SILCHAR: Suspected militants abducted four workers engaged in the construction of the Jiribam-Tupul railway line from Tinglakbag locality in Manipur'sJiribam subdivision, near the Assam border.
According to reports, around 10pm on Tuesday, a group of 10 suspected tribal militants carrying sophisticated weapons and dressed in camouflage gear walked into the camp of workers from Coastal Projects Ltd and beat up some workers before whisking way four of them at gunpoint. The workers at the camp are engaged in the construction of tunnel No 2 under the Jiribam-Tupul project.
The kidnapped workers have been identified as Subur Ali (32), Sanjay Kumar (39), Dilwar Hussain (22) and Rahim Uddin Majumdar (26).
The construction company authorities filed an FIR at Jiribam police station on Wednesday. Although police and security forces have launched an operation to rescue the workers and nab the miscreants, there was no news of their whereabouts till Thursday, the sources said.
The abduction has triggered a sense of fear among the workers, engineers and other officials engaged in the construction of 84-km Jiribam-Tupul ( Imphal) broad gauge new railway line project under Northeast Frontier Railway in Manipur, the foundation for which was laid by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on November 2004. They alleged lack of proper security for the men involved in the project.
Reports said that at least 12 workers working on the project have been abducted by suspected militants since December last year. However, they were later released in exchange of hefty ransoms.
Meanwhile, the Manipur government last month decided to set up six new police stations to provide security for the rail project. Of the six police stations, three will exclusively be set up at Khongsang, Awang Khul and Keimai along the Imphal-Silchar highway.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Assamese singer Zubeen continues singing in Hindi defying ULFA threat
Guwahati: Popular Assamese singer who was warned by banned outfit
United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) for singing a Hindi song in a
Bihu programme has dared the militant outfit by singing more Hindi
songs.
Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi lauded his action saying that if needed the singer would be provided security.
The 40 year old singer who drew the attention of ULFA for the song ‘Ya Ali’ from the movie Gangster in a Bihu event further sang number of Hindi songs after the threat. He said that nobody can draw a line on the freedom of an artiste if it is not harmful to the society.
On Thursday night he belted out as many as four Hindi songs in another Bihu event in Guwahati. “Ya Ali gave me name and fame in the country and abroad. They don’t have the right to do that. Their idea is outdated and ridiculous,” the singer said.
Meanwhile, Assam CM appreciated his step for being bold. “He has done the right thing by defying the threat of ULFA. I support his cause. Nobody can dictate terms on any artistes. We will provide full security to him if needed,” Tarun Gogoi said.
Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi lauded his action saying that if needed the singer would be provided security.
The 40 year old singer who drew the attention of ULFA for the song ‘Ya Ali’ from the movie Gangster in a Bihu event further sang number of Hindi songs after the threat. He said that nobody can draw a line on the freedom of an artiste if it is not harmful to the society.
On Thursday night he belted out as many as four Hindi songs in another Bihu event in Guwahati. “Ya Ali gave me name and fame in the country and abroad. They don’t have the right to do that. Their idea is outdated and ridiculous,” the singer said.
Meanwhile, Assam CM appreciated his step for being bold. “He has done the right thing by defying the threat of ULFA. I support his cause. Nobody can dictate terms on any artistes. We will provide full security to him if needed,” Tarun Gogoi said.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
2 teachers abducted for not paying NSCN-IM
DIMAPUR, April 18 – The NSCN-IM is accused of abducting two government teachers in Wokha district on April 12 for not paying “24 per cent net salary deduction” to the underground group.
The two teachers, unidentified at the time of filing this report, are both said to be teachers in the government primary schools at Hanku and Niropen villages. Following the incident, an angry All Nagaland School Teachers’ Association (ANSTA) has directed all teachers across the State not to attend work on April 24 as a “mark of resentment” against the alleged kidnappings.
The school teachers’ body expressed strong anger over the incident and asked all teachers to stay away from work on the stated day in protest. This is for citizens’ note that the so-stated “deduction” is a cut the undergrounds routinely take from salaried government employees in Nagaland.
