Friday, April 29, 2011
Insurgency situation under control, but ULFA may regroup: AR
Shillong, Apr 29 (PTI) Claiming that the situation in the northeast was under control now, Assam Rifles DG Lt Gen Rameshwar Roy today cautioned that the outlawed ULFA might, however, "build up" over a period of time."The ULFA is a simmering fire, but it has a potential to become bigger. At present its strength is not much but time will tell what potential it is left with... these are local dynamics," Roy told reporters on the sidelines of the Assam Rifles commanders' conference. He cautioned that though the group's capability was degrading, the group could "slowly get oxygen" and "build up over a period of time". "There is no guarantee that they will not come back," he said. Few days ago, the anti-talk faction of banned ULFA, which suffered serious setbacks as majority of its leaders and cadre entered the peace process, announced reorganising its armed wing under the 'mobile military headquarter', to be directly commanded by its elusive 'c-in-c' Paresh Barua.But the situation in the region as of now is "by and large peaceful and under control", the DG said."The operational situation is no longer active as far as violence is concerned. There are extortions and other unlawful activities which is, of course, under the control of the state governments," he said. In Nagaland also, he said the factional clashes had reduced. "What ever incidents happen, they are individual killings and cannot be classified as factional clashes between the two NSCN groups. It is difficult to control those killings, unless real time intelligence is received," he said. The commanders' conference, held twice every year, reviewed the operational preparedness of the force and the situation in the states where it is operating.
GNLA 'Publicity secretary' arrested in Meghalaya
Shillong, Apr 29 : In a major breakthrough, the Meghalaya Police today arrested a senior Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) militant from East Garo Hills district.
Sengnang D Shira alias Aski was arrested from a safe house at Dawagre area.
The cadre was arrested a day after 20 GNLA militants led by their ‘chief training instructor’ Mingran T Sangma surrendered before the Meghalaya Home Minister along with a huge cache of arms and ammunition.
In span of two days, the Meghalaya police dealt a severe blow to the Garo outfit when a 'constable' Stembirth Sangma was arrested from Nongalbibra, South Garo Hills district for his alleged links with the GNLA yesterday.
The police also arrested four GNLA militants from Dalu in West Garo Hills district. The four-Phoni Sangma, Sengma Momin, William Marak and Leping Sangma were involved in the kidnapping of a former police constable, Akhil Hajong for ransom.
Sengnang D Shira alias Aski was arrested from a safe house at Dawagre area.
The cadre was arrested a day after 20 GNLA militants led by their ‘chief training instructor’ Mingran T Sangma surrendered before the Meghalaya Home Minister along with a huge cache of arms and ammunition.
In span of two days, the Meghalaya police dealt a severe blow to the Garo outfit when a 'constable' Stembirth Sangma was arrested from Nongalbibra, South Garo Hills district for his alleged links with the GNLA yesterday.
The police also arrested four GNLA militants from Dalu in West Garo Hills district. The four-Phoni Sangma, Sengma Momin, William Marak and Leping Sangma were involved in the kidnapping of a former police constable, Akhil Hajong for ransom.
NLFT-NB peace accord promises fulfilled
AGARTALA, April 29 – Tripura government on Thursday declared that all the promises offered at the time of signing a tripartite peace accord with outlawed group National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT-NB) have been fulfilled.
The announcement came after holding a review meeting with the former rebel leaders of NLFT-NB in the presence of Tribal Welfare Minister Aghore Debbarma on Wednesday.
All the schemes undertaken as part of the tripartite peace accord were reviewed threadbare in the presence of officials from Tribal Welfare department and DGP K Saleem Ali.
Talking to mediapersons, Tribal Welfare Minister said that almost all the pending cases against the returnee of the group have been deleted from the police records.
As part of general amnesty, as many as 96 cases were withdrawn against all the returnees while 47 more cases have been referred to Home department for withdrawal.
Of the total 153 surrendered cadres of the outfit, altogether 67 were sanctioned Rs 1.50 lakh each as part of rehabilitation package while government jobs were restored to nine cadres who had gone underground.
Besides, benefit of the surrendered cadres, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had declared a Rs 55 crore special package for the welfare of indigenous people.
“Of the total outlay, the State government has received Rs 50 crore so far and the rest amount will be disbursed after submission of utilization certificate of the ongoing projects,” Debbarma said.
Bhuchuk Borok, vice president of the NLFT-NB who remained present in the review meeting, praised the MHA and State government for being sincere in fulfilling the peace accord promises. Bhuchuk also appealed to his ‘former colleagues’ like ATTF supremo Ranjit Debbarma, NLFT president Biswamohan Debbarma and Nayanbashi Debbarma, president of NLFT-NB to bid adieu the arms struggle to pave the way for lasting peace.
Following an appeal from the State government, Nayanbashi Debbarma along with his fellow members came over ground to hold peace dialogue in March, 2004.
However, later he opted out of the peace dialogue and went back underground leaving behind his trusted commanders like Buchuk Debbarma, Aron Borok, Salka Borok.
On December 17, 2004 a Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) was inked in Delhi in the presence of MHA officials and State government representative.
The announcement came after holding a review meeting with the former rebel leaders of NLFT-NB in the presence of Tribal Welfare Minister Aghore Debbarma on Wednesday.
All the schemes undertaken as part of the tripartite peace accord were reviewed threadbare in the presence of officials from Tribal Welfare department and DGP K Saleem Ali.
Talking to mediapersons, Tribal Welfare Minister said that almost all the pending cases against the returnee of the group have been deleted from the police records.
As part of general amnesty, as many as 96 cases were withdrawn against all the returnees while 47 more cases have been referred to Home department for withdrawal.
Of the total 153 surrendered cadres of the outfit, altogether 67 were sanctioned Rs 1.50 lakh each as part of rehabilitation package while government jobs were restored to nine cadres who had gone underground.
Besides, benefit of the surrendered cadres, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had declared a Rs 55 crore special package for the welfare of indigenous people.
“Of the total outlay, the State government has received Rs 50 crore so far and the rest amount will be disbursed after submission of utilization certificate of the ongoing projects,” Debbarma said.
Bhuchuk Borok, vice president of the NLFT-NB who remained present in the review meeting, praised the MHA and State government for being sincere in fulfilling the peace accord promises. Bhuchuk also appealed to his ‘former colleagues’ like ATTF supremo Ranjit Debbarma, NLFT president Biswamohan Debbarma and Nayanbashi Debbarma, president of NLFT-NB to bid adieu the arms struggle to pave the way for lasting peace.
Following an appeal from the State government, Nayanbashi Debbarma along with his fellow members came over ground to hold peace dialogue in March, 2004.
However, later he opted out of the peace dialogue and went back underground leaving behind his trusted commanders like Buchuk Debbarma, Aron Borok, Salka Borok.
On December 17, 2004 a Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) was inked in Delhi in the presence of MHA officials and State government representative.
Rebel leader held for third time
Dhubri, April 29 : The self-styled commander-in-chief of Rabha Viper Army, Sunil Rabha, alias Chinese, was apprehended for the third time by the army and handed over to police in Goalpara today.
Rabha, who was involved in number of killings, abductions and extortion in Goalpara and part of Kamrup districts, including abduction of a railway official from Dudhnoi last year, was arrested twice within a span of two years.
But on both the occasions he managed to get bail and returned to the organisation, a source said.
Rabha and another member of the group, Prakash Rabha, were apprehended by 9 Sikh Light Regiment at Dudhnoi check gate.
The army recovered one Pakistan-made revolver and Rs 43,222 from them.
“In all the militancy-related cases, police hardly get eyewitnesses and concrete evidence because of fear reprisal and the militants take advantage of this situation and get bail and commit same crimes thereafter,” the police source said.
But if the investigating officer of the case is a little careful and try to convince the judges about granting bail to such persons, then the judges might refuse them bail, the source said.
The officer-in-charge of Dudhnoi police station, Gokul Baruah, said this time there were ample evidence against the both militants with the police and they would investigate and file chargesheets.
“We will take utmost care this time and frame charges on the basis of the material evidences so that the militants do not get bail easily,” Baruah said.
Intelligence sources in Goalpara said the Rabha Viper Army was active on the Assam-Meghalaya border and was involved in abduction and extortion.
The outfit is most potent organisation at the grassroots level, which provides logistic support to both Ulfa and the NDFB and keep liaison with the Garo National Army (GNA) of Meghalaya.
If this organisation is not marginalised at this level, it will be hard to wipe out Ulfa and the NDFB, which are lying low now, an intelligence source said.
The police have evidences of the RVA and GNA involvement in ethnic clash of Rabha-Garo in January this year but most of their top leaders are now in jail and there are hardly 10 or 12 cadres at large now, the source added.
Rabha, who was involved in number of killings, abductions and extortion in Goalpara and part of Kamrup districts, including abduction of a railway official from Dudhnoi last year, was arrested twice within a span of two years.
But on both the occasions he managed to get bail and returned to the organisation, a source said.
Rabha and another member of the group, Prakash Rabha, were apprehended by 9 Sikh Light Regiment at Dudhnoi check gate.
The army recovered one Pakistan-made revolver and Rs 43,222 from them.
“In all the militancy-related cases, police hardly get eyewitnesses and concrete evidence because of fear reprisal and the militants take advantage of this situation and get bail and commit same crimes thereafter,” the police source said.
But if the investigating officer of the case is a little careful and try to convince the judges about granting bail to such persons, then the judges might refuse them bail, the source said.
The officer-in-charge of Dudhnoi police station, Gokul Baruah, said this time there were ample evidence against the both militants with the police and they would investigate and file chargesheets.
“We will take utmost care this time and frame charges on the basis of the material evidences so that the militants do not get bail easily,” Baruah said.
Intelligence sources in Goalpara said the Rabha Viper Army was active on the Assam-Meghalaya border and was involved in abduction and extortion.
The outfit is most potent organisation at the grassroots level, which provides logistic support to both Ulfa and the NDFB and keep liaison with the Garo National Army (GNA) of Meghalaya.
If this organisation is not marginalised at this level, it will be hard to wipe out Ulfa and the NDFB, which are lying low now, an intelligence source said.
The police have evidences of the RVA and GNA involvement in ethnic clash of Rabha-Garo in January this year but most of their top leaders are now in jail and there are hardly 10 or 12 cadres at large now, the source added.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Grenade hurled at school in Manipur
Imphal, April 28 (PTI) : Unidentified militants hurled a powerful grenade at the premises school in Imphal west district of Manipur but it failed to explode, official sources said today.
Sources said the militants lobbed the grenade inside the premises of Jim Higher Sceondary School at Sangaiporou at the outskirts ofImphal late last night.
Non-payment of monetary demand from the school authorities could be the reason, sources said adding that no individual or organisation has claimed responsibility.
In another development, Northern Valley Stone Crushers Welfare Association today organised a sit in protest at Koirengei area in Imphal west district against the monetary demand of Rs. 50 lakh made to some individual stone crushers by some militant outfits, a spokesman of the association said.
Sources said the militants lobbed the grenade inside the premises of Jim Higher Sceondary School at Sangaiporou at the outskirts ofImphal late last night.
Non-payment of monetary demand from the school authorities could be the reason, sources said adding that no individual or organisation has claimed responsibility.
In another development, Northern Valley Stone Crushers Welfare Association today organised a sit in protest at Koirengei area in Imphal west district against the monetary demand of Rs. 50 lakh made to some individual stone crushers by some militant outfits, a spokesman of the association said.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
2 militants, three foreigners nabbed by troops in Manipur
Imphal, Apr 28 : Two militants and three foreigners were apprehended by troops in separate incidents during the last 24 hours.
Troops of 29 Assam Rifles of 26 Sector under HQ IGAR(South) launched an operation at Tengnoupal, Chandel district today and apprehended three Myanmarese nationals travelling from Imphal to Moreh without valid documents.
They were identified as Md Noor Islam, Zahid Khan and Fatima Khan. A Bangladeshi SIM and some Indian currency were recovered from them. They were handed over to Tengnoupal police station.
In another incident Assam Rifles officials said troops of 23 Assam Rifles of 10 Sector under HQ IGAR(South) launched an operation yesterday and apprehended two cadres of Kangleipak Communist Party KCP (Nando group) and KNA outfits at Yaingangpokpi of Ukhrul district.
The two were identified as Sagolsem Bimol Singh(29) of KCP(Nando group) and Thang Khushad(23) of KNA.
Three live rounds of AK 47 rifle were recovered from the duo.
They were handed over to Lamlai Police station.
Troops of 29 Assam Rifles of 26 Sector under HQ IGAR(South) launched an operation at Tengnoupal, Chandel district today and apprehended three Myanmarese nationals travelling from Imphal to Moreh without valid documents.
They were identified as Md Noor Islam, Zahid Khan and Fatima Khan. A Bangladeshi SIM and some Indian currency were recovered from them. They were handed over to Tengnoupal police station.
In another incident Assam Rifles officials said troops of 23 Assam Rifles of 10 Sector under HQ IGAR(South) launched an operation yesterday and apprehended two cadres of Kangleipak Communist Party KCP (Nando group) and KNA outfits at Yaingangpokpi of Ukhrul district.
The two were identified as Sagolsem Bimol Singh(29) of KCP(Nando group) and Thang Khushad(23) of KNA.
Three live rounds of AK 47 rifle were recovered from the duo.
They were handed over to Lamlai Police station.
Ulfa swells with recruits
The president of All Assam Moran Students Union, Arun Jyoti Chutia, said it would be unfair to generalise that the Morans or any other community was pro-Ulfa. “If somebody goes to a militant outfit, it is his or her decision and has nothing to do with the community. But it is also true that the government is equally responsible for not fulfilling the genuine and long-pending demands of the community,” he added.
Chutia demanded that both New Delhi and Dispur step up the ongoing peace process with Ulfa and settle the issue in a time-bound manner.
A senior police official said they had received intelligence inputs that the Paresh Barua group was carrying out recruitment in lower and central Assam districts as well.
“The recruitment is being carried out in the rural areas, particularly from interior villages. Ulfa is recruiting youths from Goalpara, Dhubri, Barpeta, Kamrup, Nalbari and Baksa districts in lower Assam and Darrang and Morigaon in central Assam,” he said. “In Goalpara and Kamrup districts, Ulfa is recruiting youths mostly from the Rabha community. The recruitments are taking place in Rabha-dominated areas such as Dudhnoi in Goalpara and Boko in Kamrup,” the source said.
“Recruitments are also reportedly taking place at Patacharkuchi in Barpeta district, Tihu in Nalbari district and Barama in Baksa district,” he said.
According to him, the Paresh Barua group carried out most of the recruitments in the run-up to the Assembly polls when the security forces were focused on carrying out free, fair and peaceful elections.
He said it would be difficult to specify the number of youths recruited by the outfit as whatever intelligence information they had was general in nature.
“We are in the process of gathering as much intelligence as possible related to Ulfa recruitment. Apart from underground rebels, some overground organisations and individuals who are known to be sympathetic to Ulfa are believed to be helping the outfit recruit cadres. The matter is under investigation,” the source said.
Additional director-general of police (special branch) Khagen Sarma said there may be a few isolated cases of recruitment by the Paresh Barua group but denied that it was carrying out a “major recruitment” drive in the state.
“Whatever recruitment is taking place is on a very small scale and these are usually one-off incidents. There is nothing to worry about. In fact, the Ulfa’s strength is dwindling since a large number of its members was neutralised by the security forces in recent times. This is evident from the peaceful conduct of the Assembly polls in the state despite a threat by the outfit,” Sarma said.
Chutia demanded that both New Delhi and Dispur step up the ongoing peace process with Ulfa and settle the issue in a time-bound manner.
A senior police official said they had received intelligence inputs that the Paresh Barua group was carrying out recruitment in lower and central Assam districts as well.
“The recruitment is being carried out in the rural areas, particularly from interior villages. Ulfa is recruiting youths from Goalpara, Dhubri, Barpeta, Kamrup, Nalbari and Baksa districts in lower Assam and Darrang and Morigaon in central Assam,” he said. “In Goalpara and Kamrup districts, Ulfa is recruiting youths mostly from the Rabha community. The recruitments are taking place in Rabha-dominated areas such as Dudhnoi in Goalpara and Boko in Kamrup,” the source said.
“Recruitments are also reportedly taking place at Patacharkuchi in Barpeta district, Tihu in Nalbari district and Barama in Baksa district,” he said.
According to him, the Paresh Barua group carried out most of the recruitments in the run-up to the Assembly polls when the security forces were focused on carrying out free, fair and peaceful elections.
He said it would be difficult to specify the number of youths recruited by the outfit as whatever intelligence information they had was general in nature.
