DHAKA: Eminent economist Professor Abul Barkat claimed that there are training camps of different militant groups, including United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA), in North-East region of India.

The economist made the assertion while addressing a two-day international seminar on Bangladesh and India’s north-east region at Bangla Academy on Sunday morning.

Professor Abul Barkat said, “Pakistan’s Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI) is providing trainings to the militant groups in India’s North-East region.”

He emphasized on international dialogue with different countries, including Pakistan and China to curb the militant activities.

He also emphasized surveillance on unprotected border areas.

Professor Barkat said the North-East region of India, coined as ‘Seven Sisters’ is a land mass with natural resources, including oil and gas. 

He added: “If we can make the economic development in this region faster by improving connectivity between Bangladesh, India, Myanmar and China.”

With Abdul Matlub Ahmed in the chair, the seminar was, also addressed, among others, by Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed, Professor MM Akash, ML Debnath from India’s Tripura province and Rupam Goswami from India’s Assam province.

BDST: 1520 HRS, MAY 04, 2014