The Centre on Monday said that there could be a ‘’grain of truth’’ in reports about northeast insurgent groups having links with China but asserted it was vigilant against foreign powers trying to wield influence anywhere in India. On the issue of ‘’armed camps’’ in West Bengal, home minister P. Chidambaram expressed hope that the West bengal chief minister, Buddadeb Bhattacharjee would have initiated steps to disarm them.
On whether the government was allegedly adopting a double standard — on the one hand it “supported” the Salwa Judum movement in Chhattisgarh and on the other hand it opposed CPI(M) cadres taking arms in West Bengal — Mr Chidambaram said that “the government does not support any individual taking arms in his hands as enforcement of law and order is its own responsibility.” The home minister also said Special Police Officers, appointed in some states, were not non-state players as they are appointed by the state government with proper honorarium and duties. “Please don’t mix up Salwa Judum and SPOs,” he said.
Further, Mr Chidambaram said that India will be ready to share information about the 2007 Samjhauta blasts with Pakistan once the probe is complete. The probe by the National Investigation Agency has indicated the role of alleged Hindu extremists in the blast.
Speaking at a press conference, Mr Chidambaram said that the government is focussing on peace talks with the Naga groups.