“We are in the process of gathering as much intelligence as possible related to Ulfa recruitment. Apart from underground rebels, some overground organisations and individuals who are known to be sympathetic to Ulfa are believed to be helping the outfit recruit cadres. The matter is under investigation,” the source said.
Additional director-general of police (special branch) Khagen Sarma said there may be a few isolated cases of recruitment by the Paresh Barua group but denied that it was carrying out a “major recruitment” drive in the state.
“Whatever recruitment is taking place is on a very small scale and these are usually one-off incidents. There is nothing to worry about. In fact, the Ulfa’s strength is dwindling since a large number of its members was neutralised by the security forces in recent times. This is evident from the peaceful conduct of the Assembly polls in the state despite a threat by the outfit,” Sarma said.
SULFA man remanded to police custody
GUWAHATI, April 28 – Hours after SULFA man Sailen Dutta Konwar was remanded to seven days police custody, Assam Police today said that it was also probing link of a section of pro-talk ULFA members with the Tuesday firing incident, hinting that the firing could be the fallout of them making desperate attempt to enter coal dealings in the BG Yard.
Police sources went on to claim that some of the senior pro-talk ULFA members had claimed stake in the lucrative coal dealings in the BG Yard, which ignited the business revolt between Konwar and his one-time business partner Mayur Talukdar.
SULFA man Konwar resorted to indiscriminate firing on Tuesday afternoon at the house of Mayur Talukdar in Geetanagar area and was later arrested by the police.
Konwar has been booked under Sec 307, 506, 427 of the IPC read with Sec 25 and Sec 27 of the Arms Act.
Police is, however, yet to locate the weapon used for firing. The two other accomplices of Konwar are also on the run, police added.
A senior police official told The Assam Tribune that the pro-talk ULFA leaders have started taking interest in the coal dealings since the last couple of months following which a series of FIRs and counter FIRs were lodged with the police by Talukdar and Konwar.
Senior Superintendent of Police (City) Deepak Choudhury had earlier confirmed clashes between two groups over coal dealings in the BG Yard, though he refrained from naming anyone.
"We have not received anything specific indicating involvement of pro-talk ULFA members behind the incident as of yet, though investigation is on," the SSP said.
Meanwhile, in an e-mail issued to a section of media, ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa has termed the allegations as baseless.
Police sources went on to claim that some of the senior pro-talk ULFA members had claimed stake in the lucrative coal dealings in the BG Yard, which ignited the business revolt between Konwar and his one-time business partner Mayur Talukdar.
SULFA man Konwar resorted to indiscriminate firing on Tuesday afternoon at the house of Mayur Talukdar in Geetanagar area and was later arrested by the police.
Konwar has been booked under Sec 307, 506, 427 of the IPC read with Sec 25 and Sec 27 of the Arms Act.
Police is, however, yet to locate the weapon used for firing. The two other accomplices of Konwar are also on the run, police added.
A senior police official told The Assam Tribune that the pro-talk ULFA leaders have started taking interest in the coal dealings since the last couple of months following which a series of FIRs and counter FIRs were lodged with the police by Talukdar and Konwar.
Senior Superintendent of Police (City) Deepak Choudhury had earlier confirmed clashes between two groups over coal dealings in the BG Yard, though he refrained from naming anyone.
"We have not received anything specific indicating involvement of pro-talk ULFA members behind the incident as of yet, though investigation is on," the SSP said.
Meanwhile, in an e-mail issued to a section of media, ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa has termed the allegations as baseless.
2 militants nabbed by troops
Imphal, Apr 27 : Troops nabbed two militants in separate incidents last evening.
Police today said a joint operation troops of DOGRA under Red Shield Division and Assam Rifles of IGAR (North) apprehended a cadre of NNC/FGN during a search operation at Jaluke village, Nagaland.
The apprehended cadre was identified as Namrikiu (74) and the regional executive head of Zeliangrong region for NNC/FGN.
Namrikiu was allegedly involved in kidnapping of two government supervisors in Nagaland in 2010. He was also actively involved in extortion and forced recruitment in Zeliangrong region of Manipur and Nagaland.
One pistol, one magazine and two live rounds were recovered from him before being handed over to Jaluke Police Station.
In another incident , troops of Assam Rifles launched an operation and apprehended one people's Liberation Army (PLA) cadre at Thongjao, Thoubal district .
Police today said a joint operation troops of DOGRA under Red Shield Division and Assam Rifles of IGAR (North) apprehended a cadre of NNC/FGN during a search operation at Jaluke village, Nagaland.
The apprehended cadre was identified as Namrikiu (74) and the regional executive head of Zeliangrong region for NNC/FGN.
Namrikiu was allegedly involved in kidnapping of two government supervisors in Nagaland in 2010. He was also actively involved in extortion and forced recruitment in Zeliangrong region of Manipur and Nagaland.
One pistol, one magazine and two live rounds were recovered from him before being handed over to Jaluke Police Station.
In another incident , troops of Assam Rifles launched an operation and apprehended one people's Liberation Army (PLA) cadre at Thongjao, Thoubal district .
Garo rebels to surrender in Meghalaya
Shillong, April 27 (IANS) At least 20 Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) rebels in Meghalaya will give up arms and surrender Wednesday, an official said.
‘At least, 20 GNLA rebels led by Ningrang Sangma, the chief training instructor of the outfit, will surrender before Home Minister H.D.R Lyngdoh,’ a senior state home ministry official told IANS on condition of anonymity.
The GNLA, one of the five Garo rebel groups, is headed by police officer-turned-rogue Champion R. Sangma and is fighting for a sovereign ‘Garoland’ in western Meghalaya.
‘The rebels are travelling to Shillong from Garo Hills region. They wanted to surrender due to ideological difference and ill-treatment of its cadres by the top leaders,’ the official said.
Gregory A. Sangma, the GNLA general secretary surrendered to police Dec 18, 21010 citing differences in their ideology with his leaders – chairman Champion R. Sangma and Sohan D. Shira, the chief of GNLA’s military wing.
‘At least, 20 GNLA rebels led by Ningrang Sangma, the chief training instructor of the outfit, will surrender before Home Minister H.D.R Lyngdoh,’ a senior state home ministry official told IANS on condition of anonymity.
The GNLA, one of the five Garo rebel groups, is headed by police officer-turned-rogue Champion R. Sangma and is fighting for a sovereign ‘Garoland’ in western Meghalaya.
‘The rebels are travelling to Shillong from Garo Hills region. They wanted to surrender due to ideological difference and ill-treatment of its cadres by the top leaders,’ the official said.
Gregory A. Sangma, the GNLA general secretary surrendered to police Dec 18, 21010 citing differences in their ideology with his leaders – chairman Champion R. Sangma and Sohan D. Shira, the chief of GNLA’s military wing.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
5 militants nabbed
Imphal, Apr 26 : Police and Assam Rifles nabbed five militants in three separate incidents during the last 24 hours.
Following a search operation by a combined team of Thoubal police commandos and Assam Rifles, two cadres of Kangleipak Communisty Party KCP (MC), Thockchom Surrendra Singh and Md Chingiskhan were nabbed today, Superintendent of Police, Thoubal District, K Jayanta Singh said.
The arrested cadres revealed that they are active members of KCP (MC), working in the finance section of the organisation under the command of one Nanao of Lalngakpa.
In another incident, a combined team of Imphal West Commandos and 28 AR arrested two cadres of People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) here yesterday.
Imphal West Police Commandos troops of 10 Assam Rifles at Kangchup under Loktak Brigade of Red Shield Division apprehended SS 'area commander' of Kuki National Front KNF (P) Haoseh Kipgen, from Kangchup Chingkhong village yesterday.
Following a search operation by a combined team of Thoubal police commandos and Assam Rifles, two cadres of Kangleipak Communisty Party KCP (MC), Thockchom Surrendra Singh and Md Chingiskhan were nabbed today, Superintendent of Police, Thoubal District, K Jayanta Singh said.
The arrested cadres revealed that they are active members of KCP (MC), working in the finance section of the organisation under the command of one Nanao of Lalngakpa.
In another incident, a combined team of Imphal West Commandos and 28 AR arrested two cadres of People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) here yesterday.
Imphal West Police Commandos troops of 10 Assam Rifles at Kangchup under Loktak Brigade of Red Shield Division apprehended SS 'area commander' of Kuki National Front KNF (P) Haoseh Kipgen, from Kangchup Chingkhong village yesterday.
Tripura rebels sneak into Assam
Silchar, April 26 : Militants from Tripura are sneaking into the south Assam district of Hailakandi to carry out subversive activities like abduction for ransom and extortion, the district superintendent of police, Hemanta Bhattacharjee, said today.
Bhattacharjee expressed concern at this development and said police patrolling in the jungles in south Hailakandi was affected as a CRPF battalion was recently withdrawn from there for election duty in West Bengal. He identified this militant group as the Tripura Security Force (TSF).
Bhattacharjee said these rebels were sometimes driven into Hailakandi and Karimganj districts when police and the security forces conduct counter-insurgency campaigns there. They also undertake reconnaissance missions in these districts and return to Tripura either through Assam or Mizoram borders, he added.
The superintendent of police said tension was brewing in the district, particularly at Katlicherra block, following the abduction of a small time trader, Jakir Hossain Laskar, 31, from Gallacherra village in the district on Wednesday night by a group of gunmen.
Yuba Yakya Manch, a conglomeration of a seven civil outfits, have threatened to call a 12-hour bandh tomorrow in Hailakandi district if the police failed to locate the hideout of the group and recover him by tonight.
The Manch, which had earlier set a deadline of 48 hours for the police to trace Laskar, said it would call a bandh on Tuesday if the youth was not recovered by the latest deadline. Bhattacharjee said the police suspected the surrendered United Liberation Front of the Barak Valley militants might be behind the abduction.
The superintendent of police said he hoped to trace the hideout where Laskar was being kept in a day or two.
Bhattacharjee expressed concern at this development and said police patrolling in the jungles in south Hailakandi was affected as a CRPF battalion was recently withdrawn from there for election duty in West Bengal. He identified this militant group as the Tripura Security Force (TSF).
Bhattacharjee said these rebels were sometimes driven into Hailakandi and Karimganj districts when police and the security forces conduct counter-insurgency campaigns there. They also undertake reconnaissance missions in these districts and return to Tripura either through Assam or Mizoram borders, he added.
The superintendent of police said tension was brewing in the district, particularly at Katlicherra block, following the abduction of a small time trader, Jakir Hossain Laskar, 31, from Gallacherra village in the district on Wednesday night by a group of gunmen.
Yuba Yakya Manch, a conglomeration of a seven civil outfits, have threatened to call a 12-hour bandh tomorrow in Hailakandi district if the police failed to locate the hideout of the group and recover him by tonight.
The Manch, which had earlier set a deadline of 48 hours for the police to trace Laskar, said it would call a bandh on Tuesday if the youth was not recovered by the latest deadline. Bhattacharjee said the police suspected the surrendered United Liberation Front of the Barak Valley militants might be behind the abduction.
The superintendent of police said he hoped to trace the hideout where Laskar was being kept in a day or two.
Pro-talk ULFA faction holds meeting
Nagaon (Assam), Apr 26 (PTI) The pro-talk ULFA faction today held a meeting to discuss the direction that the peace process should take and their stand against the anti-talk faction.
The meeting was held at Khalai Gaon near Jajari in central Assam's Nagaon district led by its chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa, said sources close to the underground faction without divulging further details of the meeting.
Besides Rajkhowa, ULFA vice president Pradip Gogoi, deputy C-in-C Raju Baruah, 'finance secretary' Chitraban Hazarika, 'cultural secretary' Pranati Deka and other leaders were present in the meeting, the sources said.
ULFA ideologue Bhimkanta Buraguhain, 'foreign secretary' Sasa Choudhury and publicity secretary Mithinga Daimari did not attend the meeting due to their preoccupation, the sources added.
The meeting was held at Khalai Gaon near Jajari in central Assam's Nagaon district led by its chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa, said sources close to the underground faction without divulging further details of the meeting.
Besides Rajkhowa, ULFA vice president Pradip Gogoi, deputy C-in-C Raju Baruah, 'finance secretary' Chitraban Hazarika, 'cultural secretary' Pranati Deka and other leaders were present in the meeting, the sources said.
ULFA ideologue Bhimkanta Buraguhain, 'foreign secretary' Sasa Choudhury and publicity secretary Mithinga Daimari did not attend the meeting due to their preoccupation, the sources added.
Monday, April 25, 2011
NSCN-K: IM carried out murderous ambush
Dimapur, April 26 : The Khaplang group of the NSCN today terms the ambush on the convoy of Wungnaoshang Keishing was an act of terrorism carried put by the NSCN-IM that claimed eight lives on April 15.The NSCN-K also said the incident was a fundamental flaw in the policy of Th Muivah.
In the same tone, the NSCN-K also questioned the silence maintained by the All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM), Naga Women's Union, Manipur (NWUM) and United Naga Council (UNC) over the April 15 incident.
Meanwhile, condemning the incident, the NSCN-K termed it as a barbaric multiple murder perpetrated upon MLA Wungnaoshang and his escort near New Canal area on April 15 .
The eight dead and injury to several members of MLA's escort reiterates the fundamental flaw in the policy of Th Muivah, it added.
"Since 1988, Nagas have lost hundreds of prized men and women succumbing to NSCN-IM tactics of targeting important personalities to create sensationalism, fear and silence in the minds of the people.
It matters little whether the Government of India applauds Th Muivah or take him to task for ordering assassination of Wungnaoshang Keishing, the sitting MLA of Phungyar constituency, Ukhrul, Manipur," the statement said.
The NSCN-K then stated that the Naga people everywhere, irrespective of region or tribe, must ponder over whether such murderous ambushes on fellow Nagas would serve any purpose.
"At this hour only fanatics with destructive ideas would attempt to strangle the people with acts of terrorism.
Understandably, the so-called Naga frontal organizations appear to have shut down their offices and gone on vacation to avoid condemning the brazen act of terrorism committed by their sponsor," the NSCN-K alleged while adding, "To stay silent in the face of such destruction of human lives is to propagate and instigate terrorism.
The assassination attempt on Naga legislator Wungnaoshang by the IM is a reminder that desperate men have little choice on their hands" .
It said the NSCN-K believes that MLA Wungnaoshang is a public leader who had the moral obligation towards the people he represents in the assembly.
"The silence of the ever bragging UNC, ANSAM, NWUM and other Naga organizations in Manipur is most outrageous," the NSCN-K said, adding, "Ask Dr SC Jamir, Neiphiu Rio (Chief Minister of Nagaland), Kihoto Hollohon (Minister) and many others who survived the NSCN-IM's assassination bids a number of times in the past" .
The NSCN-K said the Naga history will neither glorify assassins nor their masters.
It stated that the ambush was a direct indication that the Nagas no longer believe in the politics of Th Muivah and his men.
Politics of assassinations will never silence the Nagas, it asserted.
"Solution to the Indo-Naga-Burma political problem demands that even the worst critics could strengthen the people's resolve.
The ugly incident has definitely left the Nagas asking Th Muivah whether bifurcation of Ukhrul district is a bigger devil than the alternative political arrangement.
In the same tone, the NSCN-K also questioned the silence maintained by the All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM), Naga Women's Union, Manipur (NWUM) and United Naga Council (UNC) over the April 15 incident.
Meanwhile, condemning the incident, the NSCN-K termed it as a barbaric multiple murder perpetrated upon MLA Wungnaoshang and his escort near New Canal area on April 15 .
The eight dead and injury to several members of MLA's escort reiterates the fundamental flaw in the policy of Th Muivah, it added.
"Since 1988, Nagas have lost hundreds of prized men and women succumbing to NSCN-IM tactics of targeting important personalities to create sensationalism, fear and silence in the minds of the people.
It matters little whether the Government of India applauds Th Muivah or take him to task for ordering assassination of Wungnaoshang Keishing, the sitting MLA of Phungyar constituency, Ukhrul, Manipur," the statement said.
The NSCN-K then stated that the Naga people everywhere, irrespective of region or tribe, must ponder over whether such murderous ambushes on fellow Nagas would serve any purpose.
"At this hour only fanatics with destructive ideas would attempt to strangle the people with acts of terrorism.
Understandably, the so-called Naga frontal organizations appear to have shut down their offices and gone on vacation to avoid condemning the brazen act of terrorism committed by their sponsor," the NSCN-K alleged while adding, "To stay silent in the face of such destruction of human lives is to propagate and instigate terrorism.
The assassination attempt on Naga legislator Wungnaoshang by the IM is a reminder that desperate men have little choice on their hands" .
