Border Security Force (BSF) troopers Friday arrested a Bangladeshi linkman of the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) in Meghalaya after he sneaked into India from the neighbouring country, an official said.
“Allauddin was arrested Mahadev area in Meghalaya’s South Garo Hills district bordering Bangladesh,” Border Security Force (BSF) spokesman Ravi Gandhi said.
During preliminary questioning, the apprehended ULFA linkman revealed that he has been facilitating the cross border movement of the United Liberation Front of Asom cadres as guide and he himself has crossed the border several times.
Meghalaya shares a 443-km border with Bangladesh, part of which is porous, hilly, unfenced and prone to frequent infiltration.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Underground elements turn Arunachal Pradesh's Tirap District into war field
Incessant loud burst from automatic rifles by underground elements for around two hours rent the air shattering the Sunday evening silence of Borduria and Kaimai villages in Tirap district as security forces watched helplessly.
The turf-war by two groups firing thousands of bullets left the villages shell-shocked while many wondered - Why the security forces were reduced to lame ducks and failed to take on the these elements? Was it for their inability or there was no instruction from authorities concerned?
The security forces during search operation in the battle field Monday recovered an AK-56 rifle and 20 live rounds but could not ascertain if there was any causality or injury on either side.
This is the fourth gun battle between the NSCN (IM) and Khaflang cadres in the district this year and second at Boduria, according to district sources. Five days earlier in the wee hours of October 23, such infighting at Chasa village had left A. C. Mishu Sing, 24, an NSCN (IM) cadre belonging to Ukhrul district of Manipur dead and an AK-47 rifle and 19 live rounds recovered from his person.
This year's first turf-war was reported from Chasa village in January and second in Borduria in March last, another took place along the Changlang-Tirap-Myanmar tri-junction but could not be ascertained because for the remoteness of the area while another reported Saturday last from Namtok area in Changlang district, the sources added.
Intermittent infighting for area dominance between these two groups is a common phenomenon in both insurgency-infested districts (newly created Longding district included), declared disturbed under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 notwithstanding the ongoing peace talk between Naga groups and the Centre since 1997 for an amicable solution to the Naga imbroglio.
Imposition of house tax, extortion, threat and intimidation haunts the poor people of these districts who have been left to fend for themselves without any escape route while GoI or GoAP seems to be lest bothered.
When contacted, New Delhi mandarin, on condition of anonymity, in clearly told that law and order is a state subject and additional forces at the request of the GoAP were deployed by the union ministry of home affairs (MoHA).
The present deployment included one IBRn and CRPF battalion in each district, one and two battalions of Assam Rifles in Tirap and Changlang respectively, Army's 111 Mountain Brigade (Madras Regiment) in Tirap but not battle-ready while 4th Rajput Battalion in Longding district.
It would be worth recalling that the then Home Minister P Chidambaram, after expressing his satisfaction at the law and order situation in the state here on May 12 last had told media persons that "They are eliminating each other by such infighting which we do not encourage and should not happen in Arunachal soil. Any action that violates the rights of the Arunachalees would be dealt with by stern action....No ceasefire ground rules are applicable to Arunachal. The GoAP would take action against any violation of the rules by any faction of NSCN (K) or NSCN (IM) as we do not recognise their presence in this state."
But despite the knowledge about the presence of both the groups in huge numbers in the districts why do the security forces remain silent spectators and launching search operation only after every turf-war is intriguing.
Are such violent actions leading to bloodshed not contrary to Chidambaram's satisfaction? Are these infightings not violation of ceasefire ground rules? If yes, why the security forces are not acting? Is the GoAP appraising the MoHA on the ongoing battle? - are relevant questions for the GoI/GoAP to reply.
The turf-war by two groups firing thousands of bullets left the villages shell-shocked while many wondered - Why the security forces were reduced to lame ducks and failed to take on the these elements? Was it for their inability or there was no instruction from authorities concerned?
The security forces during search operation in the battle field Monday recovered an AK-56 rifle and 20 live rounds but could not ascertain if there was any causality or injury on either side.
This is the fourth gun battle between the NSCN (IM) and Khaflang cadres in the district this year and second at Boduria, according to district sources. Five days earlier in the wee hours of October 23, such infighting at Chasa village had left A. C. Mishu Sing, 24, an NSCN (IM) cadre belonging to Ukhrul district of Manipur dead and an AK-47 rifle and 19 live rounds recovered from his person.
This year's first turf-war was reported from Chasa village in January and second in Borduria in March last, another took place along the Changlang-Tirap-Myanmar tri-junction but could not be ascertained because for the remoteness of the area while another reported Saturday last from Namtok area in Changlang district, the sources added.
Intermittent infighting for area dominance between these two groups is a common phenomenon in both insurgency-infested districts (newly created Longding district included), declared disturbed under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 notwithstanding the ongoing peace talk between Naga groups and the Centre since 1997 for an amicable solution to the Naga imbroglio.
Imposition of house tax, extortion, threat and intimidation haunts the poor people of these districts who have been left to fend for themselves without any escape route while GoI or GoAP seems to be lest bothered.
When contacted, New Delhi mandarin, on condition of anonymity, in clearly told that law and order is a state subject and additional forces at the request of the GoAP were deployed by the union ministry of home affairs (MoHA).
The present deployment included one IBRn and CRPF battalion in each district, one and two battalions of Assam Rifles in Tirap and Changlang respectively, Army's 111 Mountain Brigade (Madras Regiment) in Tirap but not battle-ready while 4th Rajput Battalion in Longding district.
It would be worth recalling that the then Home Minister P Chidambaram, after expressing his satisfaction at the law and order situation in the state here on May 12 last had told media persons that "They are eliminating each other by such infighting which we do not encourage and should not happen in Arunachal soil. Any action that violates the rights of the Arunachalees would be dealt with by stern action....No ceasefire ground rules are applicable to Arunachal. The GoAP would take action against any violation of the rules by any faction of NSCN (K) or NSCN (IM) as we do not recognise their presence in this state."
But despite the knowledge about the presence of both the groups in huge numbers in the districts why do the security forces remain silent spectators and launching search operation only after every turf-war is intriguing.
Are such violent actions leading to bloodshed not contrary to Chidambaram's satisfaction? Are these infightings not violation of ceasefire ground rules? If yes, why the security forces are not acting? Is the GoAP appraising the MoHA on the ongoing battle? - are relevant questions for the GoI/GoAP to reply.
Monday, October 29, 2012
BNP supports steps against NE ultras
NEW DELHI, Oct 30 – Seeking to mend fences with India, Opposition Leader and chairperson of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), on Monday assured Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh that the anti-terror crackdown would continue even if her Party came to power.
The BNP leader held a 30-minute-long meeting with the Prime Minister today and expressed her commitment to continue with the anti-terror cooperation with India. Perhaps to convince New Delhi, Begum Zia conveyed that Bangladesh’s soil would not be allowed to be used by forces inimical to India’s interest.
Both leaders agreed to continue counter-terror cooperation between the two countries.
The meeting was very cordial and lasted approximately for 30 minutes, an official source told newsmen after the meeting. Both the leaders felt that terrorism is of great concern and agreed to continue cooperation on terrorism and insurgent groups,” said the source.
The two leaders held talks on a wide array of bilateral issues, including trade and security relations between the two countries, sources further added.
Begum Zia hailed the various Indian initiatives, which have been taken by the Prime Minister, including liberalisation of trade and efforts to provide power to the neighbouring country, said the source.
“She also expressed satisfaction at the manner in which, India is working out issues related to Tipaimukh Dam and matters on border management,” said the source.
