Guwahati: Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi on Wednesday said that the government had proof that jihadi groups were active in the state.
Referring to the Jamaat-ul Mujahideen of Bangladesh (JMB), the chief minister told reporters, "We have got some proof that jihadis were present in the state. We will identify and punish them".
"I cannot say it is confirmed, but it is suspected that al-Qaida has links with them," he said adding, "We have to be cautious that they don't set up base in Assam".
He warned that the government will take strong action against any such jihadi activities.
"There is no politics behind it. It is a matter of national interest. I can assure everyone that no innocent people will be arrested in the name of religion," he said.
Gogoi warned that any individual involved in such activities would not be spared and said "we won't allow them (jihadists)to set up a base here."
