Al-Qaeda trying to set up bases in Assam: Gogoi

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi Saturday said the Islamist terror group Al Qaeda is trying to set up bases in Assam as it has already established links with militant outfits operating in the state.

"I do not have any evidence as of now. But we have received some intelligence and I think they have already established links with the Assam-based militant outfits like the anti-talk factions of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) or the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB)," Gogoi said.

"Police and security forces have already taken up steps and we appeal to all concerned to cooperate with the security agencies if anyone has any information about these outfits trying to spread their wings here," he said at a press conference.

Earlier this month, the central government sounded a country-wide alert after an al-Qaeda video threatened to carry out campaign in India.

Friday, the anti-talk faction of the ULFA attacked an army convoy in Sivsagar district, injuring an army man.

After the incident, police and security agencies warned that the anti-talk faction might carry out subversive activities across the state in the run up to Durga Puja, scheduled for early next month. - IANS