It said the NSCN-K believes that MLA Wungnaoshang is a public leader who had the moral obligation towards the people he represents in the assembly.
"The silence of the ever bragging UNC, ANSAM, NWUM and other Naga organizations in Manipur is most outrageous," the NSCN-K said, adding, "Ask Dr SC Jamir, Neiphiu Rio (Chief Minister of Nagaland), Kihoto Hollohon (Minister) and many others who survived the NSCN-IM's assassination bids a number of times in the past" .
The NSCN-K said the Naga history will neither glorify assassins nor their masters.
It stated that the ambush was a direct indication that the Nagas no longer believe in the politics of Th Muivah and his men.
Politics of assassinations will never silence the Nagas, it asserted.
"Solution to the Indo-Naga-Burma political problem demands that even the worst critics could strengthen the people's resolve.
The ugly incident has definitely left the Nagas asking Th Muivah whether bifurcation of Ukhrul district is a bigger devil than the alternative political arrangement.
Heart Of Insurgency
A book that exhaustively explores the nature of the rampant Maoist conflicts in India, through a holistic socio-political perspective
Aditi Bhaduri
Maoists And Other Armed Conflicts
By Anuradha M. Chenoy and Kamal A. Mitra Chenoy
Penguin
Pages: 328
Price: Rs 350
In 2010 India was wracked by insurgencies and armed conflict in different pockets of the country. The Geneva Conventions describe armed conflicts as intra-state conflicts of non-international character. The rules for behavior to be adhered to during armed conflicts are also laid down in the convention's additional protocols.
While most of the secessionist movements — Kashmir, the Northeast — have their terrain in the bordering regions of the country, a large swathe of Central India was in the grip of the Maoists; popularly known as the 'Red Corridor'. (India however refuses to accept the term 'armed conflict', as its recent protest at a UN report terming Naxal issue under 'armed conflict' demonstrates).
Two decades ago India had dealt with the problem of insurgency in Mizoram and Punjab but since quelled and done with. What accounted for these conflicts, zones where almost 'one-sixth of India's citizens live'?
In Maoists And Other Armed Conflicts Anuradha M. Chenoy and Kamal Mitra M. Chenoy have tried to address this and other concerns. Why do these insurgencies happen? What are the factors that fuel armed conflict? What is their impact? Drawing on a number of theories and models, they argue for revisiting the dominant realist paradigms which "inform mainstream theories of nationalism" in favour of democratising and broadening state security to include "gendered human security which must also privilege the subaltern sections of society", which would include a "democratisation of policy-making and the expansion and protection of human rights". The book comprehensively revisits the different conflicts that have wracked the Indian state and provides a comprehensive overview of each.
In the Northeast (Assam, Bodoland, Mizoram, Manipur and Nagaland), as in Kashmir, insurgencies were founded on competing nationalisms, stemming from both real and perceived injustices. Located "in regions of backwardness, economic neglect, and regional underdevelopment", conflicts have broken out because "local institutions of the state have very low presence". Thus, government schools and health facilities are grossly lacking, and "..a small political, security and bureaucratic elite is seen to have usurped the gains of development funds,…there is evident exploitation of natural resources, be they minerals or forest products, by the local elite which his linked to influential 'outsiders'…" Added to this are denial of rights and justice, issues of identity and human rights violations. All this leads to a sense of collective victimhood and narratives of oppression "identified with a community", which heightens identity consciousness and identity politics. Historical fissures and differences with other communities are constructed, especially with the dominant "mainstream community", leading to a demand for secession from the Indian union. These grievances and sense of victimhood are then exploited by those who spearhead these movements, through both violent and non-violent ways. Further, since all of these states are border states they receive ample help from states across the borders. This was just as true of Punjab, where peace, however, reigns today. These insurgencies could be successful - though few have been quelled, others continue - only because they are "embedded in the communities where they operate" and have local support in some degree or other, in some form or other. The insurgent groups recruit young cadres, and do not hesitate to persecute and oppress those, whose cause they are supposed to serve.
The Maoist insurgency is the only one which is not based on any sub-national ideology and there is no question of secession. The Maoists seek to overthrow the state, and usher in a new political system. But the form that their movement has taken is similar to those of the other insurgencies; only they do not operate in border states and there is as yet no evidence of material cross-border support for them. However, the Maoist insurgency also operates in places of extreme backwardness and under-development, but places rich in natural resources which are being exploited by local elite in synchronisation with the state. Drawing on their numerous visits to these conflict zones and interviews conducted with the populaces there, on media reports and reports by various governmental and non-governmental agencies, the authors outline that "people become insurgents/militants because of a complex combination of personal, contextual and socio-economic factors, where there is a breakdown of their social and symbolic order and a sense of alienation, and there is anger and the desire for retribution against perceived injustice."
How has the Indian state responded?
Unable to provide security to people living in these conflict zones, the state views insurgencies mostly through the prism of "national security" which is then sought to be heightened by applying draconian laws such as the AFSPA and PSA which instill fear, "intimidate and harm, rather than protect and provide security"and the use of military force. The practice of state agencies also to enter into underhand deals with insurgents, and its counter-insurgency recruits from amongst former militants has also unleashed a culture of ugly violence with impunity among the inhabitants of the conflict zones.
These are then followed by development activities and engaging the militant groups through talks. The book contends that "the legitimisation of national security laws and their judicial sanction are based on the dominant Indian nationalist ideology that is essentially homogenizing and exclusive." This is perhaps a verdict which cannot be uniformly applied to all the insurgent-wracked communities. India is a mosaic of various cultures (a thali of different delicacies, rather than a melting pot, as Shashi Tharoor had once suggested), and it is difficult to say which culture has the upper hand. On the other hand, there is no denying that, "demands for justice, negotiations, or civil society interventions are treated with bureaucratic disdain and left to the local police to handle at their level." Corruption, inefficiency, breakdown of governance, violence by both insurgents and the Indian state then characterise these zones.
Thus, the book's main argument is that the basis of peace building must be human security that is essentially based on the human rights approach and not merely packages and government handouts. It calls for "talks with the leadership of the armed struggles should be put on fast track, local militants demobilized, and institutions of governance and democracy restored."
Maoists And Other Armed Conflicts advocates a human security approach, but does not take any Manichean position; it does not romanticise the insurgencies, neither does it expunge any of the atrocities or mechanisms indulged in by either state or non-state actors. The chapter on civil society perhaps needed a more critical approach. Human rights groups and activists in India often tend to be politicised; they are also often donor-driven, which makes not just the state but also a large silent majority view them with skepticism. A little more credit could also have been reserved for the Indian state in the way it has handled insurgencies in places like Punjab, Mizoram and Nagaland. Nevertheless, it is an excellent guide to understanding the conflicts that currently rage on in India, state and civil society responses, and how the local populaces in all of these zones are affected by a very gendered violence that grips them. Rich in data and written in a lucid, non-academic style, it is both engaging and compelling, and extremely timely.
MHA gave 2cr to Ulfa in Assam during polls
By MANOJ ANAND
GUWAHATI, Apr 25 : In what may snowball into a major controversy, the Union home ministry has sanctioned and disbursed an amount of about `2 crores to outlawed Ulfa rebels as daily expenses for two months during the elections in Assam.
Disclosing that the home ministry disbursed the amount to the Ulfa leaders, including “chairman” Arabinda Rajkhowa and vice-president Pradip Gogoi through the state government just before the polling was held in Assam, an authoritative security source told this newspaper that proposal for financial assistance to Ulfa was moved by the Gogoi government to which home ministry endorsed without any delay.
The financial assistance has been given to take care of daily expenses of Ulfa cadres and their family members.
Clarifying that an amount of `2 crores has been sanctioned for two months only, home ministry sources said that the Gogoi government has also suggested that new government which is expected to take over the offices after May 13 would be taking further decision on exact size of financial assistance to the Ulfa cadres.
The pro-talk faction of Ulfa, which sought this financial assistance from the state government, also claimed to have the strength of more than 400 cadres, holding ceasefire with the government.
The outfit also claimed that these Ulfa cadres who joined the peace-process on their call, deserting the anti-talk faction of Ulfa headed by Paresh Baruah, are living in various designated camps.
The home ministry sources, which blamed the state government for moving proposal during the elections, however claimed that the state government had taken the approval of the Election Commission before disbursing the financial assistance to the Ulfa leaders during the elections.
It is significant that outlawed NDFB rebels had refused to take any financial assistance from the government during the ceasefire.
GUWAHATI, Apr 25 : In what may snowball into a major controversy, the Union home ministry has sanctioned and disbursed an amount of about `2 crores to outlawed Ulfa rebels as daily expenses for two months during the elections in Assam.
Disclosing that the home ministry disbursed the amount to the Ulfa leaders, including “chairman” Arabinda Rajkhowa and vice-president Pradip Gogoi through the state government just before the polling was held in Assam, an authoritative security source told this newspaper that proposal for financial assistance to Ulfa was moved by the Gogoi government to which home ministry endorsed without any delay.
The financial assistance has been given to take care of daily expenses of Ulfa cadres and their family members.
Clarifying that an amount of `2 crores has been sanctioned for two months only, home ministry sources said that the Gogoi government has also suggested that new government which is expected to take over the offices after May 13 would be taking further decision on exact size of financial assistance to the Ulfa cadres.
The pro-talk faction of Ulfa, which sought this financial assistance from the state government, also claimed to have the strength of more than 400 cadres, holding ceasefire with the government.
The outfit also claimed that these Ulfa cadres who joined the peace-process on their call, deserting the anti-talk faction of Ulfa headed by Paresh Baruah, are living in various designated camps.
The home ministry sources, which blamed the state government for moving proposal during the elections, however claimed that the state government had taken the approval of the Election Commission before disbursing the financial assistance to the Ulfa leaders during the elections.
It is significant that outlawed NDFB rebels had refused to take any financial assistance from the government during the ceasefire.
Naga rebel leaders celebrate Easter Sunday in Dimapur
Kohima, Apr 25: As part of ‘Naga Reconciliation: A journey of Common Hope,’ the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) celebrated Easter Sunday here yesterday.
It was attended by past and present ‘national workers (underground)’ belonging to different Naga political groups.
In a solemn service, FNR convener Rev Dr Wati Aier, in his Easter message, narrated the responses of some of the twelve disciples to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and what they mean in the Naga context.
Rev Wati said that after the initial doubts and fears of disciples like Thomas and Peter in the resurrection of Jesus, when the latter showed his wounds and told them not to be 'afraid', the twelve disciples rose in unison and proclaimed to the Jerusalem authority that they were ready to spread the teachings of Jesus.
The FNR convener said that because of their strong faith and unity of purpose, a mere dozen disciples were able to turn the world upside down and bring forth a new dispensation.
Likewise, Rev Wati said that Naga national groups can also change the course of Naga history and present Naga world filled with bitterness, suspicions and fears, if they accept the call of Christ and have unity of purpose.
He said that the ongoing reconciliation process initiated by FNR was another God-given opportunity for Nagas and a reason to be together and appealed to all to support reconciliation.
It was attended by past and present ‘national workers (underground)’ belonging to different Naga political groups.
In a solemn service, FNR convener Rev Dr Wati Aier, in his Easter message, narrated the responses of some of the twelve disciples to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and what they mean in the Naga context.
Rev Wati said that after the initial doubts and fears of disciples like Thomas and Peter in the resurrection of Jesus, when the latter showed his wounds and told them not to be 'afraid', the twelve disciples rose in unison and proclaimed to the Jerusalem authority that they were ready to spread the teachings of Jesus.
The FNR convener said that because of their strong faith and unity of purpose, a mere dozen disciples were able to turn the world upside down and bring forth a new dispensation.
Likewise, Rev Wati said that Naga national groups can also change the course of Naga history and present Naga world filled with bitterness, suspicions and fears, if they accept the call of Christ and have unity of purpose.
He said that the ongoing reconciliation process initiated by FNR was another God-given opportunity for Nagas and a reason to be together and appealed to all to support reconciliation.
“Take on the guerilla like a guerilla”
Vinay Kumar
Chhattisgarh school churns out policemen trained in jungle warfare
“First bullet may be the enemy's, but return the fire in half-a-second” is what they are taught
In just 45 days, the school turns a policeman into a commando, who can take on the Naxals
KANKER (CHHATTISGARH): With armed cadres of Maoists having inflicted heavy casualties on Central forces as well as State policemen in 2010, the focus appears to be on preparing the policemen of States affected by the Naxal violence to take on the challenge posed by left-wing extremism.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has described left-wing extremism as the “single most grave threat to the country's internal security.”
With last April's deadly Maoist strike killing 75 Central Reserve Police Force men in Dantewada district fresh in their memory, police personnel of Chhattisgarh and other States are undergoing a rigorous training programme at the State government's Counter Terrorism and Jungle Warfare College (CTJWC) in Kanker, about 150 km from Raipur, to sharpen their skills in taking on Naxals.
“Take on the guerilla like a guerilla,” is the motto of the CTJWC which trains policemen in jungle warfare and guerilla tactics. “The first bullet can be that of the enemy, but you have to return the fire in half-a- second,” is what the policemen are motivated to do by their instructors at the CTJWC. The move followed regular attacks on police forces by Maoists, resulting in heavy casualties of the men in uniform and the State feeling that an ill-equipped and ill-trained police force would not be able to take on the Naxalite groups which were gaining in strength in large parts of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Orissa, Bihar and West Bengal.
Change, in six years
But over the past six years, the training school in Kanker, one of the Naxal-hit areas in Chhattisgarh, is churning out well-trained and motivated policemen, honing their fitness, skills, training and motivation. The school turns an “aam policeman” into a commando in 45 days who can take on Naxalites in a rough terrain.
“We are producing commandos who are gutsy, fearless and who will not be just sitting ducks when confronted by armed gangs of Naxalites,'' says B. K. Ponwar, who set up the school in April 2005 after retiring from the Army. Policemen from other States such as Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Jharkhand, Orissa and Bihar are also trained at the school.
15,000 policemen trained so far
Over the past six years, nearly 15,000 policemen have been trained in counter-terrorism and jungle warfare tactics by the school. “Most of those trained are from the Chhattisgarh police but we admit policemen from other States also. Every 45 days, we are training nearly 600 policemen,” Brigadier Ponwar told visiting journalists.
Brig. Ponwar was asked by the former Chhattisgarh Governor, K. M. Seth, to set up a training school on the lines of the Army's jungle warfare college in Variengte, Mizoram.
Though it is a tough challenge to begin a new school from scratch, Brig. Ponwar knew his task well, having been a commandant at Variengte. The training school at Kanker is spread over nearly 700 acres and consists of forests, rocks and rough terrain providing the ideal terrain for the policemen to take on Naxals.
Psychological warfare
“We train the policemen to live the life of the jungle and become mentally and physically tough to take on the enemy. Psychological warfare also forms a crucial component of the course. We talk about the life of villagers and issues relating to development as economic, social and political aspects of the Naxal problem are also important components,” says Brig. Ponwar.
Director-General of Police, Chhattisgarh, Vishwa Ranjan, said the State police was recruiting nearly between 3,000 and 4,000 policemen every year and the total strength was now touching 53,000 — up from 20,000 in 2005.
“Every 45 days, we send a fresh batch of policemen for the training to Kanker. Roughly about 3,000 policemen complete their training every year now and the entire operational strength of the State police is expected to be trained at the school over the next few years,” he told The Hindu.
Chhattisgarh school churns out policemen trained in jungle warfare
“First bullet may be the enemy's, but return the fire in half-a-second” is what they are taught
In just 45 days, the school turns a policeman into a commando, who can take on the Naxals
KANKER (CHHATTISGARH): With armed cadres of Maoists having inflicted heavy casualties on Central forces as well as State policemen in 2010, the focus appears to be on preparing the policemen of States affected by the Naxal violence to take on the challenge posed by left-wing extremism.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has described left-wing extremism as the “single most grave threat to the country's internal security.”
With last April's deadly Maoist strike killing 75 Central Reserve Police Force men in Dantewada district fresh in their memory, police personnel of Chhattisgarh and other States are undergoing a rigorous training programme at the State government's Counter Terrorism and Jungle Warfare College (CTJWC) in Kanker, about 150 km from Raipur, to sharpen their skills in taking on Naxals.
“Take on the guerilla like a guerilla,” is the motto of the CTJWC which trains policemen in jungle warfare and guerilla tactics. “The first bullet can be that of the enemy, but you have to return the fire in half-a- second,” is what the policemen are motivated to do by their instructors at the CTJWC. The move followed regular attacks on police forces by Maoists, resulting in heavy casualties of the men in uniform and the State feeling that an ill-equipped and ill-trained police force would not be able to take on the Naxalite groups which were gaining in strength in large parts of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Orissa, Bihar and West Bengal.
