Post-Dhaka hostage crisis, high alert in Assam

Guwahati: Assam Police on Monday asked people not to get panicky over reports of "some jehadis" entering the state from Bangladesh saying it was looking into the issue.

It also said the high alert remained in place in the aftermath of the Holey Artisan Bakery incident in Dhaka.

"We have got intelligence reports that some people were sighted along Meghalaya-Bangladesh border. Some went to Bangladesh and some stayed back. Their activities looked suspicious," DGP Mukesh Sahay told a press conference here.

He, however, said these reports are "uncorroborated" and "unverified" till now and Assam Police is investigating about the same.

"We are in constant touch with all neighbouring states' police, BSF and central agencies. The Assam Chief Minister reviewed the situation today. We are extremely alert," he said.

"In the sensitive districts, we are maintaining high alert. There is no need to panic," Sahay assured.

He said the Assam Police and other intelligence agencies are in "full control" of the situation at present.

"We will not take any chance. Whatever information we get, we are taking them very seriously and then verifying those," Sahay said, adding agencies are keeping a watch on cyber space as well.

On the JMB model, the top cop said 48 people were arrested in Assam during the last two years, of whom 45 have got bail.

"We are looking for 2-3 more jehadis of the JMB model. They managed to flee," he added.

Sahay also said there is no evidence as of now of any ISIS activity in the state or any attack threat although the organisation had earlier released a video threatening to target Assam.