“The All Nagaland School Teachers Association has vehemently condemned the abduction of the two teachers on April 12 by NSCN (IM) Wokha region at gun-point for not paying yearly tax in the stipulated time frame,” the Association stated in a press release.
The Association also stated that the issue of exempting teachers from tax collection by ‘national workers’ is under negotiation, which is being collectively carried out by NSF, ENSF and ANSTA with various groups. “Since the process of negotiation is still underway, the teaching community is not in a position to pay the tax in the appointed time as being demanded by them,” the teachers said.
According to the Association, repeated appeals for “exemption” have been made, the reason being that teachers are being “tortured both physically and mentally in the form of assault, harassment, threatening, intimidation, arrest and abduction at gunpoint”.
The two teachers, unidentified at the time of filing this report, are both said to be teachers in the government primary schools at Hanku and Niropen villages. Following the incident, an angry All Nagaland School Teachers’ Association (ANSTA) has directed all teachers across the State not to attend work on April 24 as a “mark of resentment” against the alleged kidnappings.
The school teachers’ body expressed strong anger over the incident and asked all teachers to stay away from work on the stated day in protest. This is for citizens’ note that the so-stated “deduction” is a cut the undergrounds routinely take from salaried government employees in Nagaland.
“The All Nagaland School Teachers Association has vehemently condemned the abduction of the two teachers on April 12 by NSCN (IM) Wokha region at gun-point for not paying yearly tax in the stipulated time frame,” the Association stated in a press release.
The Association also stated that the issue of exempting teachers from tax collection by ‘national workers’ is under negotiation, which is being collectively carried out by NSF, ENSF and ANSTA with various groups. “Since the process of negotiation is still underway, the teaching community is not in a position to pay the tax in the appointed time as being demanded by them,” the teachers said.
According to the Association, repeated appeals for “exemption” have been made, the reason being that teachers are being “tortured both physically and mentally in the form of assault, harassment, threatening, intimidation, arrest and abduction at gunpoint”.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Assam CM seeks help from neighbours to erase militancy
GUWAHATI: Chief minister Tarun Gogoi has sought coordinated steps from Meghalaya, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh to completely stamp out militancy in Assam by cutting off their supply lines from Bangladesh and Myanmar through these three states. He, however, said militancy in the state is showing a declining trend
"For the last few years, we have seen that militancy has shown a declining trend but we cannot be complacent. We are holding talks with several outfits but we need to handle the few remaining breakaway groups of these outfits," said Gogoi.
The chief minister said if Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Meghalaya help the state with more coordinated efforts, outfits liked anti-talks Ulfa and NDFB splinter group would be cut off from supplies of trained men and materials from neighbouring countries.
Gogoi also urged the Centre at the chief minister's conference convened by Union home minister on Monday in New Delhi for a dedicated force to tackle the growing Maoists activities in the state.
The conference on the 5th Report on Public Order of the 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) dealt with police reforms, management of public order, reforms in criminal justice system, federal crimes and special laws & the role of civil society and media in the management of public order. Gogoi on his part raised the demand for setting up a police commissionerate in the city.
Gogoi later expressed his gratitude to Bangladesh for the successful crackdown by the country on two major outfits of the state, Ulfa and NDFB.
Earlier on Sunday Gogoi, while taking part in the Bihu festivity here at Latasil, said, "The festivity creates bonhomie and camaraderie among different communities. The festivity teaches us to love the environment vis-a-vis trees and animals. Bihu is quintessentially all about a communion with nature."
Gogoi said the positive change in the mindset of people, especially the youth, augurs well for the state. "The youth are coming out in large numbers and making their presence felt. They have exhibited their prowess in various fields and brought laurels to the state. The positive outlook is a healthy sign which would help the state to make speedy progress in the days ahead," he added.