Change, in six years
But over the past six years, the training school in Kanker, one of the Naxal-hit areas in Chhattisgarh, is churning out well-trained and motivated policemen, honing their fitness, skills, training and motivation. The school turns an “aam policeman” into a commando in 45 days who can take on Naxalites in a rough terrain.
“We are producing commandos who are gutsy, fearless and who will not be just sitting ducks when confronted by armed gangs of Naxalites,'' says B. K. Ponwar, who set up the school in April 2005 after retiring from the Army. Policemen from other States such as Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Jharkhand, Orissa and Bihar are also trained at the school.
15,000 policemen trained so far
Over the past six years, nearly 15,000 policemen have been trained in counter-terrorism and jungle warfare tactics by the school. “Most of those trained are from the Chhattisgarh police but we admit policemen from other States also. Every 45 days, we are training nearly 600 policemen,” Brigadier Ponwar told visiting journalists.
Brig. Ponwar was asked by the former Chhattisgarh Governor, K. M. Seth, to set up a training school on the lines of the Army's jungle warfare college in Variengte, Mizoram.
Though it is a tough challenge to begin a new school from scratch, Brig. Ponwar knew his task well, having been a commandant at Variengte. The training school at Kanker is spread over nearly 700 acres and consists of forests, rocks and rough terrain providing the ideal terrain for the policemen to take on Naxals.
Psychological warfare
“We train the policemen to live the life of the jungle and become mentally and physically tough to take on the enemy. Psychological warfare also forms a crucial component of the course. We talk about the life of villagers and issues relating to development as economic, social and political aspects of the Naxal problem are also important components,” says Brig. Ponwar.
Director-General of Police, Chhattisgarh, Vishwa Ranjan, said the State police was recruiting nearly between 3,000 and 4,000 policemen every year and the total strength was now touching 53,000 — up from 20,000 in 2005.
“Every 45 days, we send a fresh batch of policemen for the training to Kanker. Roughly about 3,000 policemen complete their training every year now and the entire operational strength of the State police is expected to be trained at the school over the next few years,” he told The Hindu.
Garo militant chief escapes in encounter
Shillong, Apr 25, (PTI): The 'commander-in-chief' of a Garo militant outfit today narrowly escaped in a shoot-out near his native village in Meghalaya’s East Garo Hills district.
Acting on an input that Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) 'C-in-C' Sohan D Shira was with his family, Special Weapons and Tactics commandos of Meghalaya swooped in at the village, Chachatgre, about 20 km from the district headquarter town of Williamnagar this afternoon, police said.
Two 'sentries' who were keeping guard about 200 metres from the residence fired at the commandos and engaged them for sometime, during which Shira is believed to have escaped along with other cadres of the outfit who were with him, Superintendent of Police JFK Marak said.
About 17 rounds were exchanged in the encounter. No casualty or injury was reported. A Chinese-made night vision device was found from the spot, the SP said.
The GNLA is the most active militant group in Meghalaya and has been blamed for rampant extortion in Garo hills belt.
On April 6, the group gunned down five coal labourers in South Garo Hills district. The outfit had also carried out a number of kidnappings and extortions.
Acting on an input that Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) 'C-in-C' Sohan D Shira was with his family, Special Weapons and Tactics commandos of Meghalaya swooped in at the village, Chachatgre, about 20 km from the district headquarter town of Williamnagar this afternoon, police said.
Two 'sentries' who were keeping guard about 200 metres from the residence fired at the commandos and engaged them for sometime, during which Shira is believed to have escaped along with other cadres of the outfit who were with him, Superintendent of Police JFK Marak said.
About 17 rounds were exchanged in the encounter. No casualty or injury was reported. A Chinese-made night vision device was found from the spot, the SP said.
The GNLA is the most active militant group in Meghalaya and has been blamed for rampant extortion in Garo hills belt.
On April 6, the group gunned down five coal labourers in South Garo Hills district. The outfit had also carried out a number of kidnappings and extortions.
Rs 40 lakh to pro-talk ULFA for daily expenses
NEW DELHI, April 25 – Believed to have led lavish lives in their heydays, pro-talks ULFA leaders have now been given Rs 40 lakh by the Centre for daily expenses and to run their families.
The Home Ministry released the first instalment of financial assistance to the ULFA leaders, including ‘chairman’ Arabinda Rajkhowa, ‘vice-president’ Pradip Gogoi and others besides its cadres – totalling approximately 400.
“We have disbursed the money to the ULFA through the Assam government. The money has been given to take care of the daily expenses of ULFA members and other family requirements,” a Home Ministry official said. The Centre may release more funds to the banned group in the coming days.
The ULFA was accused of extorting several hundred crores of rupess in Assam to buy arms, ammunition and for training its cadres. The group was also accused of running many businesses in neighbouring Bangladesh.
The ULFA leaders, led by Rajkhowa, had met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Home Minister P Chidambaram in January for the first time after their arrest along the India-Bangladesh border in 2009, starting the peace negotiations with the government.
The next peace dialogue between the government representatives and the ULFA leaders is likely to be held in June. The process has been delayed as the group is yet to fulfill the Centre’s condition to deposit their weapons before a substantial dialogue.
The weapons are believed to be in the possession of two senior leaders of the ULFA but they are undecided on whether the outfit wants to double-lock the arms, that is keep it in joint custody with one set of keys remaining with the government and the other with the militant group.
Double-locking is a standard practice of the government with surrendered militant groups during negotiation — an exception being the NSCN-IM.
The firearms of the Naga National Council are under lock and key at Chidema peace camp near Kohima since 1964. More recently, the pro-talks NDFB double-locked its weapons. The government put the same argument before ULFA as a pre-requisite for a formal dialogue.
Meanwhile, the Centre and the Assam government have agreed to allocate land to the group in Nalbari district to set up a designated camp for the ULFA cadres. Officials said it is here that the weapons may be deposited.
The Home Ministry released the first instalment of financial assistance to the ULFA leaders, including ‘chairman’ Arabinda Rajkhowa, ‘vice-president’ Pradip Gogoi and others besides its cadres – totalling approximately 400.
“We have disbursed the money to the ULFA through the Assam government. The money has been given to take care of the daily expenses of ULFA members and other family requirements,” a Home Ministry official said. The Centre may release more funds to the banned group in the coming days.
The ULFA was accused of extorting several hundred crores of rupess in Assam to buy arms, ammunition and for training its cadres. The group was also accused of running many businesses in neighbouring Bangladesh.
The ULFA leaders, led by Rajkhowa, had met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Home Minister P Chidambaram in January for the first time after their arrest along the India-Bangladesh border in 2009, starting the peace negotiations with the government.
The next peace dialogue between the government representatives and the ULFA leaders is likely to be held in June. The process has been delayed as the group is yet to fulfill the Centre’s condition to deposit their weapons before a substantial dialogue.
The weapons are believed to be in the possession of two senior leaders of the ULFA but they are undecided on whether the outfit wants to double-lock the arms, that is keep it in joint custody with one set of keys remaining with the government and the other with the militant group.
Double-locking is a standard practice of the government with surrendered militant groups during negotiation — an exception being the NSCN-IM.
The firearms of the Naga National Council are under lock and key at Chidema peace camp near Kohima since 1964. More recently, the pro-talks NDFB double-locked its weapons. The government put the same argument before ULFA as a pre-requisite for a formal dialogue.
Meanwhile, the Centre and the Assam government have agreed to allocate land to the group in Nalbari district to set up a designated camp for the ULFA cadres. Officials said it is here that the weapons may be deposited.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Surrendered guerrillas in Tripura demand rehabilitation
Agartala, April 22 : Surrendered tribal guerrillas in Tripura Thursday organised a road blockade and a hunger strike demanding that the government make good on its promise of rehabilitating them.
"We will launch an indefinite hunger strike if the state government does not fulfill our demands, including the one to rehabilitate the surrendered militants," president of joint action committee (JAC) Danniel Debbarma told reporters.
The Thursday protest, initially planned to last 48 hours, was withdrawn one hour after its launch in the morning after senior officials assured the surrendered tribal extremists of holding a meeting with them April 27.
"When we launched a 48-hour hunger strike Thursday morning at Teliamura on the Assam-Agartala national highway, senior civil and police officials came to the spot, 40 km north of Tripura capital Agartala, and promised us to hold a meeting on April 27 to settle our demands," said Debbarma.
The April 27 meeting would be held between Tripura Tribal Welfare Minister Aghore Debbarma and leaders of the JAC, formed by the surrendered tribal guerrillas.
According to JAC supremo Danniel Debbarma, over 700 surrendered tribal guerrillas were yet to be rehabilitated.
West Tripura District Magistrate J.K. Sinha in a statement said the state government has already fulfilled most of the demands and provisions incorporated in the agreements signed with the surrendered guerrillas.
The guerrillas surrendered to the Tripura government at different times in the past few years.
According to official documents, since 1993 over 8,075 tribal guerrillas surrendered to the Tripura government.
"We will launch an indefinite hunger strike if the state government does not fulfill our demands, including the one to rehabilitate the surrendered militants," president of joint action committee (JAC) Danniel Debbarma told reporters.
The Thursday protest, initially planned to last 48 hours, was withdrawn one hour after its launch in the morning after senior officials assured the surrendered tribal extremists of holding a meeting with them April 27.
"When we launched a 48-hour hunger strike Thursday morning at Teliamura on the Assam-Agartala national highway, senior civil and police officials came to the spot, 40 km north of Tripura capital Agartala, and promised us to hold a meeting on April 27 to settle our demands," said Debbarma.
The April 27 meeting would be held between Tripura Tribal Welfare Minister Aghore Debbarma and leaders of the JAC, formed by the surrendered tribal guerrillas.
According to JAC supremo Danniel Debbarma, over 700 surrendered tribal guerrillas were yet to be rehabilitated.
West Tripura District Magistrate J.K. Sinha in a statement said the state government has already fulfilled most of the demands and provisions incorporated in the agreements signed with the surrendered guerrillas.
The guerrillas surrendered to the Tripura government at different times in the past few years.
According to official documents, since 1993 over 8,075 tribal guerrillas surrendered to the Tripura government.
Villagers take on militants
Rampant extortion and harassment force reaction
Jorhat, April 22 : The people of Bherbheri, a nondescript village near the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border in Sonitpur district, are so fed up with constant harassment by militants that they have decided to fend for themselves.
They have formed a defence force on their own to tackle the militants, who swo-op down from the hills in adjacent Arunachal Pradesh and indulge in rampant extortion.
At a meeting held recently on the premises of the village Hanuman temple, the villagers decided to stay alert and together in “times of trouble”.
“Frequent harassment by Bodo militants has become a big problem for us. We cannot depend on the security forces since our village is located in a remote area and by the time the security men arrive the militants are gone,” said Chakrapani Upadhyay, a resident of the village.
Sources said the Bodo militants have renewed their drive to distribute extortion notices to petty businessmen in several villages located along the border adjacent to the Sonai-Rupai and Chariduwar reserve forests areas. However, only a few villagers have reported the matter to police fearing a backlash from the militants.
“Most of the victims are paying money to the militants after bargaining. In a few cases, victims pay Rs 50,000, if the demand is for Rs 5 lakh,” B. Topno, another villager, said.
The villagers decided to take on the militants after an extortion notice for Rs 5 lakh was served to Shankar Sahu, a petty businessman of the village, just ahead of Bihu.
Sahu informed the villagers who, in turn, discussed the matter in the village panchayat. Subsequently, a public meeting was held on the Hanuman temple premises and it was decided that the militants’ demand would not be met.
Bherbheri village has a mixed population of Adivasis, Nepalis and a few Hindi-speaking families, settled in the area since several decades now. The total population of the village is around 2,000.
Another villager said the defence force would guard the village during night and checkposts would be erected on the entry and exit points to the village to monitor movement of strangers. “Security personnel do visit our village but since the location of our village is very remote, it is not possible for them to visit our village every day,” he said.
A senior police official in Sonitpur district said there was information of a few persons being served with extortion notices, but it is not confirmed whether the Ranjan Daimary faction of the NDFB had served the notices. “There are several criminal gangs operating under the guise of militants. We are investigating these cases,” the official said.
Sonitpur district has borne the brunt of Bodo militancy in recent times, with several incidents of kidnapping, extortion and killings by militants being reported from different parts of the district.
“The illegal settlers, especially from the Bodo community, who have encroached upon the reserve forest land, are helping the militants. Unless these settlers are evicted, it would not be easy to bring an end to such incidents,” the police official said.
Jorhat, April 22 : The people of Bherbheri, a nondescript village near the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border in Sonitpur district, are so fed up with constant harassment by militants that they have decided to fend for themselves.
They have formed a defence force on their own to tackle the militants, who swo-op down from the hills in adjacent Arunachal Pradesh and indulge in rampant extortion.
At a meeting held recently on the premises of the village Hanuman temple, the villagers decided to stay alert and together in “times of trouble”.
“Frequent harassment by Bodo militants has become a big problem for us. We cannot depend on the security forces since our village is located in a remote area and by the time the security men arrive the militants are gone,” said Chakrapani Upadhyay, a resident of the village.
Sources said the Bodo militants have renewed their drive to distribute extortion notices to petty businessmen in several villages located along the border adjacent to the Sonai-Rupai and Chariduwar reserve forests areas. However, only a few villagers have reported the matter to police fearing a backlash from the militants.
“Most of the victims are paying money to the militants after bargaining. In a few cases, victims pay Rs 50,000, if the demand is for Rs 5 lakh,” B. Topno, another villager, said.
The villagers decided to take on the militants after an extortion notice for Rs 5 lakh was served to Shankar Sahu, a petty businessman of the village, just ahead of Bihu.
Sahu informed the villagers who, in turn, discussed the matter in the village panchayat. Subsequently, a public meeting was held on the Hanuman temple premises and it was decided that the militants’ demand would not be met.
Bherbheri village has a mixed population of Adivasis, Nepalis and a few Hindi-speaking families, settled in the area since several decades now. The total population of the village is around 2,000.
Another villager said the defence force would guard the village during night and checkposts would be erected on the entry and exit points to the village to monitor movement of strangers. “Security personnel do visit our village but since the location of our village is very remote, it is not possible for them to visit our village every day,” he said.
A senior police official in Sonitpur district said there was information of a few persons being served with extortion notices, but it is not confirmed whether the Ranjan Daimary faction of the NDFB had served the notices. “There are several criminal gangs operating under the guise of militants. We are investigating these cases,” the official said.
Sonitpur district has borne the brunt of Bodo militancy in recent times, with several incidents of kidnapping, extortion and killings by militants being reported from different parts of the district.
“The illegal settlers, especially from the Bodo community, who have encroached upon the reserve forest land, are helping the militants. Unless these settlers are evicted, it would not be easy to bring an end to such incidents,” the police official said.
Paresh trying to reorganise ULFA
GUWAHATI, April 22 – The hardliners in the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) headed by commander-in-chief of the outfit, Paresh Baruah has been making efforts to reorganise the outfit after several top leaders including chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa started the process of talks with the Government of India and a mobile military headquarters has been formed.
In a press release e-mailed to the media today, ULFA publicity in charge Arunodoi Dohotiya said that a 10-day meeting of the ULFA members was held at the mobile military headquarters under the chairmanship of Paresh Baruah from March 20 to 29 and the meeting took several vital decisions.
All the armed wing members of the ULFA will now function under the command of the mobile headquarters and all the old formations have been dissolved. The release said that with effect from today, all the battalions of the ULFA have been dissolved and from now on there would be no battalion commander of the outfit. The meeting also decided to bring in more discipline in the ranks of the outfit and it also decided that the actions of the outfit would be more pro-people from now on.
However, the ULFA did not spell out the location of the recent meeting.
In a press release e-mailed to the media today, ULFA publicity in charge Arunodoi Dohotiya said that a 10-day meeting of the ULFA members was held at the mobile military headquarters under the chairmanship of Paresh Baruah from March 20 to 29 and the meeting took several vital decisions.
All the armed wing members of the ULFA will now function under the command of the mobile headquarters and all the old formations have been dissolved. The release said that with effect from today, all the battalions of the ULFA have been dissolved and from now on there would be no battalion commander of the outfit. The meeting also decided to bring in more discipline in the ranks of the outfit and it also decided that the actions of the outfit would be more pro-people from now on.
However, the ULFA did not spell out the location of the recent meeting.
Dimasa militant group to surrender
Silchar, April 22 : A Dimasa rebel group is ready to lay down arms in a formal ceremony in Haflong after the period of the electoral code of conduct is over with the counting of the votes on May 13.