Manmohan Singh assured Zia that India was willing to discuss all issues of importance to Bangladesh and underlined India’s commitment to “a close and deeper relationship with Bangladesh”. “He mentioned that he always believed that the prosperity of India’s neighbours, particularly Bangladesh, is in India’s interest,” said the source.
Briefing newsmen, vice chairman of BNP, Shamsher Muhib Choudhury confirmed about Begum Zia assuring the Prime Minister about her party resolve to continue with the ongoing security cooperation and crackdown on militant of the North-East.
The BNP leader held a 30-minute-long meeting with the Prime Minister today and expressed her commitment to continue with the anti-terror cooperation with India. Perhaps to convince New Delhi, Begum Zia conveyed that Bangladesh’s soil would not be allowed to be used by forces inimical to India’s interest.
Both leaders agreed to continue counter-terror cooperation between the two countries.
The meeting was very cordial and lasted approximately for 30 minutes, an official source told newsmen after the meeting. Both the leaders felt that terrorism is of great concern and agreed to continue cooperation on terrorism and insurgent groups,” said the source.
The two leaders held talks on a wide array of bilateral issues, including trade and security relations between the two countries, sources further added.
Begum Zia hailed the various Indian initiatives, which have been taken by the Prime Minister, including liberalisation of trade and efforts to provide power to the neighbouring country, said the source.
“She also expressed satisfaction at the manner in which, India is working out issues related to Tipaimukh Dam and matters on border management,” said the source.
Manmohan Singh assured Zia that India was willing to discuss all issues of importance to Bangladesh and underlined India’s commitment to “a close and deeper relationship with Bangladesh”. “He mentioned that he always believed that the prosperity of India’s neighbours, particularly Bangladesh, is in India’s interest,” said the source.
Briefing newsmen, vice chairman of BNP, Shamsher Muhib Choudhury confirmed about Begum Zia assuring the Prime Minister about her party resolve to continue with the ongoing security cooperation and crackdown on militant of the North-East.
10-year-old boy killed in India grenade blast
GUWAHATI, India — A 10-year-old boy was killed and five more people injured when suspected militants lobbed a grenade into a crowded market in India's tense northeast, police said.
"Militants riding a motorcycle threw a grenade as they drove through a busy market, killing one child and wounding five other people," senior police official Debajit Deuri told AFP.
Two of the injured were in critical condition, he added.
The attack took place in the small town of Udalguri, 71 kilometres (44 miles) north of Assam state's capital Guwahati.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility, but in the past police have blamed similar attacks on groups fighting for independent homelands for their tribal followers in the tea and oil-rich region of Assam.
Last year, one of the strongest militant groups, the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) announced it would join peace talks with the Indian government in a move to end a 33-year-old rebellion.
A faction of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) militant group also recently agreed to a ceasefire with New Delhi.
Since then, factions of both groups, which oppose the peace overtures have carried out bomb and grenade attacks in the state, according to police officials.
More than 10,000 people, mostly civilians, have lost their lives to insurgency in Assam during the past two decades.
India has been wracked by separatist conflicts since its independence in 1947, with deadly insurgencies in its northwestern Kashmir region and the northeast.
NE states to launch joint operation against militants
Karimganj: The police of Tripura and Mizoram have decided to launch a joint operation to flush out militants from areas bordering south Assam, officials said on Monday.
DIGs of Tripura and Mizoram, Gaurav Tripathi and C Zoramna respectively, agreed at a recent meeting at Kanchanpur in North Tripura that they would hold joint exercises and the next move against extremism and cross border crimes would be coordinated with Assam.
"Since Barak Valley shares border with Mizoram and Tripura, we are always in touch with police administration of Kolasib in Mizoram and North Tripura in our operations against militants," DIG of South Assam Binod Kumar said.
"Any operation involving Assam would be fruitful in tackling militancy and other crimes," he added.
During the joint operations, the target would be the hideouts and bases of militant groups along the border areas on the basis of shared information, sources said.
In remote areas of the three states, like south of Hailakandi and Karimganj districts in Assam, breakaway groups have cropped up and were extorting people, the sources said.
It is often reported that North-East based extremists continue to operate in Chittagong Hills Tract in Bangladesh and use the Tripura-Assam-Mizoram corridor for their movement to Myanmar, now a favourite destination for them.
The routes and corridors have been identified and only a combined operation can block their movement, they said.
Besides tackling the extremists, other inter-state crimes such as hijacking of vehicles from highways, smuggling of fake currency notes, contraband goods and human trafficking could also be tracked in the operation.
Joint operations between Assam and Manipur had been successful in the past in containing movement of ultra Meitei groups, PLA, UNLF, KCP and Prepak militants.
DIGs of Tripura and Mizoram, Gaurav Tripathi and C Zoramna respectively, agreed at a recent meeting at Kanchanpur in North Tripura that they would hold joint exercises and the next move against extremism and cross border crimes would be coordinated with Assam.
"Since Barak Valley shares border with Mizoram and Tripura, we are always in touch with police administration of Kolasib in Mizoram and North Tripura in our operations against militants," DIG of South Assam Binod Kumar said.
"Any operation involving Assam would be fruitful in tackling militancy and other crimes," he added.
During the joint operations, the target would be the hideouts and bases of militant groups along the border areas on the basis of shared information, sources said.
In remote areas of the three states, like south of Hailakandi and Karimganj districts in Assam, breakaway groups have cropped up and were extorting people, the sources said.
It is often reported that North-East based extremists continue to operate in Chittagong Hills Tract in Bangladesh and use the Tripura-Assam-Mizoram corridor for their movement to Myanmar, now a favourite destination for them.
The routes and corridors have been identified and only a combined operation can block their movement, they said.
Besides tackling the extremists, other inter-state crimes such as hijacking of vehicles from highways, smuggling of fake currency notes, contraband goods and human trafficking could also be tracked in the operation.
Joint operations between Assam and Manipur had been successful in the past in containing movement of ultra Meitei groups, PLA, UNLF, KCP and Prepak militants.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
NSCN group to undertake ID drive for non-locals
DIMAPUR, Oct 26 – Stating that the recent explosion of non-local population in Nagaland is the greatest threat confronting the Nagas, the NSCN (Khole-Kitovi) has announced that it will undertake an identification drive for non-locals residing in the State.
“The GPRN/NSCN, through the Kilo Ministry, informs the general public that identification of Non-Nagas have become compulsory in Nagaland,” the outfit said in a release.
It also informed that the meeting of GBs, Council Chairmen and secretaries of villages, wards, colonies and khels of Dimapur on October 2, 2012, at Khehoi Designated camp recognised the long-term and short-term dangers posed by unidentified non-locals in Nagaland. It said the community elders were briefed on the need to entrench traditional/customary laws least Nagaland becomes another Tripura in the next 20 years. The delegates equally pointed out the many crimes committed against Nagas by immigrants, which needed urgent drastic measures, the release said.
The NSCN (Khole-Kitovi), therefore, said it will be initiating an identification drive of non-locals above the age of 15 “to pursue and identify criminals and to control wave after wave of immigrants moving into Nagaland”. It added that “every Naga must assist in preventing political, cultural and economic annihilation of Nagas by immigrants”.
The release added that forceful intrusion and occupation of traditional land of Nagas have been reported in Dimapur, Wokha and Mon districts.
