File photo: Home Minister Rajnath Singh
Concerned over the unabated violence along Assam-Nagaland border, Home Minister Rajnath Singh today telephoned chief ministers of Assam and Nagaland and asked them to defuse tension along the borders of the two states. (
Violence at Assam-Nagaland Border Worsens, Three Killed in Fresh Clashes)
Mr Singh told Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and his Nagaland counterpart T R Zelian that violence along the border must end at the earliest and all possible steps should be taken to defuse the tension.
Official sources said the Home Minister told Gogoi and Zelian that action must be taken against those who indulge in violence and police must maintain restraint while facing peaceful protesters.
The Home Minister suggested that the chief ministers should sit together and find ways on how to bring about harmony between the people of Assam and Nagaland living along the border.
Mr Singh offered Mr Gogoi and Mr Zelian central assistance to restore normalcy along the Assam-Nagaland border.
He also conveyed to them that Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju will travel to Guwahati tomorrow to take stock of the situation and talk to both the chief ministers.
Mr Zelian will also be in the Assam capital tomorrow to attend a meeting of chief ministers of all northeastern states.
The Home Minister's action came hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi sought a report on the situation along the Assam-Nagaland border where the situation is tense after 15 people were killed in violent clashes.