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.