The NSCN (Khole-Kitovi) said its regional authorities in every region will be activated to accomplish the onerous task of identification. It said temporary and permanent addresses as well as left thumb impression will be insisted from all non-Nagas above the age of 15 while those families residing in Nagaland since 1962 must produce relevant document to the GPRN/NSCN officials. However, non-local government employees and military personnel are exempt from this identification drive, it said.
The outfit appealed for fullest cooperation from GBs, Village Councils, wards, colonies and khels all over Nagaland “so that the noble endeavour is not taken advantage of by adverse elements”. The ‘Kilo Ministry’ also appealed for assistance in accomplishing the common task.
“The GPRN/NSCN, through the Kilo Ministry, informs the general public that identification of Non-Nagas have become compulsory in Nagaland,” the outfit said in a release.
It also informed that the meeting of GBs, Council Chairmen and secretaries of villages, wards, colonies and khels of Dimapur on October 2, 2012, at Khehoi Designated camp recognised the long-term and short-term dangers posed by unidentified non-locals in Nagaland. It said the community elders were briefed on the need to entrench traditional/customary laws least Nagaland becomes another Tripura in the next 20 years. The delegates equally pointed out the many crimes committed against Nagas by immigrants, which needed urgent drastic measures, the release said.
The NSCN (Khole-Kitovi), therefore, said it will be initiating an identification drive of non-locals above the age of 15 “to pursue and identify criminals and to control wave after wave of immigrants moving into Nagaland”. It added that “every Naga must assist in preventing political, cultural and economic annihilation of Nagas by immigrants”.
The release added that forceful intrusion and occupation of traditional land of Nagas have been reported in Dimapur, Wokha and Mon districts.
The NSCN (Khole-Kitovi) said its regional authorities in every region will be activated to accomplish the onerous task of identification. It said temporary and permanent addresses as well as left thumb impression will be insisted from all non-Nagas above the age of 15 while those families residing in Nagaland since 1962 must produce relevant document to the GPRN/NSCN officials. However, non-local government employees and military personnel are exempt from this identification drive, it said.
The outfit appealed for fullest cooperation from GBs, Village Councils, wards, colonies and khels all over Nagaland “so that the noble endeavour is not taken advantage of by adverse elements”. The ‘Kilo Ministry’ also appealed for assistance in accomplishing the common task.
Two Garo Hills rebels killed in Meghalaya
Shillong : Two rebels of the outlawed Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) were killed in a gunbattle in Meghalaya Thursday, police said.
The battle broke out in Watregittim area in South Garo Hills district when the rebels fired at the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) commandos who were tracking them down, Inspector General of Police (western range) F.D. Sangma told IANS.
He said a team of SWAT commandos launched a morning crackdown in the area based on specific information about the presence of the rebels along with their regional commander Rakkam Sangma.
However, Rakkam managed to escape during the encounter.
The rebels killed in a gunbattle, which lasted for more than 20 minutes, were identified as Rengchang Ch Marak and Subarthapa N. Marak, he said.
An AK-47 rifle, two pistols, a grenade, a cache of ammunition, a cellphone and some "incriminating documents" were recovered from the site, police said.
Meanwhile, SWAT commandos are continuing with their combing operation in the area to track down more rebels, Sangma said.
The GNLA, one of the five Garo tribal rebel groups, is fighting for a separate Garoland in the five impoverished districts of the Garo Hills to be carved out from Meghalaya.
The battle broke out in Watregittim area in South Garo Hills district when the rebels fired at the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) commandos who were tracking them down, Inspector General of Police (western range) F.D. Sangma told IANS.
He said a team of SWAT commandos launched a morning crackdown in the area based on specific information about the presence of the rebels along with their regional commander Rakkam Sangma.
However, Rakkam managed to escape during the encounter.
The rebels killed in a gunbattle, which lasted for more than 20 minutes, were identified as Rengchang Ch Marak and Subarthapa N. Marak, he said.
An AK-47 rifle, two pistols, a grenade, a cache of ammunition, a cellphone and some "incriminating documents" were recovered from the site, police said.
Meanwhile, SWAT commandos are continuing with their combing operation in the area to track down more rebels, Sangma said.
The GNLA, one of the five Garo tribal rebel groups, is fighting for a separate Garoland in the five impoverished districts of the Garo Hills to be carved out from Meghalaya.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Naga leaders set deadline to resolve insurgency
Shinde promised to get back to the leaders of Nagaland after speaking to interlocutors and stakeholders.
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| (Photo: sinlung.com) |
A high-level delegation from the state led by the chief minister urged federal home minister Sushil Kumar Shinde to find a peaceful solution before the assembly polls are announced.
The assembly polls in the state are due early next year.
Several rounds of talks since 1997, when insurgent outfit National Socialist Council of Nagaland-IM (NSCN- IM) declared ceasefire, have failed to find a lasting solution.
"We have requested the home minister to expedite the talks with National Socialist Council of Nagaland (I-M) and find a solution before the assembly election," Nagaland home minister Imkong Imchem said.
All the 60 members of the Nagaland assembly are ready to resign for an alternative political arrangement, said a legislator, who was part of the delegation.
"We, too, want more autonomy for Nagaland," he said.
Under Article 371A of the Indian Constitution, no Act of Parliament applies to the state in respect of religious or social practices of the Nagas, administration of civil and criminal justice involving decisions according to Naga customary law, and ownership and transfer of land and its resources, unless its legislative assembly by a resolution so decides.
Shinde promised to get back to the leaders of Nagaland after speaking to interlocutors and stakeholders, including chief ministers of neighboring Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh that have Naga population.
The delegation also met insurgent outfit NSCN (I-M) chief Th Muivah here.
NSCN (I-M) is demanding unification of Naga inhabited areas, while guaranteeing territorial integrity of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh.
Rhino poacher link to Kuki militants
Rhino poacher arrested in Assam, confesses to militants’ involvement
Kaziranga, October 24, 2012: Since June
floods devastated Assam, animals trying to escape the rising waters in
Kaziranga National Park have fallen prey to hunters, poachers and
speeding vehicles. More than 700 animals have died since then and more
carcasses are being revealed as the waters go down.
But there’s another threat, particularly
to rhinos, that won’t recede with the water. It is from the armed
militant separatist outfits in the area.
The biggest clue to this came after the
arrest of one Lindok Rongpi yesterday, who confessed before a magistrate
that he poached six rhinos under the instructions of Songja Timung,
self-styled defence secretary of Kuki National Liberation Front, one of
the armed outfits from Karbianglong in Assam, now in a ceasefire
agreement.
His arrest led the police to Dimapur in
Nagaland, the hub of animal-parts trade, only to find that the main
buyer, a Chinese named Ho-Chin had fled.
The money militants make by poaching
rhinos, they use it to buy arms. Post-mortem of the animals reveal the
use of automatic guns which further provides evidence of the involvement
of militants, considering professional poachers use .303 rifles, rather
than spraying bullets.
These threats are compounded by the way
these animals are being poached. In a number of cases, wildlife
officials found that the rhinos were dehorned even while alive. Shot by a
gun, while a rhino recovered, the poacher would hack off the horn. In
one case, even the ear was chopped off and the animal left to bleed to
death. Here again the finger is being pointed at militants, mainly
because of the kind of guns used. Bullets from automatic weapons have
been recovered and one AK-56, two .303 rifles and one SBML gun have so
far been seized by the police in the last two weeks.
There are several stark reminders of
militancy targeting wildlife in Assam. In the eighties the Laukhowa
sanctuary, not far from Kaziranga, was cleaned of its entire rhino
population allegedly by United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA). Manas
lost its world heritage site status after Bodo militancy wiped out all
animals including the rhino. With a horde of armed groups in
Karbianglong and with evidence of militant involvement in the recent
poaching cases, it is not unlikely that Kaziranga could be in similar
danger.
