New Delhi: Concerned over the sudden upsurge in militant violence in Assam and neighbouring Nagaland, the Centre today (Oct 6, 2004) decided to dispatch nearly 5,000 additional para-military personnel and deploy helicopters for searching insurgents as part of its multi-pronged strategy to deal with the situation.

Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil, who paid a two-day visit to Assam and Nagaland to assess the situation after a series of bomb blasts that left over 60 people dead, discussed the situation at a high-level meeting attended by Army Chief N C Vij, Intelligence Bureau Director A K Doval, Home Secretary Dhirendera Singh and other senior officials of his ministry.

Later, Patil said investigations were on to identify those responsible for these acts of violence.

Special Secretary Anil Choudhary said as part of the strategy to tackle the situation Government would strengthen and coordinate intelligence set-up, increase the presence of Armed Forces and activate the Unified Headquarters in Assam.