Shillong : Normal life in the western part of Meghalaya's Garo Hills
was crippled Wednesday with the start of a two-day shutdown called by
the outlawed Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) demanding a separate
Garoland state.
"Attendance in government offices was thin in all the five districts
of Garo Hills region, but there was no report of any untoward incident,"
Pravin Bakshi, district magistrate of West Garo Hills, told IANS.
He said most vehicles remained off roads and shops were shut in the district.
Inspector General of Police (Western Range) H. Nongpluh said: "We are
taking no chances and the (security) forces are watchful."
The GNLA had threatened to bomb several areas in Garo Hills.
Home Minister Roshan Warjri said combing operations against the rebels will continue in Garo Hills.
"All necessary steps have been taken to neutralise GNLA's anti-national activities," Warjri told IANS.
The Garo Hills State Movement Committee - a conglomeration of several
Garo organisations and the Garo National Council, a political party
based in Garo Hills - earlier called the shutdown to put pressure on the
government to implement the Garoland statehood demand. However, the
Committee had called off their shutdown.
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Rebels' shutdown hits life in Meghalaya
Shillong : Normal life in the western part of Meghalaya's Garo Hills
was crippled Wednesday with the start of a two-day shutdown called by
the outlawed Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) demanding a separate
Garoland state.
"Attendance in government offices was thin in all the five districts of Garo Hills region, but there was no report of any untoward incident," Pravin Bakshi, district magistrate of West Garo Hills, told IANS.
He said most vehicles remained off roads and shops were shut in the district.
Inspector General of Police (Western Range) H. Nongpluh said: "We are taking no chances and the (security) forces are watchful."
The GNLA had threatened to bomb several areas in Garo Hills.
Home Minister Roshan Warjri said combing operations against the rebels will continue in Garo Hills.
"All necessary steps have been taken to neutralise GNLA's anti-national activities," Warjri told IANS.
The Garo Hills State Movement Committee - a conglomeration of several Garo organisations and the Garo National Council, a political party based in Garo Hills - earlier called the shutdown to put pressure on the government to implement the Garoland statehood demand. However, the Committee had called off their shutdown.
"Attendance in government offices was thin in all the five districts of Garo Hills region, but there was no report of any untoward incident," Pravin Bakshi, district magistrate of West Garo Hills, told IANS.
He said most vehicles remained off roads and shops were shut in the district.
Inspector General of Police (Western Range) H. Nongpluh said: "We are taking no chances and the (security) forces are watchful."
The GNLA had threatened to bomb several areas in Garo Hills.
Home Minister Roshan Warjri said combing operations against the rebels will continue in Garo Hills.
"All necessary steps have been taken to neutralise GNLA's anti-national activities," Warjri told IANS.
The Garo Hills State Movement Committee - a conglomeration of several Garo organisations and the Garo National Council, a political party based in Garo Hills - earlier called the shutdown to put pressure on the government to implement the Garoland statehood demand. However, the Committee had called off their shutdown.
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Powerful bomb seized from roadside in interior Manipur
Imphal: A powerful improvised explosive device (IED), weighing about two and half kgs, was seized along the roadside of Imphal-Jiribam-Silchar national highway (NH) in Manipur's Imphal west district, police said on Wednesday.
They said a road opening party (ROP), 18th Sikh Regiment personnel, detected some suspicious object at Konthoujam area yesterday which later turned out to be a powerful bomb.
The bomb was allegedly planted by insurgents to attack security and police personnel, sources said adding that it was later detonated at a safe place.
Official sources said security measures have been tightened particularly in four valley disrtricts of Imphal east, Imphal west, Bishenpur and Thoubal in view of frequent planting of powerful bombs at roadsides to attack the security personnel.
Meanwhile, four insurgents--three People's Liberation Army (PLA) and one People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (progressive), PREPAK-P, were arrested during various search operations at Uripok, Paona Bazar and other areas here last evening, sources said.
Sources identified the four as Kharibam Robi (41), Yumlembam Jokumar (32), Ngangbam Rishikesh (22), all PLA insurgents, and Telem Boy (40), PREPAK-P, adding that one 9mm pistol and some other materials recovered were from their possession.
Sources said security patrol has also been intensified at various places in view of the 35th year foundation day today of the Revolutionary People's Front (RPF), political wing of the PLA.