The threat to the rhinos, and the value
of their horns in the international market, has increased also due to
the enhanced security measures in the other big source, South Africa.
This coincides with a surge in demand for rhino horn in South Asia,
where it is used as an aphrodisiac. A World Wildlife Fund (WWF) report
clearly says that Kaziranga, with its 2,000 rhinos, is an area
vulnerable for increased poaching. Its proximity to the international
border makes it an even easier target.
Minister for Environment and Forests
Jayanti Natarajan was in Kaziranga recently to announce monetary grants
and measures but the initiative appeared too routine for any immediate
action.
On October 19, the Principal Chief
Conservator of Forests of Assam, clarifying a WWF press release provided
the following rhino data:
There have been 12 poaching cases this
year – Seven inside Kaziranga, four in Karbianglong and one in Nowgang.
However, all these rhinos were from Kaziranga.
28 rhinos died by drowning, taking the total number of deaths to 40 this year.
Compare the recent data to the previous
years and the number may not look alarming. On an average Assam has lost
around 90 rhinos a year to various reasons which in itself is a
shocking statistic. But losing 40 from a single park in ten months may
be a new worrying record.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Meghalaya rebels free three abducted engineers
Shillong : Three engineers of a Hyderabad-based road construction company, kidnapped by rebels in Meghalaya, were released unharmed Tuesday after four days in captivity, police said.
Manoj Kumar, Deepak Kumar and A.K. Sharma, of BSC-C&C (JV) road construction company, were kidnapped for ransom by the "B-faction of the A'chik National Volunteers Council (ANVC)", a police official said.
They were abducted Saturday from Dambu Aga Reserve Forest in East Garo Hills district, he said.
"The three engineers were released unharmed this morning at Kosi village under Rongjeng police station," Meghalaya Police chief N. Ramachandran told IANS.
"Our investigation strongly indicates that rebels of the ANVC-B with the help of local goons abducted the three engineers," he said.
The Hyderabad-based firm was awarded a contract to construct a two-lane 94-km road at an estimated cost of Rs.1,494 crore to connect Shillong to Tura, a town in Garo Hills region, via Nongstoin, the district headquarters of West Khasi Hills.
Combat Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) and Meghalaya's Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) commandos had launched a massive operation to rescue the engineers.
Asked if the Hyderabad-based company paid any ransom for the engineers' release, Ramachandran said: "The police will investigate into this angle and we will find out from them (company)."
The police chief said that a hunt was on now to arrest the kidnappers.
The ANVC-B is a splinter group of the ANVC, which has been observing a tripartite ceasefire with the central and Meghalaya governments for nine years.
The ANVC-B, headed by Bernard N. Marak, has stuck to its demand for "Greater Garoland" in western Meghalaya, while its parent organisation has scaled down its demand from "Greater Garoland" to the creation of a Garoland Territorial Council.
Manoj Kumar, Deepak Kumar and A.K. Sharma, of BSC-C&C (JV) road construction company, were kidnapped for ransom by the "B-faction of the A'chik National Volunteers Council (ANVC)", a police official said.
They were abducted Saturday from Dambu Aga Reserve Forest in East Garo Hills district, he said.
"The three engineers were released unharmed this morning at Kosi village under Rongjeng police station," Meghalaya Police chief N. Ramachandran told IANS.
"Our investigation strongly indicates that rebels of the ANVC-B with the help of local goons abducted the three engineers," he said.
The Hyderabad-based firm was awarded a contract to construct a two-lane 94-km road at an estimated cost of Rs.1,494 crore to connect Shillong to Tura, a town in Garo Hills region, via Nongstoin, the district headquarters of West Khasi Hills.
Combat Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) and Meghalaya's Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) commandos had launched a massive operation to rescue the engineers.
Asked if the Hyderabad-based company paid any ransom for the engineers' release, Ramachandran said: "The police will investigate into this angle and we will find out from them (company)."
The police chief said that a hunt was on now to arrest the kidnappers.
The ANVC-B is a splinter group of the ANVC, which has been observing a tripartite ceasefire with the central and Meghalaya governments for nine years.
The ANVC-B, headed by Bernard N. Marak, has stuck to its demand for "Greater Garoland" in western Meghalaya, while its parent organisation has scaled down its demand from "Greater Garoland" to the creation of a Garoland Territorial Council.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
New Dimasa militant outfit surfaces in Assam
Guwahati : A week after the central government signed a peace accord with the two factions of the Dimasa militant outfit, Dima Halam Daogah (DHD), a new militant outfit has surfaced in the troubled Dima Hasao district of Assam.
This became known after the outfit christened as Dima Jadi Naiso Army (DJNA) circulated a press communique to a section of local media recently.
The communique, signed by its self-styled chairman Bhaipa Dimasa, "commander-in-chief" Jering Dimasa and secretary Rinjen Dimasa claimed that the outfit was formed Sep 25 this year to fight for a separate state for the Dimasa ethnic group called Dimaraji.
Dima Hasao district Superintendent of Police Mugdhajyoti Mahanta confirmed this to IANS and said that police have already registered a case against the new militant outfit.
"This is the handiwork of a small group basically aimed at extortion. The outfit is yet to carry out any activity so far. However, we have registered a case against them," said Mahanta while talking to IANS Wednesday.
"We are trying to identify the cadres of the outfit and locate them," said Mahanta.
On Oct 8, the two factions of Dima Halom Daogah (DHD) - one headed by Dilip Nunisa and the other by Jewel Garlosa - signed a Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) with the central and Assam governments, initiating a new era of peace in the troubled hill district.
The newly floated DJNA also said in the communique that it will work for unification of all Dimasa-Kachari inhabited areas of the northeast and to bring them under one umbrella.
This became known after the outfit christened as Dima Jadi Naiso Army (DJNA) circulated a press communique to a section of local media recently.
The communique, signed by its self-styled chairman Bhaipa Dimasa, "commander-in-chief" Jering Dimasa and secretary Rinjen Dimasa claimed that the outfit was formed Sep 25 this year to fight for a separate state for the Dimasa ethnic group called Dimaraji.
Dima Hasao district Superintendent of Police Mugdhajyoti Mahanta confirmed this to IANS and said that police have already registered a case against the new militant outfit.
"This is the handiwork of a small group basically aimed at extortion. The outfit is yet to carry out any activity so far. However, we have registered a case against them," said Mahanta while talking to IANS Wednesday.
"We are trying to identify the cadres of the outfit and locate them," said Mahanta.
On Oct 8, the two factions of Dima Halom Daogah (DHD) - one headed by Dilip Nunisa and the other by Jewel Garlosa - signed a Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) with the central and Assam governments, initiating a new era of peace in the troubled hill district.
The newly floated DJNA also said in the communique that it will work for unification of all Dimasa-Kachari inhabited areas of the northeast and to bring them under one umbrella.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
India to seek more info on insurgents from Bangladesh
New Delhi, Oct 15 : An Indian delegation will seek cooperation from Bangladesh to collect more evidence on North East insurgents during the two-day home secretary level talks that begins in Bangladesh from Monday.
The delegation led by Home Secretary R K Singh will also have officers from the NIA, which arrested the insurgents, to gather more information and evidence under Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty. United National Liberation Front (UNLF) chairman R K Meghan was arrested along with 13 others on charges of waging war against the nation.
