In a tough message to the banned outfit Dr. Singh reiterated Government's firm resolve to ensure that terrorist groups do not succeed in their nefarious designs, and at the same time kept the option of the dialogue with rebel groups open, provided they abjure from violence.

"No one should mistake our openness for talks and dialogue as a sign of weakness. The Indian state has an obligation to provide security and protect the lives of its law-abiding citizens. This we will discharge let there be no doubt on that scope," Dr. Singh told reporters after reviewing the security situation in the State at the Mohanbari airport.

In the close-door meeting that was attended by Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, his cabinet colleagues senior civil, police and army officials; measures to improve the law and order situation in the state in the wake of the recent attacks were discussed.

Dr. Singh also announced an additional Rs two-lakh compensation for the relatives of the from the Prime Minister's Relief Fund. The State government had earlier announced rupees three-lakh compensation package.

In addition to this the Prime Minister also promised financial assistance of Rs 50,000 for those who were seriously injured in the attacks and Rs 10,000 for those who sustained minor injuries.

Free medical treatment will also be given to them, he added.

Dr. Singh also said he had asked Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi to prepare a rehabilitation package especially for families which had lost their earning members.

Among the new security measures that have been adopted since the attack that killed 71 people, were the shifting of an army brigade headquarter from outside the State to Upper Assam, constitution of Unified Command to review the security situation in the State at least on a weekly basis and additional deployment of thirty companies of central para-military forces in the State.

"Counter Insurgency operations, patrolling and combing have been intensified. Chief Minister is now chairing a meeting of the Unified Command to monitor and supervise security measure, " Dr. Singh said.

Sporadic attacks were being carried out in areas like Dibrugarh, Tinsukia and Dimow districts since the onset of the New Year.

Around 75,000 paramilitary forces have been deployed in the State, who are carrying out anti-ULFA operations in the forests of Assam and neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh.

ULFA rebels have primarily targeted migrants from other States, mostly brick kiln workers and milkmen from Bihar, who have been residing here for decades.