He hoped that the festivities would inspire and motivate the people, particularly the youth, in catapulting the state along the high road to glory and prosperity. "In this festive atmosphere prevailing in every nook and cranny of the state, let us pledge to work in unison towards building a prosperous Assam," he added.
"For the last few years, we have seen that militancy has shown a declining trend but we cannot be complacent. We are holding talks with several outfits but we need to handle the few remaining breakaway groups of these outfits," said Gogoi.
The chief minister said if Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Meghalaya help the state with more coordinated efforts, outfits liked anti-talks Ulfa and NDFB splinter group would be cut off from supplies of trained men and materials from neighbouring countries.
Gogoi also urged the Centre at the chief minister's conference convened by Union home minister on Monday in New Delhi for a dedicated force to tackle the growing Maoists activities in the state.
The conference on the 5th Report on Public Order of the 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) dealt with police reforms, management of public order, reforms in criminal justice system, federal crimes and special laws & the role of civil society and media in the management of public order. Gogoi on his part raised the demand for setting up a police commissionerate in the city.
Gogoi later expressed his gratitude to Bangladesh for the successful crackdown by the country on two major outfits of the state, Ulfa and NDFB.
Earlier on Sunday Gogoi, while taking part in the Bihu festivity here at Latasil, said, "The festivity creates bonhomie and camaraderie among different communities. The festivity teaches us to love the environment vis-a-vis trees and animals. Bihu is quintessentially all about a communion with nature."
Gogoi said the positive change in the mindset of people, especially the youth, augurs well for the state. "The youth are coming out in large numbers and making their presence felt. They have exhibited their prowess in various fields and brought laurels to the state. The positive outlook is a healthy sign which would help the state to make speedy progress in the days ahead," he added.
He hoped that the festivities would inspire and motivate the people, particularly the youth, in catapulting the state along the high road to glory and prosperity. "In this festive atmosphere prevailing in every nook and cranny of the state, let us pledge to work in unison towards building a prosperous Assam," he added.
Monday, April 15, 2013
Militancy declining in Assam, says Gogoi
New Delhi: Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said on Monday there was a declining trend in militant violence in the state.
He added that a coordinated action was needed with the northeast states like Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Meghalaya to stop transit routes, arms supply and shelters for militants.
"In the past few years, there has been a declining trend of militant violence and talks are on with several militant outfits. However, it would be over-optimistic to declare that the nightmare of militant violence is over," Gogoi said at the chief ministers' conference on public order here.
He said at a regional level, it was clear that coordinated action was needed in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and some parts of Meghalya if training, arms supply, transit routes and shelters of militants operating in Assam were to be choked.
Gogoi said that Myanmar remained a sanctuary for militants and there were efforts to reopen camps in Bhutan.
"The crackdown by the present Bangladesh government was a major factor in eroding the striking power of outfits like ULFA and NDFB, and we will remain forever grateful (to Bangladesh)," he said.
The United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) have for years run their training and refuge camps in Bangladesh.
"We have asked the government to increase the number of foreigners' tribunals, initiating steps to update the National Register of Citizens, strengthening of the border protection measures and completion of border fencing," he said.
He added that a longer term policing solution will need a more extensive police presence in hitherto unserved areas.
He added that a coordinated action was needed with the northeast states like Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Meghalaya to stop transit routes, arms supply and shelters for militants.
"In the past few years, there has been a declining trend of militant violence and talks are on with several militant outfits. However, it would be over-optimistic to declare that the nightmare of militant violence is over," Gogoi said at the chief ministers' conference on public order here.
He said at a regional level, it was clear that coordinated action was needed in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and some parts of Meghalya if training, arms supply, transit routes and shelters of militants operating in Assam were to be choked.
Gogoi said that Myanmar remained a sanctuary for militants and there were efforts to reopen camps in Bhutan.
"The crackdown by the present Bangladesh government was a major factor in eroding the striking power of outfits like ULFA and NDFB, and we will remain forever grateful (to Bangladesh)," he said.
The United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) have for years run their training and refuge camps in Bangladesh.
