with the Dima Halam Daogah (Jewel) militant outfit. R. H. Khan, Joint Director of the Social Welfare Department, N. C. Hills, was also arrested.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has been called in to handle the terror incidents in the district.

"Individuals do not matter because as the case relates to funding of a bank of the DHD (J) if am not mistaken. In that case, it definitely curtails to security, sovereignty and integrity of India. Because such cases are primarily dealt by the National Investigation agency and because of this it has been taken over for investigation and prosecution by National investigation Agency," said Bijan Mahajan, an advocate in Guwahati.

With a desire for peace in the NC hills, the Dimasa and Zeme Naga tribes have initiated several peace meetings in the district. A peace committee has also been formed.

"We are really worried about the worsening situation in the district. The Zeme Nagas and the Dimasa communities have been for long living together as brothers and sisters and as a family. However, suddenly there has been a misunderstanding and so many houses have been burnt and many have been killed. So we want peace back in our district. So both the Zemeis and the Dimasas have gathered at the cultural home to attend the peace meeting," said R. Queen Bey Jemi, the President of Zeme Naga Organisation, N C Hills.

"We hope that peace will come back to the NC hills. The government is also trying its best and all the different civil organisation in NC hills are also trying their best to bring back normalcy and work for peace in the district. So, we have also organised this peace meeting to review the situation and work for peace and mutual understanding," said Jayanad Dalagapu, Dimasa tribe, N. C. Hills.

Since March 18, there were 17 extremist attacks on Dimasa and Zeme Naga villages in the district, which left 24 people dead.

Altogether 1,658 people belonging to both Dimasa and Zeme Naga tribes are now taking shelter in six relief camps (GFX out) opened by the administration after their houses have been set ablaze by the militants.

The activities by the militant groups have not only brought various developmental works to a standstill, but have also forced total disruption of railway traffic in North Cachar Hills District. (ANI)