Apart from this, R K Singh is expected to take up with his Bangladeshi counterpart Manjur Hussain other key issues, including border fencing, enhancing cooperation in combating terrorism, update on repatriation of ULFA leader Anup Chetia and smuggling of contraband.
It is learnt that the much awaited extradition treaty to be signed between the two nations will take some time as it is with the ministry of external affairs to give a final shape.
The delegation led by Home Secretary R K Singh will also have officers from the NIA, which arrested the insurgents, to gather more information and evidence under Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty. United National Liberation Front (UNLF) chairman R K Meghan was arrested along with 13 others on charges of waging war against the nation.
Apart from this, R K Singh is expected to take up with his Bangladeshi counterpart Manjur Hussain other key issues, including border fencing, enhancing cooperation in combating terrorism, update on repatriation of ULFA leader Anup Chetia and smuggling of contraband.
It is learnt that the much awaited extradition treaty to be signed between the two nations will take some time as it is with the ministry of external affairs to give a final shape.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Manipur rebels vow to intensify ‘freedom’ stir
IMPHAL: Two rebel outfits — the People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (Prepak) and the People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak-Progressive (Prepak-Pro) — have refused to hold peace talks with the Centre.
Instead, both Prepak and Prepak (Pro) have vowed to intensify their movement to restore Manipur's sovereignty. The outfits, which completed 35 years on Tuesday, are the constituent members of the Coordination Committee (CorCom), an umbrella body of seven rebel groups of the state.
Prepak chairman N Nongdrenkhomba and Prepak (Pro) chairman Paliba M, in separate statements, said they will not enter into talks with New Delhi.
Paliba said the outfit in its possible strength will fight the security forces to ensure the movement is placed in a specific position under the aegis of CorCom. On the frequent call for peace talks by chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh and governor Gurbachan Jagat, he said New Delhi must first agree to give Manipur back its sovereignty, which was allegedly annexed through coercion and treachery.
Alleging that the military is sporting a mask of 'soft power', the outfit called upon the people not to be taken in by their military civic action programme.
Prepak chairman Nongdrenkhomba said, "As long as the alien (New Delhi) rule continues, the liberation movement will continue. The problem will be resolved only when New Delhi along with its military withdraws from Manipur's soil."
Stating that Manipur has remained an "occupied territory" for 63 years, Nongdrenkhomba said the struggle to restore the lost sovereignty has been moving on without flagging.
Instead, both Prepak and Prepak (Pro) have vowed to intensify their movement to restore Manipur's sovereignty. The outfits, which completed 35 years on Tuesday, are the constituent members of the Coordination Committee (CorCom), an umbrella body of seven rebel groups of the state.
Prepak chairman N Nongdrenkhomba and Prepak (Pro) chairman Paliba M, in separate statements, said they will not enter into talks with New Delhi.
Paliba said the outfit in its possible strength will fight the security forces to ensure the movement is placed in a specific position under the aegis of CorCom. On the frequent call for peace talks by chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh and governor Gurbachan Jagat, he said New Delhi must first agree to give Manipur back its sovereignty, which was allegedly annexed through coercion and treachery.
Alleging that the military is sporting a mask of 'soft power', the outfit called upon the people not to be taken in by their military civic action programme.
Prepak chairman Nongdrenkhomba said, "As long as the alien (New Delhi) rule continues, the liberation movement will continue. The problem will be resolved only when New Delhi along with its military withdraws from Manipur's soil."
Stating that Manipur has remained an "occupied territory" for 63 years, Nongdrenkhomba said the struggle to restore the lost sovereignty has been moving on without flagging.
Monday, October 8, 2012
Manipur rebel outfits reject peace talks
Imphal, Oct 9 : Manipur’s Peoples Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (Prepak) and Peoples Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak-Progressive (Prepak-Pro) have rejected the offer for peace talks with the Centre. The decision was announced on the eve of their 35th foundation day.
In separate statements issued today, Prepak chairman N. Nongdrenkhomba and Prepak (Pro) chairman Paliba M. said they would not hold talks with the Centre.
The stand taken by the two armed groups is on the line of the decision taken by an umbrella body of seven militant groups under the banner of Co-ordination Committee. These two groups are constituent members of the body.
The committee announced a few days back that it would not enter into any dialogue with the Centre.
Stating that the root of the armed conflict in Manipur was forcible annexation of the state, Nongdrenkhomba said the issue could be politically settled only when India and its forces withdrew from Manipur.
Paliba also said India should admit that it forcibly annexed Manipur and its freedom should be restored.
Nongdrenkhomba said peace talks under the suspension of operations arrangement or any alternative arrangement could never solve the problem. He also attributed the frequent bandhs and economic blockades as a fallout of the Centre’s divide-and-rule policy to create enmity among communities.
The two leaders said influx in Manipur, “surrender dramas” and military civic action programmes were not only to crush the freedom struggle but also a policy of Indianisation.
Paliba said Manipur was second to Uttar Pradesh in fake encounter cases.
Reacting to the Supreme Court’s admission of a petition filed by two NGOs of Manipur seeking investigation into alleged fake encounter killings, he demanded that chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh should be “punished” as he masterminded them.
He further said India has never been sincere when it came to infrastructure development of Manipur.
In an unrelated development, an IED planted by Peoples Liberation Army militants exploded at Moidangpok along Imphal-Jiribam road in Imphal West this morning, police said.
The bomb exploded soon after a convoy of the Assam Rifles passed the area. However, no one was injured.
In protest against the explosion, local residents blocked the road briefly.
In separate statements issued today, Prepak chairman N. Nongdrenkhomba and Prepak (Pro) chairman Paliba M. said they would not hold talks with the Centre.
The stand taken by the two armed groups is on the line of the decision taken by an umbrella body of seven militant groups under the banner of Co-ordination Committee. These two groups are constituent members of the body.
The committee announced a few days back that it would not enter into any dialogue with the Centre.
Stating that the root of the armed conflict in Manipur was forcible annexation of the state, Nongdrenkhomba said the issue could be politically settled only when India and its forces withdrew from Manipur.
Paliba also said India should admit that it forcibly annexed Manipur and its freedom should be restored.
Nongdrenkhomba said peace talks under the suspension of operations arrangement or any alternative arrangement could never solve the problem. He also attributed the frequent bandhs and economic blockades as a fallout of the Centre’s divide-and-rule policy to create enmity among communities.
The two leaders said influx in Manipur, “surrender dramas” and military civic action programmes were not only to crush the freedom struggle but also a policy of Indianisation.
Paliba said Manipur was second to Uttar Pradesh in fake encounter cases.
Reacting to the Supreme Court’s admission of a petition filed by two NGOs of Manipur seeking investigation into alleged fake encounter killings, he demanded that chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh should be “punished” as he masterminded them.
He further said India has never been sincere when it came to infrastructure development of Manipur.
In an unrelated development, an IED planted by Peoples Liberation Army militants exploded at Moidangpok along Imphal-Jiribam road in Imphal West this morning, police said.
The bomb exploded soon after a convoy of the Assam Rifles passed the area. However, no one was injured.
In protest against the explosion, local residents blocked the road briefly.
NE rebels hand in glove with Chinese spies: Centre
By Rakesh K Singh
New Delhi: In a candid admission of facts, the Union Home Ministry has revealed that inputs with the Centre suggest liaison of top leaders of some insurgent groups in the North-East, especially the NSCN (I-M) with which the Government is engaged in dialogue for peace, with the Chinese intelligence agencies.
While Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isaac-Muivah) faction maintains close links with the Chinese intelligence agencies, the banned People’s Liberation Army of Manipur has established a permanent base in Ruili of Yannan province of China. The Centre has been pursuing dialogue for peace with the NSCN (IM) faction even as the NSCN (Khaplang) faction continues to advocate sovereignty for the Naga homeland.
Intelligence reports also point out that the Khaplang faction has set up camps in Mon district in the Sagaing division of Myanmar for providing shelter to its cadre.
The revelations were made by Union Home Secretary RK Singh earlier this year before a Parliamentary committee. Intelligence reports have been pointing to smuggling of arms from Yunnan province but this is the first time a senior official has candidly admitted the role of Chinese agencies in fuelling trouble in the North-East.
With a friendly regime in Bangladesh shutting down most of the camps of the Indian insurgent groups, the insurgents are now smuggling arms from China, Thailand and Sino-Myanmar border towns like Tengchong, Ruili and Yingjiang in Yunnan province and route them through Myanmar.
India has raised the concerns with China through diplomatic channels. Linkages of some of the North-East insurgent groups with the banned CPI(Maoist) and recoveries of the Chinese AK 81 assault rifles from the Naxals give a new dynamism to the North-East insurgency.
The National Investigation Agency is discreetly probing the linkages of the North-East insurgent groups with foreign agencies including their funding channels.
The Parliamentary committee noted: “North-East is one of the hottest trouble spots of the country, not simply because the region has many armed insurgent organisations operating and fighting the Indian State, but because trans-border linkages that these groups have, and strategic alliances among them, have acted as force multipliers and have made the conflict dynamics all the more intricate.”
With demands of these groups ranging from secession to autonomy and the right to self determination, and a plethora of ethnic groups clamouring for special rights and the protection of their distinct identity, the region has become turbulent one, it further observed.
The committee outlined that counter-insurgency strategies in the North-East should be multi-pronged and India should include a clause for closure of training camps of insurgent groups in all trade discussions with the countries bordering the region.
According to the Union Home Ministry, there are 79 insurgent groups, including splinter groups, active in the North-East and the major ones include United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) (anti-talk faction), Meitei insurgent groups like Revolutionary People’s Front, People’s Liberation Army, United National Liberation Front (UNLF), Kangleipak Communist Party, Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup and People’s Revolutionary Party of Kengleipak in Manipur. Achik National Volunteers’ Council, Garo National Liberation Army and Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council in Meghalaya, factions of NSCN in Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh and National Liberation Front of Tripura (Biswamohan group) and All Tripura Tiger Force.
New Delhi: In a candid admission of facts, the Union Home Ministry has revealed that inputs with the Centre suggest liaison of top leaders of some insurgent groups in the North-East, especially the NSCN (I-M) with which the Government is engaged in dialogue for peace, with the Chinese intelligence agencies.
While Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isaac-Muivah) faction maintains close links with the Chinese intelligence agencies, the banned People’s Liberation Army of Manipur has established a permanent base in Ruili of Yannan province of China. The Centre has been pursuing dialogue for peace with the NSCN (IM) faction even as the NSCN (Khaplang) faction continues to advocate sovereignty for the Naga homeland.
Intelligence reports also point out that the Khaplang faction has set up camps in Mon district in the Sagaing division of Myanmar for providing shelter to its cadre.
The revelations were made by Union Home Secretary RK Singh earlier this year before a Parliamentary committee. Intelligence reports have been pointing to smuggling of arms from Yunnan province but this is the first time a senior official has candidly admitted the role of Chinese agencies in fuelling trouble in the North-East.
With a friendly regime in Bangladesh shutting down most of the camps of the Indian insurgent groups, the insurgents are now smuggling arms from China, Thailand and Sino-Myanmar border towns like Tengchong, Ruili and Yingjiang in Yunnan province and route them through Myanmar.
India has raised the concerns with China through diplomatic channels. Linkages of some of the North-East insurgent groups with the banned CPI(Maoist) and recoveries of the Chinese AK 81 assault rifles from the Naxals give a new dynamism to the North-East insurgency.
The National Investigation Agency is discreetly probing the linkages of the North-East insurgent groups with foreign agencies including their funding channels.
The Parliamentary committee noted: “North-East is one of the hottest trouble spots of the country, not simply because the region has many armed insurgent organisations operating and fighting the Indian State, but because trans-border linkages that these groups have, and strategic alliances among them, have acted as force multipliers and have made the conflict dynamics all the more intricate.”
With demands of these groups ranging from secession to autonomy and the right to self determination, and a plethora of ethnic groups clamouring for special rights and the protection of their distinct identity, the region has become turbulent one, it further observed.
The committee outlined that counter-insurgency strategies in the North-East should be multi-pronged and India should include a clause for closure of training camps of insurgent groups in all trade discussions with the countries bordering the region.
According to the Union Home Ministry, there are 79 insurgent groups, including splinter groups, active in the North-East and the major ones include United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) (anti-talk faction), Meitei insurgent groups like Revolutionary People’s Front, People’s Liberation Army, United National Liberation Front (UNLF), Kangleipak Communist Party, Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup and People’s Revolutionary Party of Kengleipak in Manipur. Achik National Volunteers’ Council, Garo National Liberation Army and Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council in Meghalaya, factions of NSCN in Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh and National Liberation Front of Tripura (Biswamohan group) and All Tripura Tiger Force.
Friday, October 5, 2012
Gunmen fire at Agartala Express in Assam
Unidentified gunmen early this morning fired at the down Agartala Express train near Bagetar railway station in central Assam's Dima Hasao district but there was no report of any injury or casualty, police sources said.
The gunmen fired from nearby hills on the Agartala-bound train from Lumding near the station under Haflong police station at around 4 am, the sources said.
No one was injured or any damage caused to the train by the firing, the sources said.
Police and security forces rushed to the site and launched a manhunt to track out the attackers.
The gunmen fired from nearby hills on the Agartala-bound train from Lumding near the station under Haflong police station at around 4 am, the sources said.
No one was injured or any damage caused to the train by the firing, the sources said.
Police and security forces rushed to the site and launched a manhunt to track out the attackers.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Seven policemen hurt in ambush by insurgents in Manipur
Seven policemen escorting a senior police official were injured when insurgents detonated a powerful bomb leading to an hour-long exchange of fire in Manipur's Chandel hill district bordering Myanmar today, official sources said.
The unidentified insurgents detonated the bomb at Khudengtabi area, about 100 km from here, at 2:00 PM when the policemen were escorting district superintendent of police E Priyo Kumar after he was returning from a meeting with Myanmar officials at the border town of Tamu, the sources said.
The SP was unhurt, but the policemen were injured by bomb splinters, they said.
This led to a heavy exchange of fire between the policemen and insurgents for almost an hour, they said.
It was not known if there was any casualty on the side of the insurgents.
No one has claimed responsibility for the blast. A combing operation was launched in the surrounding hill areas.
Last Saturday, insurgents had exploded seven bombs at the Kwatha Khunou area near Khudengtabai in which two Assam Rifles jawans and a civilian were killed.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Probe into Arunachal Pradesh's public distribution system scam nearing completion
Sanjib Kr Baruah
New Delhi, Oct 3 : Insurgent outfits in Arunachal Pradesh’s Changlang district had been illegally mining coal, using the proceeds for buying sophisticated weapons from arms dealers based in Thailand and China. On March 26, 2012, the Union home ministry wrote to the coal ministry — drawing its attention to
the illegal mining being undertaken at the 45-km-long Khasang block by Naga militants. The home ministry also requested the coal ministry to consider taking over all the coal mining operations in the state.