Frisking of passers-by was being carried out at many places to detect movement of the insurgents, sources said.
They said a road opening party (ROP), 18th Sikh Regiment personnel, detected some suspicious object at Konthoujam area yesterday which later turned out to be a powerful bomb.
The bomb was allegedly planted by insurgents to attack security and police personnel, sources said adding that it was later detonated at a safe place.
Official sources said security measures have been tightened particularly in four valley disrtricts of Imphal east, Imphal west, Bishenpur and Thoubal in view of frequent planting of powerful bombs at roadsides to attack the security personnel.
Meanwhile, four insurgents--three People's Liberation Army (PLA) and one People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (progressive), PREPAK-P, were arrested during various search operations at Uripok, Paona Bazar and other areas here last evening, sources said.
Sources identified the four as Kharibam Robi (41), Yumlembam Jokumar (32), Ngangbam Rishikesh (22), all PLA insurgents, and Telem Boy (40), PREPAK-P, adding that one 9mm pistol and some other materials recovered were from their possession.
Sources said security patrol has also been intensified at various places in view of the 35th year foundation day today of the Revolutionary People's Front (RPF), political wing of the PLA.
Frisking of passers-by was being carried out at many places to detect movement of the insurgents, sources said.
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Top NHPC official abducted
A senior official of National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) was abducted by a group of unidentified gunmen at Bhalukpong on the Assam-Arunachal border Saturday evening. Anil Kumar Agarwal, the general manager-rank officer, is heading the upcoming 800-MW Tawang Basin hydro-electric power project in Arunachal Pradesh.
"Agarwal was abducted from an area called 12-Mile on the Tezpur-Bomdila Road last evening by at least six youths who first accosted his official vehicle and then whisked him away on one of the four motorbikes used by them," said Arabinda Kalita, the SP of Sonitpur district, on Sunday.
Police said one of the four motorbikes has been impounded and the owners of all the four bikes have been identified. "But we have not made any arrests so far. We have to move very cautiously so that the life of the person is not put at risk," the SP said.
Police suspect the role of Songbijit faction of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) behind the abduction. The faction has a strong presence in the forest areas of Sonitpur district from where Agarwal was abducted.
The SP, however, wondered why a senior NHPC officer was travelling without a PSO. Agrawal was travelling along with his official driver from Tawang and was supposed to halt overnight at Tezpur, from where he was to travel to Guwahati on Sunday to catch a flight to Hyderabad.
"Agarwal was abducted from an area called 12-Mile on the Tezpur-Bomdila Road last evening by at least six youths who first accosted his official vehicle and then whisked him away on one of the four motorbikes used by them," said Arabinda Kalita, the SP of Sonitpur district, on Sunday.
Police said one of the four motorbikes has been impounded and the owners of all the four bikes have been identified. "But we have not made any arrests so far. We have to move very cautiously so that the life of the person is not put at risk," the SP said.
Police suspect the role of Songbijit faction of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) behind the abduction. The faction has a strong presence in the forest areas of Sonitpur district from where Agarwal was abducted.
The SP, however, wondered why a senior NHPC officer was travelling without a PSO. Agrawal was travelling along with his official driver from Tawang and was supposed to halt overnight at Tezpur, from where he was to travel to Guwahati on Sunday to catch a flight to Hyderabad.
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
PLA attacks Assam Rifles post in Manipur
People Liberation Army (PLA), the armed wing of Revolutionary People Front (RPF) Wednesday claimed that it had attacked the post of the 24 Assam Rifles in interior Manipur’s Chandel district on Tuesday.
A statement of People Liberation Army signed by its chief of department of publicity said its cadres launched the attack on 24 Assam Rifles post near Saibol village of Chandel district Tuesday evening around 8 pm.
During the attack, many personnel of the Assam Rifles were injured that was carried out by a special team, People Liberation Army claimed.
The cadres further said that its cadres were engaged in a gun battle with another troops of Assam Rifles. Many troopers sustained injuries in the attack, People Liberation Army added.
A statement of People Liberation Army signed by its chief of department of publicity said its cadres launched the attack on 24 Assam Rifles post near Saibol village of Chandel district Tuesday evening around 8 pm.
During the attack, many personnel of the Assam Rifles were injured that was carried out by a special team, People Liberation Army claimed.