A senior police official in Haflong last night said the Dima National Democratic Front, a 50-cadre gang, will surrender soon.
The rebel outfit had started to flex its muscles following the mass surrender of a big contingent of the Jewel Gorlosa faction of the Dima Halam Daogah, comprising around 375 members, before Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi on October 2, 2009, in Haflong.
Another big surrender of the Dimasa insurgents took place in 2003 when the DHD surrendered in an effort to flag off peace parleys with the authorities in both New Delhi and Dispur on its demand for larger autonomy of the Dima Hasao district and economic development.
The police source said there was no other alternative for the Dima National Democratic Front as it was enfeebled following some encounters with the security forces and the police in the hill district during the past one and a half years.
Sources in the Dima Hasao district police said the outfit got a big blow when its self-styled commander-in-chief Bihari Dimasa, 27, was recently gunned down by combined troops of the security forces and police during an encounter in the Dihangi area near Haflong.
The rebels got another jolt on February 9 when the outfit’s chairman, Bidyalal Sengiyong, along with his two comrades in arms surrendered to district deputy commissioner Dilip Kumar Borthakur.
Sources said altogether 29 of its cadres came overground after the security forces and the police had tightened their grip over this tiny band of the rebels through intensive patrolling in the jungle alleys and vulnerable hot spots.
The security operations were started following the kidnapping the three Indian Oil Tanking Ltd officials from the Manja area near Maibong town in the district on December 5 last year by the outfit.
The officials of the Guwahati-based firm were engaged in the seismic surveys in the oil-bearing areas of the district on contract by the Indian Oil Corporation, when this abduction took place.
Police sources in Haflong today said a few rebels were still cooped up in the Manja jungles near Maibong, which is the stronghold of the outfit.
They said there was, however, no trace of John D. Dimasa, who spearheaded the formation of the Dima National Democratic Front following the surrender of the DHD (Jewel Gorlosa).
Sources said there was a possibility of fixing the date of the surrender by Dispur in mid-June.
A senior police official in Haflong last night said the Dima National Democratic Front, a 50-cadre gang, will surrender soon.
The rebel outfit had started to flex its muscles following the mass surrender of a big contingent of the Jewel Gorlosa faction of the Dima Halam Daogah, comprising around 375 members, before Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi on October 2, 2009, in Haflong.
Another big surrender of the Dimasa insurgents took place in 2003 when the DHD surrendered in an effort to flag off peace parleys with the authorities in both New Delhi and Dispur on its demand for larger autonomy of the Dima Hasao district and economic development.
The police source said there was no other alternative for the Dima National Democratic Front as it was enfeebled following some encounters with the security forces and the police in the hill district during the past one and a half years.
Sources in the Dima Hasao district police said the outfit got a big blow when its self-styled commander-in-chief Bihari Dimasa, 27, was recently gunned down by combined troops of the security forces and police during an encounter in the Dihangi area near Haflong.
The rebels got another jolt on February 9 when the outfit’s chairman, Bidyalal Sengiyong, along with his two comrades in arms surrendered to district deputy commissioner Dilip Kumar Borthakur.
Sources said altogether 29 of its cadres came overground after the security forces and the police had tightened their grip over this tiny band of the rebels through intensive patrolling in the jungle alleys and vulnerable hot spots.
The security operations were started following the kidnapping the three Indian Oil Tanking Ltd officials from the Manja area near Maibong town in the district on December 5 last year by the outfit.
The officials of the Guwahati-based firm were engaged in the seismic surveys in the oil-bearing areas of the district on contract by the Indian Oil Corporation, when this abduction took place.
Police sources in Haflong today said a few rebels were still cooped up in the Manja jungles near Maibong, which is the stronghold of the outfit.
They said there was, however, no trace of John D. Dimasa, who spearheaded the formation of the Dima National Democratic Front following the surrender of the DHD (Jewel Gorlosa).
Sources said there was a possibility of fixing the date of the surrender by Dispur in mid-June.
UNLF derides Muivah's communal policy
Imphal, April 22 : NSCN-IM leader Th Muivah is still unable to shed his communal politics even after he had tasted defeat on several occasions because of the same exclusive policy, alleged the proscribed UNLF.
On account of his parochial outlook, the Naga groups have split several times in the course of the liberation movement for Naga people who are yet to attain the status of a consolidated Nation.
Many patriotic Nagas have lost their lives in the internecine killings, the UNLF noted in a press release issued by its senior publicity officer Ksh Yoiheiba.
Because of Muivah's policies and actions which are exclusively Tangkhul-centric, many innocent Tangkhuls have also lost their lives in the hands of other kindred Naga groups.
This is the fruit of acting in the interest of his own community alone, the UNLF asserted.
He was also instrumental in launching an ethnic cleansing pogrom in Manipur during which around 1000 Kukis were slaughtered.
The memory of those dreadful days is still fresh in the minds of the Manipuri people.
Although there were ups and downs in the 63 years of Naga liberation movement, the Naga people never forgot that the Government of India was their enemy.
The Naga Army have fought numerous battles with the Indian security forces, and in many cases, security forces burnt down villages, tortured people and raped women, not to mention about the many cases of involuntary disappearances after the victims were picked up by security forces.
All these encounters and suffering would go down in history as a clear case of Naga people's collective struggle for liberation.
All these battles and encounters were an inspiration to other communities of the region.
However, NSCN-IM deliberately started overlooking all the sacrifices made by Naga people from 1997 .
Since the day NSCN-IM and Government of India signed a cease fire pact and started 'peace talks', the NSCN-IM's perception of India as the enemy was suddenly reversed.
Leaving out the questions of sovereignty and independence, NSCN-IM befriended India and started a campaign for creation of Nagalim by integrating all Naga inhabited areas within India.
It was a deliberate attempt to create an atmosphere of animosity with the people of neighbouring States of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh and then to capitalise on the same situation of distrust.
Such situation of distrust, conflict and clashes among the people of the region is exactly what the Government of India wants.
This is very wrong step of Muivah, UNLF asserted.
NSCN-IM's recent attack against State forces and the subsequent explanation where Meiteis were dragged in only exposed Muivah's narrow ethno-centric politics.
Such politics is of little concern for even the Naga people who can think rationally and see the real picture of the land have rejected such communal politics.
There are many people among the Tangkhul community who do not accept Muivah's politics.
This is a sign of change towards the right path of nation building.
All the disturbances to the relations between Naga groups and between Naga people and other communities are the results of Muivah's politics.
It is the Government of India who benefits the most from such politics.
Nevertheless, despite constant instigation by Muivah, Nagas of Manipur are living together with other communities of Manipur under a very cordial atmosphere.
This cordiality is one thing which is tormenting Muivah the most.
That was why, he tried to assassinate Phungyar MLA Wungnaoshang by levelling some charges and dragging in the name of Meitei community.
Earlier, NSCN-IM had murdered many innocent Tangkhul people in similar cases posthumous accusation.
In Nagaland too, many Nagas have lost their lives all because of Muivah's misplaced policy.
In words Muivah was talking Naga reconciliation while in action he was master-minding systematic killing of people belonging to other Naga groups leading to mutual distrust among the Naga people on the path to another round bloody internecine killings.
Disappointed with Muivah's wrong policy guided by communal politics, the Zeliangrongs, Maos, Tangkhuls and Marings have split from NSCN-IM and formed their own groups for development of their own areas.
"This is the harbinger of a collective struggle", the UNLF remarked.
On account of his parochial outlook, the Naga groups have split several times in the course of the liberation movement for Naga people who are yet to attain the status of a consolidated Nation.
Many patriotic Nagas have lost their lives in the internecine killings, the UNLF noted in a press release issued by its senior publicity officer Ksh Yoiheiba.
Because of Muivah's policies and actions which are exclusively Tangkhul-centric, many innocent Tangkhuls have also lost their lives in the hands of other kindred Naga groups.
This is the fruit of acting in the interest of his own community alone, the UNLF asserted.
He was also instrumental in launching an ethnic cleansing pogrom in Manipur during which around 1000 Kukis were slaughtered.
The memory of those dreadful days is still fresh in the minds of the Manipuri people.
Although there were ups and downs in the 63 years of Naga liberation movement, the Naga people never forgot that the Government of India was their enemy.
The Naga Army have fought numerous battles with the Indian security forces, and in many cases, security forces burnt down villages, tortured people and raped women, not to mention about the many cases of involuntary disappearances after the victims were picked up by security forces.
All these encounters and suffering would go down in history as a clear case of Naga people's collective struggle for liberation.
All these battles and encounters were an inspiration to other communities of the region.
However, NSCN-IM deliberately started overlooking all the sacrifices made by Naga people from 1997 .
Since the day NSCN-IM and Government of India signed a cease fire pact and started 'peace talks', the NSCN-IM's perception of India as the enemy was suddenly reversed.
Leaving out the questions of sovereignty and independence, NSCN-IM befriended India and started a campaign for creation of Nagalim by integrating all Naga inhabited areas within India.
It was a deliberate attempt to create an atmosphere of animosity with the people of neighbouring States of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh and then to capitalise on the same situation of distrust.
Such situation of distrust, conflict and clashes among the people of the region is exactly what the Government of India wants.
This is very wrong step of Muivah, UNLF asserted.
NSCN-IM's recent attack against State forces and the subsequent explanation where Meiteis were dragged in only exposed Muivah's narrow ethno-centric politics.
Such politics is of little concern for even the Naga people who can think rationally and see the real picture of the land have rejected such communal politics.
There are many people among the Tangkhul community who do not accept Muivah's politics.
This is a sign of change towards the right path of nation building.
All the disturbances to the relations between Naga groups and between Naga people and other communities are the results of Muivah's politics.
It is the Government of India who benefits the most from such politics.
Nevertheless, despite constant instigation by Muivah, Nagas of Manipur are living together with other communities of Manipur under a very cordial atmosphere.
This cordiality is one thing which is tormenting Muivah the most.
That was why, he tried to assassinate Phungyar MLA Wungnaoshang by levelling some charges and dragging in the name of Meitei community.
Earlier, NSCN-IM had murdered many innocent Tangkhul people in similar cases posthumous accusation.
In Nagaland too, many Nagas have lost their lives all because of Muivah's misplaced policy.
In words Muivah was talking Naga reconciliation while in action he was master-minding systematic killing of people belonging to other Naga groups leading to mutual distrust among the Naga people on the path to another round bloody internecine killings.
Disappointed with Muivah's wrong policy guided by communal politics, the Zeliangrongs, Maos, Tangkhuls and Marings have split from NSCN-IM and formed their own groups for development of their own areas.
"This is the harbinger of a collective struggle", the UNLF remarked.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
ULFA reorganises armed wing in Assam
Guwahati: The proscribed ULFA today reorganised its armed wing by dismantling its existing battalions and instead bringing all the cadres under the 'mobile military headquarters'(MMH).
An ULFA e-mail to media houses here by its publicity convenor Arunudoy Dohotia stated that all the ULFA battalions had been dismantled and the post of 'battalion commander' abolished as per resolutions adopted at a meeting of the outfit under its elusive 'commander-in-chief' Paresh Baruah.
A ten-day meeting of the armed wing of the ULFA was held from March 20 at the outfit's 'mobile military headquarters' (MMH).
All the armed wing cadres will now onwards be functioning directly under its MMH headed by Baruah to be administered through the 'command system', Dohotia said.
Besides adopting the new system replacing the old formations, the meeting had also resolved to publicise the militant group's 'revolutionary messages' among the people, the e-mail added.
Most of ULFA's battalions had been rendered leaderless and defunct after their commanders came overground and the outfit's top brass, including 'chairman' Arabinda Rajkhowa, were arrested and the first round of peace talks with the Centre was held after their release on bail.
An ULFA e-mail to media houses here by its publicity convenor Arunudoy Dohotia stated that all the ULFA battalions had been dismantled and the post of 'battalion commander' abolished as per resolutions adopted at a meeting of the outfit under its elusive 'commander-in-chief' Paresh Baruah.
A ten-day meeting of the armed wing of the ULFA was held from March 20 at the outfit's 'mobile military headquarters' (MMH).
All the armed wing cadres will now onwards be functioning directly under its MMH headed by Baruah to be administered through the 'command system', Dohotia said.
Besides adopting the new system replacing the old formations, the meeting had also resolved to publicise the militant group's 'revolutionary messages' among the people, the e-mail added.
Most of ULFA's battalions had been rendered leaderless and defunct after their commanders came overground and the outfit's top brass, including 'chairman' Arabinda Rajkhowa, were arrested and the first round of peace talks with the Centre was held after their release on bail.
NDFB top gun in NIA custody
NISHIT DHOLABHAI
New Delhi, April 21 : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) took into custody the vice-chairman of the National Democratic Front of Boroland, G. Rifikhang, from the India-Bangladesh border in Assam today.
Rifikhang, the top functionary of the NDFB’s anti-talks faction, and two others have been handed over to the NIA, a source told The Telegraph.
“Rifikhang was arrested in Bangladesh almost two months back,” said a senior government official today.
Earlier reports suggested he had been arrested in Dhaka last week.
The details of the rebel’s arrest in Bangladesh, however, remain sketchy.
“He was said to have been moving on a motorcycle when arrested, possibly close to Dhaka,” a source said.
Along with the vice-chairman was the “finance secretary”, Dorsang Narzary, and a rebel of the outfit.
Besides other crimes, Rifikhang is accused of perpetrating violence on non-Assamese people.
Bangladesh has been quietly handing over Indian militant leaders on a regular basis ever since the Sheikh Hasina government took over.
Not only the local police but also the Border Guard Bangladesh (erstwhile Bangladesh Rifles) have been extremely helpful in arresting and handing over militant leaders, say officials.
While Rifikhang’s arrest practically puts the entire NDFB anti-talks faction top brass behind bars, the development in no way ends the threat of militancy.
One more militant leader who has been challenging and killing security forces with impunity is still at large.
“Bidai is dangerous and now hiding in Bhutan,” said a source.
The NDFB militant commander in Kokrajhar used to take his orders from Rifikhang but is now on his own within a kilometre’s distance from the India-Bhutan border. Thick forest and the inability of the Indian troops to operate in Bhutan ensures Bidai is free in his camp.
A source said Rifikhang would face various charges from separate agencies.
Whereas the CBI may choose to proceed in the case of the October 30 blasts, the NIA may take over incidents of “terrorism”.
Apart from being charged with involvement in Assam’s serial blasts, Rifikhang is also accused of engineering the killing of 21 “outsiders” in the state late last year.
He is also accused of directing attacks on security forces, killing CRPF, BSF and Sashastra Seema Bal jawans.
Assam police also have cases against Rifikhang and Narzary. “There is no problem with different charges and different agencies. The accused would be taken to different locations by different agencies,” said a source.
The problem, though, is that the outfit will continue to operate under others like Bidai who, if they succeed in ambushes, also find followers.
A source in the ministry of home affairs here said even if top leaders are arrested, several cadres continue to extort money.
New Delhi, April 21 : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) took into custody the vice-chairman of the National Democratic Front of Boroland, G. Rifikhang, from the India-Bangladesh border in Assam today.
Rifikhang, the top functionary of the NDFB’s anti-talks faction, and two others have been handed over to the NIA, a source told The Telegraph.
“Rifikhang was arrested in Bangladesh almost two months back,” said a senior government official today.
Earlier reports suggested he had been arrested in Dhaka last week.
The details of the rebel’s arrest in Bangladesh, however, remain sketchy.
“He was said to have been moving on a motorcycle when arrested, possibly close to Dhaka,” a source said.
Along with the vice-chairman was the “finance secretary”, Dorsang Narzary, and a rebel of the outfit.
Besides other crimes, Rifikhang is accused of perpetrating violence on non-Assamese people.
Bangladesh has been quietly handing over Indian militant leaders on a regular basis ever since the Sheikh Hasina government took over.
Not only the local police but also the Border Guard Bangladesh (erstwhile Bangladesh Rifles) have been extremely helpful in arresting and handing over militant leaders, say officials.
While Rifikhang’s arrest practically puts the entire NDFB anti-talks faction top brass behind bars, the development in no way ends the threat of militancy.
One more militant leader who has been challenging and killing security forces with impunity is still at large.
“Bidai is dangerous and now hiding in Bhutan,” said a source.
The NDFB militant commander in Kokrajhar used to take his orders from Rifikhang but is now on his own within a kilometre’s distance from the India-Bhutan border. Thick forest and the inability of the Indian troops to operate in Bhutan ensures Bidai is free in his camp.
A source said Rifikhang would face various charges from separate agencies.