On May 15, the coal ministry wrote to the Arunachal government, asking it to take steps to stop the mining. “The Arunachal government has taken the necessary steps to ensure that these outfits no longer use the mines,” said Shambhu Singh, joint secretary (N-E), Union home ministry.
Changlang, a hub of insurgent activity, is located close to the China-Myanmar international border, where thousands of fighters belonging to at least nine insurgent outfits from Assam, Manipur and Nagaland stay in well-fortified camps. The weapons possessed by these groups include Kalashinov rifles, Heckler and Koch assault rifles, American M-16 and M-17 rifles, and rocket launchers.
Another issue highlighted in the communication was the contractor’s “illegal” right to sell coal extracted from the 29-sq km Namchik-Namphik coal block. “As this is in gross violation of the CMN Act (Coal Mines Nationalisation), the coal controller is being instructed to have coal mining in the Namchik-Namphik coal block stopped immediately,” the coal ministry letter said.
The Namchik-Namphik block in Changlang, which has been allotted to the Arunachal Pradesh Mineral Development & Trading Corp, has estimated reserves of about 84 mn tonnes of high-quality coal in the open cast mine. While rules allow Arunachal Pradesh to mine coal on its own, it can only use the same for captive projects such as thermal power plants in the state — not selling it outside.
New Delhi, Oct 3 : Insurgent outfits in Arunachal Pradesh’s Changlang district had been illegally mining coal, using the proceeds for buying sophisticated weapons from arms dealers based in Thailand and China. On March 26, 2012, the Union home ministry wrote to the coal ministry — drawing its attention to
the illegal mining being undertaken at the 45-km-long Khasang block by Naga militants. The home ministry also requested the coal ministry to consider taking over all the coal mining operations in the state.
On May 15, the coal ministry wrote to the Arunachal government, asking it to take steps to stop the mining. “The Arunachal government has taken the necessary steps to ensure that these outfits no longer use the mines,” said Shambhu Singh, joint secretary (N-E), Union home ministry.
Changlang, a hub of insurgent activity, is located close to the China-Myanmar international border, where thousands of fighters belonging to at least nine insurgent outfits from Assam, Manipur and Nagaland stay in well-fortified camps. The weapons possessed by these groups include Kalashinov rifles, Heckler and Koch assault rifles, American M-16 and M-17 rifles, and rocket launchers.
Another issue highlighted in the communication was the contractor’s “illegal” right to sell coal extracted from the 29-sq km Namchik-Namphik coal block. “As this is in gross violation of the CMN Act (Coal Mines Nationalisation), the coal controller is being instructed to have coal mining in the Namchik-Namphik coal block stopped immediately,” the coal ministry letter said.
The Namchik-Namphik block in Changlang, which has been allotted to the Arunachal Pradesh Mineral Development & Trading Corp, has estimated reserves of about 84 mn tonnes of high-quality coal in the open cast mine. While rules allow Arunachal Pradesh to mine coal on its own, it can only use the same for captive projects such as thermal power plants in the state — not selling it outside.
Have proof of politician-militant nexus: Mukul Sangma
Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma Tuesday said that his government has received inputs on state politicians hobnobbing with militants.
"There are inputs which indicate that there is a nexus between certain politicians of various political parties and militant outfits," Sangma told IANS.
He added: "We are working on getting further inputs to corroborate with the inputs we already have."
Sangma's statement assumed significance in the wake of jailed Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) chief Champion R. Sangma's declaration that his outlawed outfit would support the ruling Congress in the 2013 assembly elections in five districts of Garo Hills in western Meghalaya.
"I have always maintained that the nexus between politicians cutting across party lines with militants cannot be ruled out and these inputs that we have need to be substantiated," the chief minister said.
He maintained that in the event of substantive evidence emerging on the nexus between politicians and militants, the provisions of law will prevail.
The chief minister said: "I warn politicians to refrain from piggy-riding on militants as it has dangerous ramifications for the state. But when we are dealing with criminals, we have to deal with the same yardstick."
Asked to comment on the jailed GNLA chief's declaration to support the Congress in the assembly elections, Sangma said: "The Congress does not need the support of criminals."
Earlier, the United Democratic Party (UDP), a key ally in Meghalaya's Congress-led coalition government, had accused some Congress leaders of hobnobbing with the outlawed GNLA and has decided to take up the issue with the central government.
"The party (UDP) has taken serious note of some of the Congress leaders' complicity with the outlawed GNLA," UDP spokesperson Paul Lyngdoh said.
Champion, whose outfit is fighting for a separate Garoland in five districts of Garo Hills in western Meghalaya, was arrested July 30 near the India-Bangladesh border in Meghalaya. He was accused of waging a war against India.
"The decision of the GNLA to support the Congress in the state assembly elections to be held in 2013 reflects the desperation of the Congress to come to power at any cost," the opposition National People's Party state unit president W.R. Kharlukhi said.
"There are inputs which indicate that there is a nexus between certain politicians of various political parties and militant outfits," Sangma told IANS.
He added: "We are working on getting further inputs to corroborate with the inputs we already have."
Sangma's statement assumed significance in the wake of jailed Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) chief Champion R. Sangma's declaration that his outlawed outfit would support the ruling Congress in the 2013 assembly elections in five districts of Garo Hills in western Meghalaya.
"I have always maintained that the nexus between politicians cutting across party lines with militants cannot be ruled out and these inputs that we have need to be substantiated," the chief minister said.
He maintained that in the event of substantive evidence emerging on the nexus between politicians and militants, the provisions of law will prevail.
The chief minister said: "I warn politicians to refrain from piggy-riding on militants as it has dangerous ramifications for the state. But when we are dealing with criminals, we have to deal with the same yardstick."
Asked to comment on the jailed GNLA chief's declaration to support the Congress in the assembly elections, Sangma said: "The Congress does not need the support of criminals."
Earlier, the United Democratic Party (UDP), a key ally in Meghalaya's Congress-led coalition government, had accused some Congress leaders of hobnobbing with the outlawed GNLA and has decided to take up the issue with the central government.
"The party (UDP) has taken serious note of some of the Congress leaders' complicity with the outlawed GNLA," UDP spokesperson Paul Lyngdoh said.
Champion, whose outfit is fighting for a separate Garoland in five districts of Garo Hills in western Meghalaya, was arrested July 30 near the India-Bangladesh border in Meghalaya. He was accused of waging a war against India.
"The decision of the GNLA to support the Congress in the state assembly elections to be held in 2013 reflects the desperation of the Congress to come to power at any cost," the opposition National People's Party state unit president W.R. Kharlukhi said.
Assam insurgents eye south Bhutan bases
NEW DELHI, Oct 3 : Battered by Indian military operations, Assamese insurgents are relocating to Bhutan.
Following major Indian military offensives, the United Liberation Front of Asom Paresh Barua-led faction is relocating its base of operations to the remote Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan's southern regions, where densely forested region obscures activities.
The region's dense vegetation cover provides geographical contiguity and proximity to the insurgents to the jungles of India's eastern Assam province. Since 2003 the Indian military has operated in conjunction with the Bhutanese army in pressing ULFA guerrillas, beginning with Operation "All Clear," the Hindustan Times reported.
The operation was launched because of military reports that ULFA, along with several other insurgent groups from northeastern India, established up to 30 guerrilla camps in southern Bhutan's Samdrup Jongkhar district, capable of sustaining nearly 3,500 insurgents. Nine years of subsequent joint military operations have failed to quell the insurgency.