The cadres further said that its cadres were engaged in a gun battle with another troops of Assam Rifles. Many troopers sustained injuries in the attack, People Liberation Army added.
Militant leader shot dead in Manipur
A top militant leader of Manipur Naga Revolutionary Front (MNRF) was shot dead by suspected rival faction in Manipur's interior Ukhrul district, the police said today.
The body of 'advisor' of MNRF identified as Johnson Kasung (55) was found at Tolen Lamkhai area in the district with two bullet wounds this morning, sources said.
Sources said some unidentified gunmen, suspected to be Naga militants, had kidnapped Kasung from Tangkhul Nagalong office area at Ukhrul district headquarters on September 13.
The police have been on the lookout of his abductors, sources said adding that his body was found today at around 6 AM.
The body has been sent to district hospital for post-mortem, sources said adding no individual or group has claimed responsibility for the crime.
MNRF which was formed by some militants about two years ago was opposed to those persons who wanted to break up Manipur to form smaller states along the ethnic lines, official sources said.
The body of 'advisor' of MNRF identified as Johnson Kasung (55) was found at Tolen Lamkhai area in the district with two bullet wounds this morning, sources said.
Sources said some unidentified gunmen, suspected to be Naga militants, had kidnapped Kasung from Tangkhul Nagalong office area at Ukhrul district headquarters on September 13.
The police have been on the lookout of his abductors, sources said adding that his body was found today at around 6 AM.
The body has been sent to district hospital for post-mortem, sources said adding no individual or group has claimed responsibility for the crime.
MNRF which was formed by some militants about two years ago was opposed to those persons who wanted to break up Manipur to form smaller states along the ethnic lines, official sources said.
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Rebel group kills two in Meghalaya
Two people, including a woman, were killed and two injured by rebels of the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) outfit early Tuesday, police said.
A group of five to six heavily armed rebels stormed the Garodoba village in southwest Garo Hills district around 1.30 a.m. The rebels shot dead 32-year-old Sridina A. Sangma and 42-year-old Anirud Hajong, district police chief Muthu Ramachandran told IANS.
However, all the rebels escaped and a manhunt is on to nab them.
The village comes under Ampati assembly constituency of Chief Minister Mukul Sangma.
The GNLA, one of five rebel groups fighting for a separate Garoland in western Meghalaya, is headed by policeman-turned-rogue Champion R. Sangma.
Champion Sangma is currently in jail in state capital Shillong after being arrested from the India-Bangladesh border last year.
The GNLA, which has over 100 rebels including a few women cadres, has been declared a terrorist outfit.
Over 40 people, including security personnel, have been killed while more than 10 people were abducted for ransom by the GNLA in the last three years.
A group of five to six heavily armed rebels stormed the Garodoba village in southwest Garo Hills district around 1.30 a.m. The rebels shot dead 32-year-old Sridina A. Sangma and 42-year-old Anirud Hajong, district police chief Muthu Ramachandran told IANS.
However, all the rebels escaped and a manhunt is on to nab them.
The village comes under Ampati assembly constituency of Chief Minister Mukul Sangma.
The GNLA, one of five rebel groups fighting for a separate Garoland in western Meghalaya, is headed by policeman-turned-rogue Champion R. Sangma.
Champion Sangma is currently in jail in state capital Shillong after being arrested from the India-Bangladesh border last year.
The GNLA, which has over 100 rebels including a few women cadres, has been declared a terrorist outfit.
Over 40 people, including security personnel, have been killed while more than 10 people were abducted for ransom by the GNLA in the last three years.
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Chetia extradition in December
Guwahati, Sep 12 : Jailed Ulfa general secretary Anup Chetia will be extradited to India from Bangladesh by mid-December this year.
Joint secretary (northeast), ministry of home affairs, Sambhu Singh said this Wednesday after a meeting with Assam chief minister and top police officials of the state.
“By December, he (Chetia) should be here,” Singh said.
The extradition of Chetia is likely to impact the ongoing peace process between the government of India and the Ulfa pro-talk faction. Ever since the faction signed a peace agreement with the government, they have been pressing for early extradition of Chetia.
A founder leader of the outfit, Chetia was arrested in 1997 in Bangladesh. He was charged with illegally entering the country using a forged passport and possessing illegal foreign currency and arms. Subsequently, he was sentenced to seven years imprisonment by a Bangladeshi court.