Whereas the CBI may choose to proceed in the case of the October 30 blasts, the NIA may take over incidents of “terrorism”.
Apart from being charged with involvement in Assam’s serial blasts, Rifikhang is also accused of engineering the killing of 21 “outsiders” in the state late last year.
He is also accused of directing attacks on security forces, killing CRPF, BSF and Sashastra Seema Bal jawans.
Assam police also have cases against Rifikhang and Narzary. “There is no problem with different charges and different agencies. The accused would be taken to different locations by different agencies,” said a source.
The problem, though, is that the outfit will continue to operate under others like Bidai who, if they succeed in ambushes, also find followers.
A source in the ministry of home affairs here said even if top leaders are arrested, several cadres continue to extort money.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Extend ULFA ban: Meghalaya, Arunachal to tribunal
Shillong: Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh governments have sought extension of the ban on ULFA, citing unabated terror activities of the group in their territories and links with small groups operating in the neighbouring states.
Deposing before Unlawful Activities Prevention Tribunal headed by Delhi High Court judge Mukta Gupta here, representatives of both the governments said the ban will help the security agencies in taking "effective action" against the terror activities, official sources told agency.
Representing Arunachal Pradesh, advocate A K Srivastava produced three witnesses while Ranjan Mookherjee, representing Meghalaya, produced several witness before the tribunal.
Mookherjee said officers investigating various ULFA-related cases and deputy commissioners of three districts were produced as witness over the last two days.
"The tribunal has to give its findings by next month," he said.
In the past two years, three cases related to the banned group of Assam have been registered in West Garo Hills district while four in East Garo Hills district, the sources said, adding the progress of the cases were made known to the tribunal.
The Meghalaya government told the tribunal that ULFA was regularly using its territory as transit to and fro Bangladesh and the cadres were involving locals for logistic support, sources said.
The group has also forged links with smaller and nascent rebel groups like Garo National Liberation Army in Meghalaya, the tribunal was told.
Meghalaya Political Secretary Bhalang Dhar, who also deposed, submitted the affidavit on behalf of the state.
The Tribunal had issued notices to Assam, Arunachal, Nagaland and Meghalaya governments on the Centre's plea seeking its nod to extend the ban on ULFA by two more years.
The tribunal is hearing a Home Ministry's plea seeking its nod to extend the government's notification, issued on November 27 last year, to extend the ban by two years on ULFA on the ground that it has so far not abjured violence.
The panel has also sought responses from the banned group on the Centre's notification, before confirming the declaration of the ban or cancelling it.
MHA had decided to re-impose the ban on ULFA as an unlawful organisation on the ground that "the outfit is yet to abjure violence". The ban, which was slapped in accordance with the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, was first imposed in 1990. Since then, the order has been re-imposed every two years.
Recently, the group's 'chairman' Arabinda Rajkhowa, 'foreign secretary' Sasadhar Choudhury and 'finance secretary' Chitraban Hazarika were released from jail. However, ULFA's military chief Paresh Barua, who has so far refused to come forward for negotiations with the Centre, is still elusive.
Deposing before Unlawful Activities Prevention Tribunal headed by Delhi High Court judge Mukta Gupta here, representatives of both the governments said the ban will help the security agencies in taking "effective action" against the terror activities, official sources told agency.
Representing Arunachal Pradesh, advocate A K Srivastava produced three witnesses while Ranjan Mookherjee, representing Meghalaya, produced several witness before the tribunal.
Mookherjee said officers investigating various ULFA-related cases and deputy commissioners of three districts were produced as witness over the last two days.
"The tribunal has to give its findings by next month," he said.
In the past two years, three cases related to the banned group of Assam have been registered in West Garo Hills district while four in East Garo Hills district, the sources said, adding the progress of the cases were made known to the tribunal.
The Meghalaya government told the tribunal that ULFA was regularly using its territory as transit to and fro Bangladesh and the cadres were involving locals for logistic support, sources said.
The group has also forged links with smaller and nascent rebel groups like Garo National Liberation Army in Meghalaya, the tribunal was told.
Meghalaya Political Secretary Bhalang Dhar, who also deposed, submitted the affidavit on behalf of the state.
The Tribunal had issued notices to Assam, Arunachal, Nagaland and Meghalaya governments on the Centre's plea seeking its nod to extend the ban on ULFA by two more years.
The tribunal is hearing a Home Ministry's plea seeking its nod to extend the government's notification, issued on November 27 last year, to extend the ban by two years on ULFA on the ground that it has so far not abjured violence.
The panel has also sought responses from the banned group on the Centre's notification, before confirming the declaration of the ban or cancelling it.
MHA had decided to re-impose the ban on ULFA as an unlawful organisation on the ground that "the outfit is yet to abjure violence". The ban, which was slapped in accordance with the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, was first imposed in 1990. Since then, the order has been re-imposed every two years.
Recently, the group's 'chairman' Arabinda Rajkhowa, 'foreign secretary' Sasadhar Choudhury and 'finance secretary' Chitraban Hazarika were released from jail. However, ULFA's military chief Paresh Barua, who has so far refused to come forward for negotiations with the Centre, is still elusive.
Manipur: Five Militants Arrested
Imphal | Apr 20 :
Five militants of two organizations were arrested by security forces from different places in Imphal West and Imphal East districts of Manipur, official sources said today.
Of the five arrested yesterday, four ultras were of Kangleipak communist party (KCP) and the other belonged to Kanglei Yawon Kanna Lup (KYKL), the sources said.
One 9 mm pistol with ammunition was seized from one of them.
Five militants of two organizations were arrested by security forces from different places in Imphal West and Imphal East districts of Manipur, official sources said today.
Of the five arrested yesterday, four ultras were of Kangleipak communist party (KCP) and the other belonged to Kanglei Yawon Kanna Lup (KYKL), the sources said.
One 9 mm pistol with ammunition was seized from one of them.
Monitoring group meeting of SoO
Imphal, April 20 : A meeting of the Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) of signatories of the tripartite SoO signed by Central government, State government of Manipur and two consortium of Kuki undergrounds was held today at 1st MR banquet hall here, said an official source.
It appears that an uncomfortable situation arose for the government and the UG groups.
In the past few months both sides have been blaming each other for going against the ground rules of the SoO.
In today's JMG meeting, representatives of the two consortiums of Kuki UGs, UPF and KNO, refused to accept their monthly stipends for February 2011 on the ground that they have been vetted and reduced, said our source.
The government apparently justified the reduced rate of stipends on the ground that the cadres have been playing truant from the designated camps in contravention to the ground rules of the SoO.
"Representatives of UPF and KNO said that unless the rates agreed to be paid to its cadres, they will continue to refuse the stipends," said the source, adding that the representatives of the government will take the case before the home department following the stand-off.
The meeting of the JMG also approved the construction of two new designated camps, one for ZRA which is under UPF and the other for KNF–MC which is with KNO.
Both camps are expected to be located within Churachandpur district-.
The government has also decided to implement solar lighting and to provide drinking water in the designated camps.
A couple of designated camps have already been provided with the facilities, said the source.
Without giving any timeframe, the government's side has also sought for the implementation of a vocational training programme for inmates of the signatories of So.
The meeting of the JMG was held away from the glare of the media attended by representatives from all sides.
Addl DGP, LM Khaute, Director SIB, top ranking officers of AR, BSF and CRPF represented the government, the top brass of the two consortiums of Kuki UGs, UPF and KNO, were equally represented at the meeting.
Significantly, there are about 18 Kuki UG groups, under the broad banner of UPF and KNO, which have signed the SoO pact with the Central and State government who are lodged in about 10 designated camps in the State, which has now been increased to 12 with the proposal to construct two new designated camps.
The tripartite SoO was first signed between the two consortiums of Kuki UGs with Central and State government in the year 2008 and several meetings of the Joint Monitoring Group have taken place till date.
It appears that an uncomfortable situation arose for the government and the UG groups.
In the past few months both sides have been blaming each other for going against the ground rules of the SoO.
In today's JMG meeting, representatives of the two consortiums of Kuki UGs, UPF and KNO, refused to accept their monthly stipends for February 2011 on the ground that they have been vetted and reduced, said our source.
The government apparently justified the reduced rate of stipends on the ground that the cadres have been playing truant from the designated camps in contravention to the ground rules of the SoO.
"Representatives of UPF and KNO said that unless the rates agreed to be paid to its cadres, they will continue to refuse the stipends," said the source, adding that the representatives of the government will take the case before the home department following the stand-off.
The meeting of the JMG also approved the construction of two new designated camps, one for ZRA which is under UPF and the other for KNF–MC which is with KNO.
Both camps are expected to be located within Churachandpur district-.
The government has also decided to implement solar lighting and to provide drinking water in the designated camps.
A couple of designated camps have already been provided with the facilities, said the source.
Without giving any timeframe, the government's side has also sought for the implementation of a vocational training programme for inmates of the signatories of So.
The meeting of the JMG was held away from the glare of the media attended by representatives from all sides.
Addl DGP, LM Khaute, Director SIB, top ranking officers of AR, BSF and CRPF represented the government, the top brass of the two consortiums of Kuki UGs, UPF and KNO, were equally represented at the meeting.
Significantly, there are about 18 Kuki UG groups, under the broad banner of UPF and KNO, which have signed the SoO pact with the Central and State government who are lodged in about 10 designated camps in the State, which has now been increased to 12 with the proposal to construct two new designated camps.
The tripartite SoO was first signed between the two consortiums of Kuki UGs with Central and State government in the year 2008 and several meetings of the Joint Monitoring Group have taken place till date.
Meghalaya: Militants Fire at Trucks
Suspected militants fired at trucks plying in the coal belt area of the state's West Khasi Hills district, but there was no casualty.
The police said suspected militants of the Garo National Liberation Army opened fire from small arms at several trucks plying in the Shahlang area yesterday.
Some empty trucks were also held up by the militants who punctured the tyres, while a few truckers were also beaten up.
Sources said that the militants have demanded ransom of Rs 20,000 from each truck, but the police refused to confirm it.
Additional forces were today rushed to the area and combing operations launched to nab the militants.
The police said suspected militants of the Garo National Liberation Army opened fire from small arms at several trucks plying in the Shahlang area yesterday.
Some empty trucks were also held up by the militants who punctured the tyres, while a few truckers were also beaten up.
Sources said that the militants have demanded ransom of Rs 20,000 from each truck, but the police refused to confirm it.
Additional forces were today rushed to the area and combing operations launched to nab the militants.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Militants attack MLA's house in Manipur
IMPHAL, Apr 20 (PTI): Some unidentified militants today hurled grenades at the residence of an independent MLA here, officials said.
The militants lobbed two grenades at the house of Khasim Ruivah, independent MLA of Chingai Assembly constituency in Ukhrul district here this morning.
The grenades failed to explode and it was later defused by Manipur police bomb experts, they said adding motive behind the incident was not immediately known.
Police would investigate whether the incident was connected with monetary demand by militants, they said adding no individual or group has claimed responsibility for the incident.
Militants of different organisations have been attacking government officials or individuals in the past several months as part of their step to extort money from the public, they said.
The militants lobbed two grenades at the house of Khasim Ruivah, independent MLA of Chingai Assembly constituency in Ukhrul district here this morning.
The grenades failed to explode and it was later defused by Manipur police bomb experts, they said adding motive behind the incident was not immediately known.
Police would investigate whether the incident was connected with monetary demand by militants, they said adding no individual or group has claimed responsibility for the incident.
Militants of different organisations have been attacking government officials or individuals in the past several months as part of their step to extort money from the public, they said.
ULFA committed to peace talks with Centre
Tinsukia (Assam): With peace talks between the Centre and the united liberation front of Asom (ULFA) having begun, it seems the hard work put in by the government to persuade the rebels to shun violence and come to the negotiating table has paid off.
The united liberation front of Asom celebrated its 32nd Raising Day at the ULFA designated camp at Kakopather in Assam's Tinsukia District on April 9.
ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa was present along with other senior ULFA central committee leaders like Sasha Choudhary and Chitrabon Hazarika.
There has been a paradigm shift in ULFA's ideology in the last year. During the event, central committee leaders interacted with people and urged them to support the peace process.
"The people of Assam want a solution to this long lasting deadlock. The people want that the identity of Assam should be protected. We are the people of Assam and we will try to overcome the obstacles that come in our way," said Rajkhowa.
"ULFA is not the personal property of Arabinda Rajkhowa or Paresh Baruah. The Assam problem has to be solved and it does not depend on personal likes or dislikes of ULFA. Our every effort is committed towards the people of Assam and we shall continue doing it," he added.
Meanwhile, ULFA central committee leader Mrinal Hazarika said, "This is for the first time that the central leadership of ULFA is seeing so many cadres. This is a good morale booster. With the support of so many people, we feel confident about the process that we started with the Centre. It was necessary for us."
The united liberation front of Asom celebrated its 32nd Raising Day at the ULFA designated camp at Kakopather in Assam's Tinsukia District on April 9.
ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa was present along with other senior ULFA central committee leaders like Sasha Choudhary and Chitrabon Hazarika.
There has been a paradigm shift in ULFA's ideology in the last year. During the event, central committee leaders interacted with people and urged them to support the peace process.
"The people of Assam want a solution to this long lasting deadlock. The people want that the identity of Assam should be protected. We are the people of Assam and we will try to overcome the obstacles that come in our way," said Rajkhowa.
"ULFA is not the personal property of Arabinda Rajkhowa or Paresh Baruah. The Assam problem has to be solved and it does not depend on personal likes or dislikes of ULFA. Our every effort is committed towards the people of Assam and we shall continue doing it," he added.
Meanwhile, ULFA central committee leader Mrinal Hazarika said, "This is for the first time that the central leadership of ULFA is seeing so many cadres. This is a good morale booster. With the support of so many people, we feel confident about the process that we started with the Centre. It was necessary for us."
Monday, April 18, 2011
Telecom industry workers face threats in Manipur
Imphal, Apr 18: The rising cases of threats to employees of telecom companies in Manipur is severely affecting the work of telecom service providers in the state.
The law enforcing agencies are concerned about the future of telecom companies in the region.
Recently, an unidentified armed militants shot dead Borobabu Singh, a caretaker of Reliance Tower, in Wangkhei Wangkheimayum Leikai, Imphal East.
On the day of incident, two people came to Singh's house to enquire whether he was still operating the Reliance Tower. Later in the evening they came back and when confronted by Borobabu's wife they shot him dead.
"Militants with guns in their hands called us outside our residence. I asked them why they had called us, but they ignored us. We tried to convince them that we had already stopped the functioning of the tower after their threats, but they did not consider it, said O Surjobabu Singh, Brother of the deceased .
The killing of Borobabu provoked anger among the people of Wangkheimayum area.
They came out in protest against the incident.
"We have heard that attacks on telecom towers have occurred many times earlier also. We want that both government and the company should take stringent measures to prevent them from happening again," said Ajai Singh. his is the third incident since January 2011. n February 13, proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party Military Council abducted Moriangthem Boboy, an employee of a private security company, for a ransom of Rs 5 crores.
On March 28, unidentified militants attacked K. Basanta Singh, a caretaker of a Vodafone generator.
The law enforcing agencies are concerned about the future of telecom companies in the region.
Recently, an unidentified armed militants shot dead Borobabu Singh, a caretaker of Reliance Tower, in Wangkhei Wangkheimayum Leikai, Imphal East.
On the day of incident, two people came to Singh's house to enquire whether he was still operating the Reliance Tower. Later in the evening they came back and when confronted by Borobabu's wife they shot him dead.
"Militants with guns in their hands called us outside our residence. I asked them why they had called us, but they ignored us. We tried to convince them that we had already stopped the functioning of the tower after their threats, but they did not consider it, said O Surjobabu Singh, Brother of the deceased .
The killing of Borobabu provoked anger among the people of Wangkheimayum area.
They came out in protest against the incident.
"We have heard that attacks on telecom towers have occurred many times earlier also. We want that both government and the company should take stringent measures to prevent them from happening again," said Ajai Singh. his is the third incident since January 2011. n February 13, proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party Military Council abducted Moriangthem Boboy, an employee of a private security company, for a ransom of Rs 5 crores.
On March 28, unidentified militants attacked K. Basanta Singh, a caretaker of a Vodafone generator.
Villagers lynch two militants to avenge the death of District council member
Imphal, Apr 18: Militant activities, which include murder, blasts and abductions in Manipur, have caused a lot of anger among the people. This pent up anger recently found an outlet in the lynching of two militants in Sora village in Thoubal district.ecently, an angry mob from Sora village set ablaze the house of Md Mazibura, a militant who was allegedly involved in the killing of Md Shahabudin, a Zila Parishad member.