"We have asked the government to increase the number of foreigners' tribunals, initiating steps to update the National Register of Citizens, strengthening of the border protection measures and completion of border fencing," he said.
He added that a longer term policing solution will need a more extensive police presence in hitherto unserved areas.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Security personnel defuse roadside bomb in Manipur
Imphal: A bomb weighing 2 kg, allegedly planted at a
roadside to attack security personnel, was recovered by paramilitary
forces patrolling an interior village in Manipur’s Thoubal district.
The police said today Assam Rifles personnel of the 15th battalion, patrolling Khangabok, about 35 km south-east of Imphal, on Monday, detected a suspicious object at a roadside.
Security personnel immediately cordoned off the area after confirmation that it was an explosive material, the police said.
The bomb was later defused. A remote-controlled device and some other underground materials were recovered from the spot.
The police said at least seven bombs were planted in different parts of the valley in the past 40 days by suspected militants targeted against security personnel.
The police said today Assam Rifles personnel of the 15th battalion, patrolling Khangabok, about 35 km south-east of Imphal, on Monday, detected a suspicious object at a roadside.
On alert. AFP
The bomb was later defused. A remote-controlled device and some other underground materials were recovered from the spot.
The police said at least seven bombs were planted in different parts of the valley in the past 40 days by suspected militants targeted against security personnel.
Naga rebel caught, arms seized
SILCHAR: In a joint raid, Assam Rifles and Assam Police personnel nabbed a cadre of Kohima-basedNaga National Council (NNC) from the Kelelo locality in DimaHasao district on Monday.
An Assam Rifles official said acting on a tip-off, security forces raided Kelelo village near Haflong and caught self-styled sergeant Songbambe Kuame alias Nimpeu of Kohima. One automatic pistol, and ammunition were found on him.
The AR official said with increased activities of militant groups in the district, security forces are pursuing their movement vigorously.
With the arrest of the cadre as part of series of successful operations over the last one week, security forces have broken another link of the terrorist outfit and caused a setback to their nefarious designs.
The apprehension of the cadre is a big setback to the masterminds of the group who are trying toterrorize the citizens of the district by instilling a sense of fear and insecurity by carrying out anti-social activities, the official added.
An Assam Rifles official said acting on a tip-off, security forces raided Kelelo village near Haflong and caught self-styled sergeant Songbambe Kuame alias Nimpeu of Kohima. One automatic pistol, and ammunition were found on him.
The AR official said with increased activities of militant groups in the district, security forces are pursuing their movement vigorously.
With the arrest of the cadre as part of series of successful operations over the last one week, security forces have broken another link of the terrorist outfit and caused a setback to their nefarious designs.
The apprehension of the cadre is a big setback to the masterminds of the group who are trying toterrorize the citizens of the district by instilling a sense of fear and insecurity by carrying out anti-social activities, the official added.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Naga militant leader killed by rival group in Manipur
A senior Naga militant leader of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K) has been shot dead by members of a rival group in Manipur's interior hilly Tamenglong district, police said today.
Self-styled Public Relations Officer of the NSCN-K, David Loveson was shot dead from point blank range by suspected members of the NSCN-Isak and Muivah faction while he was roaming around his village, Ajuiram Thiulon, about 95 kms west of here, yesterday, they said.
The body was taken to Regional Institute of Medical Science and Hospital here for post mortem, they said, adding that both the militant factions have been at loggerheads for some time, trying to dominate the Naga-majority Tamenglong district bordering Nagaland.
Self-styled Public Relations Officer of the NSCN-K, David Loveson was shot dead from point blank range by suspected members of the NSCN-Isak and Muivah faction while he was roaming around his village, Ajuiram Thiulon, about 95 kms west of here, yesterday, they said.
The body was taken to Regional Institute of Medical Science and Hospital here for post mortem, they said, adding that both the militant factions have been at loggerheads for some time, trying to dominate the Naga-majority Tamenglong district bordering Nagaland.
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