At the end of his jail term, India had asked Bangladesh for his extradition. But the request was turned down by the neighbouring country on the ground the two countries did not have an extradition treaty.
Asked about Ulfa anti-talk faction leader Paresh Baruah, Singh said Baruah is in China at present.
“He (Baruah) has chosen to live in China, get engaged in arms smuggling and mint money through arms smuggling. We have given him an opportunity by inviting him to join the peace process. But he decided not to come. So what can we do?” Singh told newsmen.
On the recent movement for statehood by several groups in Assam, Singh said there has not been any decision so far. “We have asked them to convince us about the viability of separate state. I can only say that right now there is a demand for separate state and we are talking over it,” he said.
Joint secretary (northeast), ministry of home affairs, Sambhu Singh said this Wednesday after a meeting with Assam chief minister and top police officials of the state.
“By December, he (Chetia) should be here,” Singh said.
The extradition of Chetia is likely to impact the ongoing peace process between the government of India and the Ulfa pro-talk faction. Ever since the faction signed a peace agreement with the government, they have been pressing for early extradition of Chetia.
A founder leader of the outfit, Chetia was arrested in 1997 in Bangladesh. He was charged with illegally entering the country using a forged passport and possessing illegal foreign currency and arms. Subsequently, he was sentenced to seven years imprisonment by a Bangladeshi court.
At the end of his jail term, India had asked Bangladesh for his extradition. But the request was turned down by the neighbouring country on the ground the two countries did not have an extradition treaty.
Asked about Ulfa anti-talk faction leader Paresh Baruah, Singh said Baruah is in China at present.
“He (Baruah) has chosen to live in China, get engaged in arms smuggling and mint money through arms smuggling. We have given him an opportunity by inviting him to join the peace process. But he decided not to come. So what can we do?” Singh told newsmen.
On the recent movement for statehood by several groups in Assam, Singh said there has not been any decision so far. “We have asked them to convince us about the viability of separate state. I can only say that right now there is a demand for separate state and we are talking over it,” he said.
Monday, September 9, 2013
155 Kuki militants lay down arms in Manipur
IMPHAL: At least 155 rebels belonging to four different outfits surrendered on Monday and inked a ceasefire pact with the Manipur government. Along with their leaders, cadre of the outfits - Kuki Revolutionary Front (KRF), Kuki National Liberation Front (KNLF), Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) Nongdren Khomba group and Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) - turned up at 1BN Manipur Rifles' complex.
The cadres - 53 from the KRF, 50 from the KNLF, 44 of KCP Nongdren Khomba and eight from the KYKL - laid down 95 weapons including different AK series rifles, pistols with bullets, explosives like mortars, IEDs, lathod shells, hand grenades and radio sets in the 'homecoming ceremony'.
While the KNLF and the KRF signed a Suspension of Operation (SoO), the KCP Nongdren Khomba group inked an MoU with the government at the ceremony.
Over 20 Kuki militant groups operating in the state have already signed an SoO with the state and the Centre, and cadres of these outfits are putting up at government-sponsored designated camps in the hills.
Welcoming the cadres of the four outfits to the mainstream, chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh assured them the government would extend all possible efforts for their welfare and security.
Ibobi Singh, nevertheless, warned to take appropriate action against any SoO signatories found violating the ground rules.
Stating that his government will not remain a silent spectator when the ground rules are breached, Ibobi Singh said if needed, the SoO deal with the particular outfit would be reviewed.
Deputy CM Gaikhangam, who is also the home minister, congratulated the cadres on joining the mainstream. The two Kuki militant groups will be incorporated in the apex Kuki militant groups that are party to the SoO, a source said.
The KNLF was represented by Helun Haokip (chairman), T Khongsai (army chief) and L Haokip (secretary), while KRF leaders T Doungel (chairman) and H Doungel (general secretary) represented the outfit in the SoO pact. KCP (Nongdrenkhomba) was represented by its self-styled 'commander-in-chief' N Romen aka Nongdrenkhomba and 'chief of army' L Guni in the MoU.
Monday's event came after the United People's Party of Kangleipak (UPPK) entered into a peace deal with the Centre and the state government in May this year at the same venue.
In February, the United Revolutionary Front (URF), the KYKL (MDF) and the KCP (Lamphel) also inked a similar peace deal.