The mob later lynched Mazibura and his wife Nursana who were trying to escape. Their bodies were left on the National Highway 39 along the Sora village.
"When people questioned Mazibura's wife Nusrana, she admitted that there were five people involving her husband who killed my father Shahabudin. She also admitted that other than her there was another girl involved in the crime," said Md. Jhulsi, Son of deceased Zila Parishad.hahabudin had gone out for an evening walk when Nusrana called him and asked him to meet her at pan shop where she was waiting with another girl. The three of them then headed for another location. Moment's later gunshots were heard nearby.
The Police have registered a case and begun their investigation. They have also recovered two burnt pistols from the remains of Mazibura's burnt house. he incident makes it clear that people in Manipur are fed up with instability caused by militants. They want peace and normalcy in the region and are now even willing to take on the militants.
The mob later lynched Mazibura and his wife Nursana who were trying to escape. Their bodies were left on the National Highway 39 along the Sora village.
"When people questioned Mazibura's wife Nusrana, she admitted that there were five people involving her husband who killed my father Shahabudin. She also admitted that other than her there was another girl involved in the crime," said Md. Jhulsi, Son of deceased Zila Parishad.hahabudin had gone out for an evening walk when Nusrana called him and asked him to meet her at pan shop where she was waiting with another girl. The three of them then headed for another location. Moment's later gunshots were heard nearby.
The Police have registered a case and begun their investigation. They have also recovered two burnt pistols from the remains of Mazibura's burnt house. he incident makes it clear that people in Manipur are fed up with instability caused by militants. They want peace and normalcy in the region and are now even willing to take on the militants.
Abduction attempt for ransom by militants continue in Manipur
Imphal, Apr 18 : People in Manipur continue to suffer, as there is no end to abductions for ransom by militants.
People in the region are fed up with this and are now even willing to take on these anti social elements to bring peace and harmony to the region.
Recently, Huidrom Johnson, a 13-year-old boy, escaped a kidnap attempt in Wangkhem Huidrom Leikai that was engineered by his own cousin, Huidrom Ajit.
Johnson was on his way for tuition classes, when some people tried to force him into a van. Johnson managed to escape and identified one of them as Huidrom Ajit.
Villagers suspect that Ajit has been involved in such crimes for a long time and had been recruiting young students as his accomplices.
During a public meeting, three young children testified that Ajit had tried to recruit them for carrying out abductions and offered them Rs 3000 each. The villagers decided to banish Ajit and his family from the village forever. The culprits forced me inside a van and told me that I was a problem to them and they would kill me. After that they threatened me with what they would do to my family," said Johnson.
"One of the culprits who tried to abduct Johnson is his cousin brother, Ajit. I have two sons and one daughter. He has already taken away my eldest son and sold him. Till today his whereabouts are not known," said Johnson's mother Thaba.
In another incident, Commandos of Thoubal police rescued a man abducted by KCP (KK Nganba) recently from Ukhongsang Mamang Leikai, Thoubal district and also succeeded in apprehending a member of KCP who was involved in abduction of the man.
The abducted man was identified as Thokchom Naoba from Ingourok Awang Leikai. According to police, Naoba went to Hijam Khunou near Nongpok Sekmai for negotiations with KCP (KK Nganba) who served a monetory demand of Rs. five lakhs to Maibam Sunita, pradhan of Lourembam Gram Panchayat.
"KCP MC demanded money from the Pradhan so they negotiated and agreed to pay Rs 6000. Pradhan handed over the cash to me for delivering it. The cadres did not accept the money and told me to go with them for some discussion. After which they abducted me," said Thokchom Naobi Singh.
People in the region are fed up with this and are now even willing to take on these anti social elements to bring peace and harmony to the region.
Recently, Huidrom Johnson, a 13-year-old boy, escaped a kidnap attempt in Wangkhem Huidrom Leikai that was engineered by his own cousin, Huidrom Ajit.
Johnson was on his way for tuition classes, when some people tried to force him into a van. Johnson managed to escape and identified one of them as Huidrom Ajit.
Villagers suspect that Ajit has been involved in such crimes for a long time and had been recruiting young students as his accomplices.
During a public meeting, three young children testified that Ajit had tried to recruit them for carrying out abductions and offered them Rs 3000 each. The villagers decided to banish Ajit and his family from the village forever. The culprits forced me inside a van and told me that I was a problem to them and they would kill me. After that they threatened me with what they would do to my family," said Johnson.
"One of the culprits who tried to abduct Johnson is his cousin brother, Ajit. I have two sons and one daughter. He has already taken away my eldest son and sold him. Till today his whereabouts are not known," said Johnson's mother Thaba.
In another incident, Commandos of Thoubal police rescued a man abducted by KCP (KK Nganba) recently from Ukhongsang Mamang Leikai, Thoubal district and also succeeded in apprehending a member of KCP who was involved in abduction of the man.
The abducted man was identified as Thokchom Naoba from Ingourok Awang Leikai. According to police, Naoba went to Hijam Khunou near Nongpok Sekmai for negotiations with KCP (KK Nganba) who served a monetory demand of Rs. five lakhs to Maibam Sunita, pradhan of Lourembam Gram Panchayat.
"KCP MC demanded money from the Pradhan so they negotiated and agreed to pay Rs 6000. Pradhan handed over the cash to me for delivering it. The cadres did not accept the money and told me to go with them for some discussion. After which they abducted me," said Thokchom Naobi Singh.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Indian troops launch hunt after attack kills 7
An official says police and army soldiers have launched a manhunt in India's restive northeast a day after suspected insurgents ambushed a lawmaker's convoy killing six police and a civilian driver in a hail of bullets.
W. Keishing, an independent lawmaker from Manipur state, escaped unhurt from Friday's roadside attack on the outskirts of Imphal, the capital of Manipur state.
A police official in Imphal said Saturday that no one had claimed responsibility for the attack but troops were scouring the area. He could not be named because he wasn't authorized to speak to the media.
Another six police in escort vehicles were wounded in the attack.
At least 17 separatist rebel groups are active in Manipur state.
W. Keishing, an independent lawmaker from Manipur state, escaped unhurt from Friday's roadside attack on the outskirts of Imphal, the capital of Manipur state.
A police official in Imphal said Saturday that no one had claimed responsibility for the attack but troops were scouring the area. He could not be named because he wasn't authorized to speak to the media.
Another six police in escort vehicles were wounded in the attack.
At least 17 separatist rebel groups are active in Manipur state.
Five militants nabbed in Manipur
Imphal, Apr 17 : Five militants were nabbed during the past 24 hours by troops in separate incidents in Manipur.
Official sources today said the troops of 15 Assam Rifles and 28 Assam Rifles of 9 Sector under HQ IGAR (South) apprehended a Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) militant, identified as Longjam Tompak Singh (32), at Pichulampak in Thoubal district.
One mobile phone and a scooter were also seized from his possession, sources said adding he was handed over to Thoubal Police Station.
Two suspected Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) cadres, identified as Paominlen and Lanboilen of Chalva village under Senapati district, were caught red-handed by troops of 10 DOGRA while they were resorting to extortion.
In another incident, two cadres of Kuki National Front KNF(P), identified as Chungminthang and Tonggienthang, were apprehended at Singda market in Senapati district.
Official sources today said the troops of 15 Assam Rifles and 28 Assam Rifles of 9 Sector under HQ IGAR (South) apprehended a Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) militant, identified as Longjam Tompak Singh (32), at Pichulampak in Thoubal district.
One mobile phone and a scooter were also seized from his possession, sources said adding he was handed over to Thoubal Police Station.
Two suspected Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) cadres, identified as Paominlen and Lanboilen of Chalva village under Senapati district, were caught red-handed by troops of 10 DOGRA while they were resorting to extortion.
In another incident, two cadres of Kuki National Front KNF(P), identified as Chungminthang and Tonggienthang, were apprehended at Singda market in Senapati district.
2 NSCN-K cadres nabbed in Kohima
Kohima, Apr 17 : Two NSCN-K activists were apprehended and a huge cache of arms and ammunition was recovered from the Forest Colony area of Kohima town.
Official sources today said, acting on a tip-off, the Assam Rifles personnel raided a house at the Forest Colony area of this capital town and arrested one Tatar (areas administrator) hailing from Rusoma village under Kohima district and one Peter (sectional officer) from Senapati district of Manipur, yesterday.
Both were arrested in connection with the recovery of one M-16 rifle, one AK rifle, five pistols, one single barrel gun and a huge cache of ammunition.
The rebels were handed over to Kohima South Police Station for further investigation, sources said.
Official sources today said, acting on a tip-off, the Assam Rifles personnel raided a house at the Forest Colony area of this capital town and arrested one Tatar (areas administrator) hailing from Rusoma village under Kohima district and one Peter (sectional officer) from Senapati district of Manipur, yesterday.
Both were arrested in connection with the recovery of one M-16 rifle, one AK rifle, five pistols, one single barrel gun and a huge cache of ammunition.
The rebels were handed over to Kohima South Police Station for further investigation, sources said.
Chief Minister announces probe into ambush
Imphal, Apr 17 : Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh today announced a probe into the incident in which eight people, including six security personnel, were killed and five injured in an ambush by rebels near Rehang village of Ukhrul district yesterday.
Talking to reporters, Mr Singh said it was yet to be known who were involved in the attack and investigation was on. The next of kin of those who were killed would be given assistance, he added.
He also paid floral tributes to the deceased at 1st Manipur Rifles campus from where the mortal remains were taken to their respective crematoriums for performing the last rites.
Cabinet ministers, MLAs, senior civil, police officials and relatives of those killed were also present on the occasion.
Rebels ambushed the convoy of an Independent MLA in Manipur's Imphal East district, killing seven people and injuring six.
Meanwhile, one person, who sustained wounds in the ambush, succumbed to injuries raising the death toll to eight, sources said.
Three persons, including two security personnel, were also battling for life in hospital.
Talking to reporters, Mr Singh said it was yet to be known who were involved in the attack and investigation was on. The next of kin of those who were killed would be given assistance, he added.
He also paid floral tributes to the deceased at 1st Manipur Rifles campus from where the mortal remains were taken to their respective crematoriums for performing the last rites.
Cabinet ministers, MLAs, senior civil, police officials and relatives of those killed were also present on the occasion.
Rebels ambushed the convoy of an Independent MLA in Manipur's Imphal East district, killing seven people and injuring six.
Meanwhile, one person, who sustained wounds in the ambush, succumbed to injuries raising the death toll to eight, sources said.
Three persons, including two security personnel, were also battling for life in hospital.
Ambush toll rises to eight in Manipur
Imphal, April 17 : The number of people killed when rebels ambushed an Independent MLA and the security personnel escorting him in Ukhrul district rose to eight on Saturday with another person succumbing to his injuries, officials said. Vaorei Keishin (65), who had accompanied Independent MLA W Keishing to the functio
n after which he was attacked, died this morning at the hospital here.
Unidentified militants had yesterday opened fire at the convoy of Keishing, killing seven persons including six security personnel and injuring six others including the MLA who suffered injuries on his hand at Riha village in Ukhrul district bordering Myanmar, sources said.
Keishing has been demanding creation of a new district of Phungyar out of the Naga-majority Ukhrul district but some Naga social organisations have strongly opposed to it.
"I do not know who attacked my convoy and but I regret that some civilians and innocent security guards of mine were killed in the attack by some anti-social elements," Keishing told the local media this morning.
n after which he was attacked, died this morning at the hospital here.
Unidentified militants had yesterday opened fire at the convoy of Keishing, killing seven persons including six security personnel and injuring six others including the MLA who suffered injuries on his hand at Riha village in Ukhrul district bordering Myanmar, sources said.
Keishing has been demanding creation of a new district of Phungyar out of the Naga-majority Ukhrul district but some Naga social organisations have strongly opposed to it.
"I do not know who attacked my convoy and but I regret that some civilians and innocent security guards of mine were killed in the attack by some anti-social elements," Keishing told the local media this morning.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Garo rebels attack petrol pump in Meghalaya
Shillong, Apr 15 : Suspected Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) rebels Thursday night hurled a crude bomb at a petrol pump in Salpara area in Meghalaya's East Garo Hills district.
The incident, a police official said, occurred at around 8.30 p.m. when two to three GNLA rebels lobbed a crude bomb, damaging the window pane of the petrol pump cash counter.
No one was injured in the incident, the police said.
On Feb 6, the GNLA rebels had abducted A.P. Singh, the proprietor of a Reliance petrol depot in South Garo Hills district's Gasuapara area near the India-Bangladesh border in Meghalaya.
The GNLA had earlier slapped extortion demands ranging from Rs.5 lakh to Rs.1 crore on petrol pump owners, coal dealers and businessmen in the coal-rich districts of Garo Hills.
The GNLA, headed by police officer-turned-rogue Champion R. Sangma, is fighting for a sovereign "Garoland" in western Meghalaya.
The incident, a police official said, occurred at around 8.30 p.m. when two to three GNLA rebels lobbed a crude bomb, damaging the window pane of the petrol pump cash counter.
No one was injured in the incident, the police said.
On Feb 6, the GNLA rebels had abducted A.P. Singh, the proprietor of a Reliance petrol depot in South Garo Hills district's Gasuapara area near the India-Bangladesh border in Meghalaya.
The GNLA had earlier slapped extortion demands ranging from Rs.5 lakh to Rs.1 crore on petrol pump owners, coal dealers and businessmen in the coal-rich districts of Garo Hills.
The GNLA, headed by police officer-turned-rogue Champion R. Sangma, is fighting for a sovereign "Garoland" in western Meghalaya.
6 security men among 7 killed in Manipur ambush
Imphal, Apr 15 (PTI) At least seven persons including six security personnel were today killed when rebels ambushed a security party escorting an Independent MLA in Manipur's Ukhrul district, officials said.
The militants opened fire at the convoy of Independent MLA Wungnaoshing Keishing of Phungyar assembly constituency when he was returning to Imphal after attending a function at Riha village at Yaingangpokpi area in the district at around 3 pm, they said.While seven persons were killed on the spot, Keishing received injuries in the hand, according to official reports.
All the bodies were brought to the Regional Institute of Medical Science and Hospital for post-mortem.Keishing has been demanding creation of a district (Phungyar assembly constituency) out of Naga-majority Ukhrul district bordering Myanmar but some Naga social organisations have strongly opposed to it.No individual or organisation has so far claimed responsibility for the ambush.
The militants opened fire at the convoy of Independent MLA Wungnaoshing Keishing of Phungyar assembly constituency when he was returning to Imphal after attending a function at Riha village at Yaingangpokpi area in the district at around 3 pm, they said.While seven persons were killed on the spot, Keishing received injuries in the hand, according to official reports.
All the bodies were brought to the Regional Institute of Medical Science and Hospital for post-mortem.Keishing has been demanding creation of a district (Phungyar assembly constituency) out of Naga-majority Ukhrul district bordering Myanmar but some Naga social organisations have strongly opposed to it.No individual or organisation has so far claimed responsibility for the ambush.
Havildar killed, some others injured in Manipur ambush
Imphal, Apr 15 (PTI) A havildar of Manipur police was killed and some other police personnel were injured today when insurgents attacked the convoy of an MLA in Ukhrul district, official sources said. The militants attacked the security guards of Congress MLA Wungnaosing Keishing at Yaingaipokpi area in the district when he was going to attend a public function. While Keishing escaped unhurt, a havildar was killed and some other security guards escorting him were injured, sources said adding the assailants escaped in broad daylight. Keishing who hails from Ukhrul district demanded creation of a district (his Phungyar assembly constituency) out of Naga-majority Ukhrul district. Some Naga organisations have opposed creation of the district but Keishing said there should be development activities after creation of the district comprising Phungyar assembly constituency. Official sources said no individual or group has claimed responsibility for the attack on security guards of Keishing.
Major General Jacob meets NSCN(K) leaders on ceasefire
Kohima, Apr 15 : Major General (Retired) Eppen Jacob Kochekkan has discussed the Cease Fire Ground Rules (CFGR) with NSCN(K) leaders at the first meeting held at Chumukedima near Dimapur yesterday.
According to official sources, the meeting was held at the Nagaland Police Training Centre at Chumukedima, where the implementation of the CFGR was thoroughly discussed.
The leader of the NSCN(K) team Wangting naga, who is also the Convener of the Cease Fire Supervisory Board (CFSB), brought-up the April 9 incident at Chekiye village near Dimapur, where the Assam Rifles seized a huge number of arms and ammunition and demanded the return of the seized weapons.
The discussions were cordial.
