AGARTALA, July 11 (TIWN): Attending the first ever meeting on Saturday at Guwahati chaired by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar concerned insurgent activities in the bordering areas of the state, said official source. Rajnath Singh had convened the meeting with all the Chief Ministers of 8 northeastern states to review the security status of the NE region. In the historical meeting convened on Saturday at Assam Administrative Staff College, Sarkar said that though the insurgent activities had declined in Tripura but still a section of insurgent groups are hiding out at the bordering areas of the state, the source said. Sarkar who also holds the home portfolio, had urged the central government to concern over the hideouts in Bangladesh. Singh had assured the chief minister that the central government would do everything possible to check insurgency. While some north-eastern States still grapple with insurgency, Tripura has overcome it. High voltage insurgency and an orgy of violence disrupted civic life and communications, and led to the closure of many educational and financial institutions, threatening the authority of the State. The State took on the problems in a strategic and resolute manner under the sagacious and visionary leadership of CM Manik Sarkar. Those strategic interventions paved the way for defusing militancy. These helped soothe the ruffled tempers of the tribal people, the pivotal support base of the insurgents. The fire of enmity against the state and the non-tribal population was doused.

Sarkar further said that the peace-loving people of Tripura are responsible for gradual decrease in insurgency over the years.

Sarkar also expressed concern over a small group of people, who are still trying to disrupt the peace and harmony in the state.

However, it is to be mentioned here that Sarkar had earlier appealed to insurgents to shun arms and join mainstream society while assuring his government's help to those choosing to lead a normal life over violence.

Besides, Rajnath Singh on Saturday during the meeting with the NE CMs, expressed concerns over the recent developments along India-Myanmar border and said he has constituted a committee to review how to effectively manage the issue.

Singh has assured the people of the North Eastern states that the government would take all steps to ensure that they are not discriminated. He also said that development and security must go hand in hand and called for close coordination between the state governments and the Center.

The Home minister also announced to constitute a committee to review how to manage the Indo-Myanmar border effectively. He urged upon the CMs of the region to launch drives against illegal arms. The Home Minister also urged the CMs to resolve the border disputes mutually.

Chief ministers of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura and Sikkim remained present in the meeting on Saturday.

It is assumed that Rajnath Singh`s visit comes out as significance as the region has been witnessing a volatile situation for several weeks with the NSCN-K ramping up its operations.

Rajnath is accompanied by Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju, Doner Minister Jitendra Singh and Union Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.