The cadres - 53 from the KRF, 50 from the KNLF, 44 of KCP Nongdren Khomba and eight from the KYKL - laid down 95 weapons including different AK series rifles, pistols with bullets, explosives like mortars, IEDs, lathod shells, hand grenades and radio sets in the 'homecoming ceremony'.
While the KNLF and the KRF signed a Suspension of Operation (SoO), the KCP Nongdren Khomba group inked an MoU with the government at the ceremony.
Over 20 Kuki militant groups operating in the state have already signed an SoO with the state and the Centre, and cadres of these outfits are putting up at government-sponsored designated camps in the hills.
Welcoming the cadres of the four outfits to the mainstream, chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh assured them the government would extend all possible efforts for their welfare and security.
Ibobi Singh, nevertheless, warned to take appropriate action against any SoO signatories found violating the ground rules.
Stating that his government will not remain a silent spectator when the ground rules are breached, Ibobi Singh said if needed, the SoO deal with the particular outfit would be reviewed.
Deputy CM Gaikhangam, who is also the home minister, congratulated the cadres on joining the mainstream. The two Kuki militant groups will be incorporated in the apex Kuki militant groups that are party to the SoO, a source said.
The KNLF was represented by Helun Haokip (chairman), T Khongsai (army chief) and L Haokip (secretary), while KRF leaders T Doungel (chairman) and H Doungel (general secretary) represented the outfit in the SoO pact. KCP (Nongdrenkhomba) was represented by its self-styled 'commander-in-chief' N Romen aka Nongdrenkhomba and 'chief of army' L Guni in the MoU.
Monday's event came after the United People's Party of Kangleipak (UPPK) entered into a peace deal with the Centre and the state government in May this year at the same venue.
In February, the United Revolutionary Front (URF), the KYKL (MDF) and the KCP (Lamphel) also inked a similar peace deal.
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Bombs hurled in CRPF camp, 12 hr Meghalaya bandh tomorrow
Tight security measures have been taken in view of the 12-hour bandh in Meghalaya tomorrow called by pressure groups demanding implementation of Inner Line Permit (ILP) to check influx in the state, while bombs were hurled inside the CRPF camp here this evening.
"Three petrol bombs were hurled inside the camp of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) by miscreants," SP (City) Vivek Syiem said.
While no damage was done by the bombs, three persons were apprehended by the CRPF personnel minutes after the bomb attack, he said.
East Khasi Hills SP M Kharkrang said the handiwork of the NGOs who sponsored the bandh cannot be ruled out in the spate attacks in the last 36 hours.
Three incidents of arson took place here yesterday. A petrol bomb was hurled at Polo Bazar damaging a fast food shop, a motorcycle was also set on fire at Langkyrding while miscreants tried to set ablaze a house at Umsohsun.
At least 14 pressure groups have called a bandh tomorrow after last Thursday's talks with the Meghalaya government over implementation of the ILP to control illegal immigrants from entering the state failed.
"We have tightened security in and around the Khasi Jaintia Hills region and also in the Garo Hills region in view of the bandh called by the NGOs," a senior home department official told PTI.
He said, police and magistrates were directed to be alert to prevent any untoward incident.
District administrations have been asked to keep vigil especially in vulnerable areas and sensitive government installations and offices, he said.
"Three petrol bombs were hurled inside the camp of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) by miscreants," SP (City) Vivek Syiem said.
While no damage was done by the bombs, three persons were apprehended by the CRPF personnel minutes after the bomb attack, he said.
East Khasi Hills SP M Kharkrang said the handiwork of the NGOs who sponsored the bandh cannot be ruled out in the spate attacks in the last 36 hours.
Three incidents of arson took place here yesterday. A petrol bomb was hurled at Polo Bazar damaging a fast food shop, a motorcycle was also set on fire at Langkyrding while miscreants tried to set ablaze a house at Umsohsun.
At least 14 pressure groups have called a bandh tomorrow after last Thursday's talks with the Meghalaya government over implementation of the ILP to control illegal immigrants from entering the state failed.
"We have tightened security in and around the Khasi Jaintia Hills region and also in the Garo Hills region in view of the bandh called by the NGOs," a senior home department official told PTI.
He said, police and magistrates were directed to be alert to prevent any untoward incident.
District administrations have been asked to keep vigil especially in vulnerable areas and sensitive government installations and offices, he said.
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