Quoting Gen Jacob, sources said, ''the views of the NSCN have been noted, it will be examined and appropriate response will be given after examination.'' ''We agreed on many issues, while on some issues we agreed to disagree. I understand and respect the vision of those who started this mechanism,'' Gen Jacob said.
The NSCN(K) was led by Wanting Naga and members are Jack Jomomi, meren Nokpu, Hokato Vushe, Bohoto Kiba and Kideon Zhimomi.
According to official sources, the meeting was held at the Nagaland Police Training Centre at Chumukedima, where the implementation of the CFGR was thoroughly discussed.
The leader of the NSCN(K) team Wangting naga, who is also the Convener of the Cease Fire Supervisory Board (CFSB), brought-up the April 9 incident at Chekiye village near Dimapur, where the Assam Rifles seized a huge number of arms and ammunition and demanded the return of the seized weapons.
The discussions were cordial.
Quoting Gen Jacob, sources said, ''the views of the NSCN have been noted, it will be examined and appropriate response will be given after examination.'' ''We agreed on many issues, while on some issues we agreed to disagree. I understand and respect the vision of those who started this mechanism,'' Gen Jacob said.
The NSCN(K) was led by Wanting Naga and members are Jack Jomomi, meren Nokpu, Hokato Vushe, Bohoto Kiba and Kideon Zhimomi.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
PULF cadre nabbed
Imphal, Apr 14 : Troops of 15 Assam Rifles of 9 Sector under HQ IGAR(South) today apprehended a People's United Liberation Front (PULF) activist at Yairipok Baman Leikai in Thoubal district. The person was identified as Idrish Ali of Yairipok Baman Leikai.
He was handed over to Yairipok Police station.
He was handed over to Yairipok Police station.
Militant threat in Assam still persists
GUWAHATI, April 14 – For the first time in years, militant groups were not involved in creating disturbance during the polls barring one incident of blast in the Rajiv Bhawan, the headquarter of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) , but threat from the militants is far from over as security agencies received inputs about possible attacks on security personnel.
Highly placed security sources told The Assam Tribune that though the anti-talk faction of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), headed by commander in chief of the outfit Paresh Baruah, threatened the Congress and managed to trigger off an explosion in the Rajiv Bhawan, the outfit could not indulge in any other major act of violence due to tight security measures taken up.
Sources said that after most of the hardcore members of the 709 battalion of the ULFA joined the pro-talk faction, hardcore militant Drishti Rajkhowa and his followers were given the task of indulging in acts of violence in Guwahati and other parts of Lower Assam in the run up to the elections. Though there were intelligence inputs of a few ULFA militants entering the city, the elections passed off peacefully.
Similarly, in the last few years, all the elections in the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) were marred by violence, but it was different this time and the elections were by and large peaceful. The militants belonging to the anti-talk faction of the National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) ambushed security personnel twice in the run up to the elections. But the militants of the outfit did not indulge in any poll-related violence. Security sources said that according to inputs available, the militants of the anti-talk faction of the NDFB are still trying to launch attacks on security personnel.
Polling in the militancy hit hill districts of NC Hills and Karbi Anglong was also by and large peaceful with most of the militant groups operating in the area are under ceasefire agreement with the Government.
Highly placed security sources told The Assam Tribune that though the anti-talk faction of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), headed by commander in chief of the outfit Paresh Baruah, threatened the Congress and managed to trigger off an explosion in the Rajiv Bhawan, the outfit could not indulge in any other major act of violence due to tight security measures taken up.
Sources said that after most of the hardcore members of the 709 battalion of the ULFA joined the pro-talk faction, hardcore militant Drishti Rajkhowa and his followers were given the task of indulging in acts of violence in Guwahati and other parts of Lower Assam in the run up to the elections. Though there were intelligence inputs of a few ULFA militants entering the city, the elections passed off peacefully.
Similarly, in the last few years, all the elections in the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) were marred by violence, but it was different this time and the elections were by and large peaceful. The militants belonging to the anti-talk faction of the National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) ambushed security personnel twice in the run up to the elections. But the militants of the outfit did not indulge in any poll-related violence. Security sources said that according to inputs available, the militants of the anti-talk faction of the NDFB are still trying to launch attacks on security personnel.
Polling in the militancy hit hill districts of NC Hills and Karbi Anglong was also by and large peaceful with most of the militant groups operating in the area are under ceasefire agreement with the Government.
Militancy threat in N-E forces telecom cos to shut operations
Supratim Dey
Guwahati Apr 14 :
Threats from militant organisations have resulted in suspension of mobile services in the North-Eastern state of Manipur, thus severely affecting thousands of subscribers.
For past few months militant outfits have been targeting mobile companies and the companies operating mobile towers to squeeze out money through extortion notices and threats. The things took an ugly turn in recent days when two guards of a mobile tower were gunned down by militants as the mobile tower company wasn’t obeying the militant organisation’s extortion diktats. Since then, most of the mobile towers kept shutting down, thus resulting in suspension of mobile services in the state.
“The tower operators are facing severe extortion threats from various militant outfits for some time now. The militant groups are now targeting security guards and have killed two of them recently. The situation has deteriorated so much so in recent days that tower operators had to suspend operations. So the sites are down and services are affected across the state,” said a senior official of Bharti Airtel.
Besides state owned BSNL, five other private telecom companies, viz.; Airtel, Aircel, Vodafone, Reliance and Tata Indicom, operate in Manipur and services of almost all the operators have been affected.
Top officials of the mobile companies are expected to meet the Manipur chief minister soon and petition him.
The private sector in Manipur is almost non-existent, thanks to the militant groups. The few mobile companies, which are the last vestiges of organised private sector in Manipur and have social obligations to cater, too are now ruthlessly targeted by these groups.
The heightened militancy, which has by now very well transformed into an extortion business, is a worry for the state of Manipur as it is eating into every vitals of the state. Militant outfits in Manipur even don’t spare doctors, teachers, and media organisations while serving extortion threats. The situation is so severe that often newspapers go off the stand, and doctors and teachers sit on dharnas to protest extortion threats of militants.
Guwahati Apr 14 :
Threats from militant organisations have resulted in suspension of mobile services in the North-Eastern state of Manipur, thus severely affecting thousands of subscribers.
For past few months militant outfits have been targeting mobile companies and the companies operating mobile towers to squeeze out money through extortion notices and threats. The things took an ugly turn in recent days when two guards of a mobile tower were gunned down by militants as the mobile tower company wasn’t obeying the militant organisation’s extortion diktats. Since then, most of the mobile towers kept shutting down, thus resulting in suspension of mobile services in the state.
“The tower operators are facing severe extortion threats from various militant outfits for some time now. The militant groups are now targeting security guards and have killed two of them recently. The situation has deteriorated so much so in recent days that tower operators had to suspend operations. So the sites are down and services are affected across the state,” said a senior official of Bharti Airtel.
Besides state owned BSNL, five other private telecom companies, viz.; Airtel, Aircel, Vodafone, Reliance and Tata Indicom, operate in Manipur and services of almost all the operators have been affected.
Top officials of the mobile companies are expected to meet the Manipur chief minister soon and petition him.
The private sector in Manipur is almost non-existent, thanks to the militant groups. The few mobile companies, which are the last vestiges of organised private sector in Manipur and have social obligations to cater, too are now ruthlessly targeted by these groups.
The heightened militancy, which has by now very well transformed into an extortion business, is a worry for the state of Manipur as it is eating into every vitals of the state. Militant outfits in Manipur even don’t spare doctors, teachers, and media organisations while serving extortion threats. The situation is so severe that often newspapers go off the stand, and doctors and teachers sit on dharnas to protest extortion threats of militants.
13 militants of two organisation surrendered to CM today
Imphal, Apr 14 (PTI) Thirteen militants today surrendered to Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh in Imphal West district.Official sources said eight militants of a Nagaland outfit and five militants of Dimahalam Dogathe outfit gave themselves up before the CM at Mantripukhri, area headquarters of the Assam Rifles, Inspector General, South. One AK series rifle, seven 9mm pistols, two lethod guns, two countrymade pistols, and one G-3 rifle were deposited before Singh.
Ibobi seeks surrender bait for rebels
Okram Ibobi Singh
Imphal, Apr 14 : Manipur chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh today called for a more attractive surrender and rehabilitation policy to bring back militants from the path of violence.
Talking to reporters today after receiving weapons from 13 militants belonging to the NNC/FGN of Nagaland and the DHD (Jewel) of Dima Hasao (formerly North Cachar Hills) district in Assam, Ibobi Singh said the existing policy framed by the Centre had failed to attract militants back to the mainstream.
The militants formally surrendered before Ibobi Singh during a function at the Assam Rifles headquarters here today.
“We will approach the Union home ministry and the Centre for framing a more attractive rehabilitation package. If the package is more attractive, more militants would come back to the national mainstream,” Ibobi Singh said.
He said most of the surrendered militants in Manipur wanted to join service for a secure future.
The benefits under the existing surrender and rehabilitation policy, which came into effect in May 2005, include a monthly stipend of Rs 2,000 each for three years and an additional sum of Rs 1.5 lakh besides vocational training. Cash incentives are also given for surrendered weapons.
Five militants of the DHD (Jewel) faction and eight cadres of NNC/FGN of Nagaland formally surrendered with weapons before the Manipur chief minister today.
Inspector-general (south) Assam Rifles, Maj. Gen. C.A. Krishnan and director-general of police Yumnam Joykumar Singh were present during the surrender ceremony.
The five militants fled to Manipur in September last year following factional clashes among the DHD (Jewel) group and contacted the troops of the 12 Maratha Light Infantry post located at Imphal airport the same month. Since then they were with the army post, which is under the operational command of the IG (South) Assam Rifles.
“We did not want to surrender to any authority in Assam because we do not feel safe to be there, so we came here to surrender,” self-styled corporal Somorjoy Jaranbusa said.
He said they wanted to stay in Manipur till the situation in Assam became safe for them. The other four cadres are Sumit Hojai, Kabinon Longmailai, Sundor Singh Hasnu and Goponjit Langthasa — all from Dima Hasao district.
One killed, two injured in police firing in Assam
Mangaldoi (Assam): One person was killed and two others injured in police firing while two powerful bombs have been recovered from Kalaigaon in Assam's Darrang district today, official sources said.
A group of unidentified miscreants vandalised several shops at Dollong Ghat area under Kalaigaon police station and the protesting local people gathered in front of the shops early this morning.
The people got agitated when the police arrived late and an argument followed and when the police started to leave after completing the investigations, the people chased them and started pelting stones.
The police subsequently opened fire to disperse the crowd and the bullets injured three persons seriously with one of them, identified as 17-year-old Pankaj Deka, succumbing to his injuries at the Mangaldoi Civil Hospital.
The situation was tense but under control, the sources said.
Meanwhile, two powerful bombs have been recovered from a house near Kalaigaon College this morning, the sources said.
The owner of the house, Bimala Boro, spotted the bombs kept near the verandah and immediately informed patrolling army personnel nearby.
The bombs were later defused, the sources added.
A group of unidentified miscreants vandalised several shops at Dollong Ghat area under Kalaigaon police station and the protesting local people gathered in front of the shops early this morning.
The people got agitated when the police arrived late and an argument followed and when the police started to leave after completing the investigations, the people chased them and started pelting stones.
The police subsequently opened fire to disperse the crowd and the bullets injured three persons seriously with one of them, identified as 17-year-old Pankaj Deka, succumbing to his injuries at the Mangaldoi Civil Hospital.
The situation was tense but under control, the sources said.
Meanwhile, two powerful bombs have been recovered from a house near Kalaigaon College this morning, the sources said.
The owner of the house, Bimala Boro, spotted the bombs kept near the verandah and immediately informed patrolling army personnel nearby.
The bombs were later defused, the sources added.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
13 DHD (J) and FGN cadres lay down arms to Manipur CM
Imphal, Apr 14 : Thirteen activists of two underground organizations of Assam have formally laid down arms to Manipur Chief Minister O. Ibobi Singh at the Mantripukhri head-quarters of IGAR (South) on Wednesday. The surrender ceremony was held in the presence of DGP Y. Joykumar Singh and IGAR (S) Maj Gen C.A. Krishnan.
The weapons handed over to the security officers included Lathod gun one, three pistols, 9mm smc one from the five DHD(J) cadres and the FGN cadres handed over G 3 rifle one, AK 47 rifle one, Lathod gun four and 9 mm smc one. The surrender ceremony was organised by Inspecter General, Assam Rifle (South).
The weapons handed over to the security officers included Lathod gun one, three pistols, 9mm smc one from the five DHD(J) cadres and the FGN cadres handed over G 3 rifle one, AK 47 rifle one, Lathod gun four and 9 mm smc one. The surrender ceremony was organised by Inspecter General, Assam Rifle (South).
Nexus of Drug Trafficking and Militancy Exposed at New Delhi
April 13, 2011
Napoleon Thockchom is suspected to be a member of the outlawed Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP, Military Council) Lalihba group of Manipur. The incident not only raised concerns about the security set-up at the New Delhi airport related to cargo intake, but also about other problems associated with drug trafficking that affects national security. It has exposed the narcotic operational network of the northeast insurgents who raise funds through drug trafficking for continuing their insurgency.
According to the Delhi Police, the consignment was concealed in 20 courier cardboard boxes containing packets, each with 500 grams of the drug. It has raised serious questions regarding the security arrangement of the various courier services operating in the civil aviation sector. Technically, every commodity meant for flight cargos is scanned through computerized X-ray machines installed at the cargo stations. The possibility of a consignment being sneaked in through the cargo service with the knowledge of the security in-charge of the service provider cannot be ruled out. This shows the possibility of a nexus between cargo service providers and traffickers, which requires a re-evaluation of the security arrangement of services related to aviation. The incident cannot be taken lightly considering the deteriorating security environment of the country marked by frequent terrorist attacks in recent years and the threat of the same in future.
According to reports of the Narcotic Control Bureau of India, India produces approximately 500 tonnes of Ephedrine annually for the pharmaceutical industry. The major production units are concentrated in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. In Asia, India and China are the main manufacturers of Ephedrine, which is used for extracting ATS (Amphetamine-Type Stimulants), a synthetic drug that is replacing heroin, opium and cannabis.1 Most of the ATS trafficked around the world is destined for Cambodia, Canada, Spain, Taiwan, the Philippines and the United Kingdom, where the demand is high. Between 2004 and 2010, Indian law enforcement agencies have made significant seizures of Ephedrine and Pseudoephedrine. But the illicit siphoning off of legitimate drugs, in spite of the strict control measures put in place by the Government of India, continues unabated.
The emerging trend of Ephedrine trafficking is also related to its increasing demand by the illicit ATS industry in Myanmar. ATS smuggling is posing a serious challenge to the law enforcement authorities trying to curb the manufacture and trafficking of synthetic drugs. On June 30, 2010, an Indo-Myanmar basic contact field level officers’ meeting on drug control was held at Moreh by the Anti Narcotics (Special) Task Force, Tamu, Myanmar, to curb smuggling of drugs on both sides of the international border. But the initiative was futile, as most parts of the border remain porous. Drugs like Ephedrine are covertly taken through diverse routes up to the Indo-Myanmar border in the northeast, with the help of armed militant groups operating along the border. Once the consignments are handed across the border, they are transported by Tamil expatriates, mostly of Indian origin, living along the Indo-Myanmarese border and who are well-connected with drug dealers inside Myanmar.
Traditionally, cross-border trafficking of drugs from northeast India was rare and the Manipur Valley-based insurgent groups did not indulge in drug related activities. But this changed subsequently. With enhanced deployment of security forces along the Indo-Myanmar border and successful counter-insurgency operations like “Operation All Clear” which had deprived them of their bases in the remote hill areas, the militants received a setback. They are looking for new hideouts, trying to regroup and set a positive image by not indulging in extortions from the masses. This has been the reason for the militant groups such as KCP and KYKL (Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup) to adopt drug trafficking to fund their organisation and activites. Moreover, the image and the organisational structure of the militants have become weak in recent years, especially given the loss of vital support from the masses. Numerous groups have arisen out of a single group and many are operating with sophisticated small arms in nexus with the drug mafias.
Militants have become involved in the drug trade, which generates billions of dollars in the black market, approximately 300 times the capital investment. It has become a major source of funding for the militant organisations to procure sophisticated arms. Drug trafficking thus contributes for the continuance of militancy in the northeast, despite the range of counter-insurgency operations and developmental activities. Therefore, it is impossible to resolve militancy in northeast India without tackling the menace of drug trafficking.
source: http://www.idsa.in/idsacomments/NexusofDrugTraffickingandMilitancyExposedatNewDelhi_shivanandah_130411