ULFA's leadership is split with Arabinda Rajkhowa leading a faction negotiating with the Indian government, while Paresh Barua heads a faction that remains steadfastly opposed to talks with New Delhi unless sovereignty for Assam is also discussed.
Indian intelligence agencies report that that Barua controls hundreds of heavily armed fighters ULFA and divides his time between ULFA camps on the China-Myanmar border and in Myanmar's Sagaing province, while he reportedly also has close connections to China's intelligence agencies.
But defeating ULFA isn't solely a military issue. Recent confessions by hardcore ULFA cadres Rongmon Gogoi, Mridul Moran and Rocket Syam, arrested by Indian forces in Arunachal Pradesh, reportedly claim the coal industry of Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya was contributing to ULFA's revenues, along with the province's oil and tea sectors, security sources speaking on condition of anonymity said.
Gogoi, in his interview, specifically named a mining company that was directly paying ULFA each quarter, the reports said.
Stating that ULFA was desperate for money to continue its insurgency, security sources said that to stanch the flow of funds to the insurgents, Arunachal Pradesh police were exploring the possibility of instituting legal actions against companies and individuals paying money to ULFA and other militant outfits in India's northeast.
ULFA has been battling Indian authorities for an independent Assamese state since 1979. The problem isn't contained to India. Indian intelligence analysts say that starting in the mid-1980s ULFA established links with Pakistan's Inter -Services Intelligence unit as well as the Afghan mujahedin fighting the Soviet occupation, with at least 200 ULFA receiving training in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Indian intelligence says it also uncovered evidence that, beginning in 1989, Bangladesh's Defense Forces Intelligence trained ULFA cadres in more than a dozen camps in Bangladesh's Sylhet district. That year cooperation between various northwestern India terrorist groups and foreign militant organizations was formalized by the formation of the Indo-Burmese Revolutionary Front.
Following major Indian military offensives, the United Liberation Front of Asom Paresh Barua-led faction is relocating its base of operations to the remote Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan's southern regions, where densely forested region obscures activities.
The region's dense vegetation cover provides geographical contiguity and proximity to the insurgents to the jungles of India's eastern Assam province. Since 2003 the Indian military has operated in conjunction with the Bhutanese army in pressing ULFA guerrillas, beginning with Operation "All Clear," the Hindustan Times reported.
The operation was launched because of military reports that ULFA, along with several other insurgent groups from northeastern India, established up to 30 guerrilla camps in southern Bhutan's Samdrup Jongkhar district, capable of sustaining nearly 3,500 insurgents. Nine years of subsequent joint military operations have failed to quell the insurgency.
ULFA's leadership is split with Arabinda Rajkhowa leading a faction negotiating with the Indian government, while Paresh Barua heads a faction that remains steadfastly opposed to talks with New Delhi unless sovereignty for Assam is also discussed.
Indian intelligence agencies report that that Barua controls hundreds of heavily armed fighters ULFA and divides his time between ULFA camps on the China-Myanmar border and in Myanmar's Sagaing province, while he reportedly also has close connections to China's intelligence agencies.
But defeating ULFA isn't solely a military issue. Recent confessions by hardcore ULFA cadres Rongmon Gogoi, Mridul Moran and Rocket Syam, arrested by Indian forces in Arunachal Pradesh, reportedly claim the coal industry of Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya was contributing to ULFA's revenues, along with the province's oil and tea sectors, security sources speaking on condition of anonymity said.
Gogoi, in his interview, specifically named a mining company that was directly paying ULFA each quarter, the reports said.
Stating that ULFA was desperate for money to continue its insurgency, security sources said that to stanch the flow of funds to the insurgents, Arunachal Pradesh police were exploring the possibility of instituting legal actions against companies and individuals paying money to ULFA and other militant outfits in India's northeast.
ULFA has been battling Indian authorities for an independent Assamese state since 1979. The problem isn't contained to India. Indian intelligence analysts say that starting in the mid-1980s ULFA established links with Pakistan's Inter -Services Intelligence unit as well as the Afghan mujahedin fighting the Soviet occupation, with at least 200 ULFA receiving training in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Indian intelligence says it also uncovered evidence that, beginning in 1989, Bangladesh's Defense Forces Intelligence trained ULFA cadres in more than a dozen camps in Bangladesh's Sylhet district. That year cooperation between various northwestern India terrorist groups and foreign militant organizations was formalized by the formation of the Indo-Burmese Revolutionary Front.
Monday, October 1, 2012
Violation of SoO affect law and order : Manipur police
Violations of ground rules of Suspension of Operation (SoO) has been affecting law and order problems in the state, said Manipur police while commenting on the extension of the agreement with Kuki underground groups.
SoO agreement between Army and constituents of United People’s Front (UPF) and Kuki National Organization (KNO) had been in force since August 1, 2005. It was agreed between the Centre, Manipur government and KNO and UPF to formalize this suspension of operation and cease hostilities with effect from August 22.
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Coal, oil & tea fuel Ulfa funds
The anti-talk faction of Ulfa has roped in more than 20 cadres pro-talk Ulfa back to their fold besides intensifying the extortion drive in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Referring to the confession of three hardcore Ulfa rebels — Rongmon Gogoi, Mridul Moran and Rocket Syam — arrested in Arunachal Pradesh, authoritative security sources told this newspaper that coal trades of Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya was contributing hugely to Ulfa’s coffer.
Pointing out that coal, oil and tea sector of Arunachal Pradesh was acting as lifeline to the separatist activities in Assam and trouble-torn Tirap and Changlang of Arunachal, security sources said that Rongmon Gogoi, in his confession, named a mining company which was paying to Ulfa quarterly. Though, after division in the outfit, the company started liaisoning with pro-talk faction leaders of Tinsukia district and stopped paying quarterly installment to anti-talk faction of Ulfa.
Informing that a hard-core Ulfa leader Rohendra Moran has sent a consignment of `58 lakh cash to Ulfa chief Paresh Baruah in Burma last week, security sources said that Ulfa commander Drishti Rajkhowa was collecting quarterly installment of contribution from coal syndicate of Assam-Meghalaya.
Admitting that the flow of fund to Ulfa’s coffer was the major area of concern, security sources said that police was exploring the possibility of registering case against companies and individuals paying money to Ulfa and other militant outfits in the northeast. Informing that Ulfa was desperate for money, security sources said that elusive Ulfa chief Praesh Baruah was trying to start training of a batch of new recruits at the end of this year for which 17-18 newly recruited boys have crossed over to Burma.
Pointing out that coal, oil and tea sector of Arunachal Pradesh was acting as lifeline to the separatist activities in Assam and trouble-torn Tirap and Changlang of Arunachal, security sources said that Rongmon Gogoi, in his confession, named a mining company which was paying to Ulfa quarterly. Though, after division in the outfit, the company started liaisoning with pro-talk faction leaders of Tinsukia district and stopped paying quarterly installment to anti-talk faction of Ulfa.
Informing that a hard-core Ulfa leader Rohendra Moran has sent a consignment of `58 lakh cash to Ulfa chief Paresh Baruah in Burma last week, security sources said that Ulfa commander Drishti Rajkhowa was collecting quarterly installment of contribution from coal syndicate of Assam-Meghalaya.
Admitting that the flow of fund to Ulfa’s coffer was the major area of concern, security sources said that police was exploring the possibility of registering case against companies and individuals paying money to Ulfa and other militant outfits in the northeast. Informing that Ulfa was desperate for money, security sources said that elusive Ulfa chief Praesh Baruah was trying to start training of a batch of new recruits at the end of this year for which 17-18 newly recruited boys have crossed over to Burma.
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