IMPHAL: The underground People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (Prepak-Pro) claimed responsibility for the grenade explosion in front of the main gate of the high-security bungalow-cum-office secretariat of chief minister OkramIbobi Singh in the heart of Imphal on Saturday evening. No one was injured in the blast.
A senior cadre of Prepak (Pro), which is one of the major underground groups fighting to restore Manipur's past sovereignty, informed the media that the attack was triggered by its 'special task force -II '. However, the state government has ordered a probe to ascertain the veracity of the grenade attack.
The Prepak (Pro), along with 10 other militant outfits of the region, has called for boycott of Independence Day celebrations and Saturday's blast has forced the government to ensure watertight security measures in core areas of Imphal city.
The chief minister's bungalow is guarded by three layers of security forces, the inner being manned by Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel and the outer area by state forces, including CID sleuths.
Deputy chief minister Gaikhangam said the incident would not be taken lightly as the explosion has occurred right in front of the high-security bungalow of the chief minister.
It seems the attackers were trying to demonstrate that they can attack the bungalow though they cannot sneak inside, said Gaikhangam, who is also the home minister.
When asked about defunct CCTVs in the city, the home minister said the gadgets could not be used properly due to irregular and insufficient power supply. However, he added that efforts are on to prepare a detailed project report for setting up a back-up power line by tapping solar energy.
Sunday, August 11, 2013
2 insurgents of Achik National Volunteer Council lynched in Assam's Goalpara district
GOALPARA: Two Achik National Volunteer Council (ANVC) insurgents were lynched allegedly by locals and two others nabbed in Assam'sGoalpara district along Meghalaya on Friday and arms recovered from them, a top police officer said here.
A group of 10 ANVC militants from the Garo Hills in Meghalaya had come to Darangthop under Agia police station to collect extortion money, said DSP Shyamal Prasad Saikia.
A group of 10 ANVC militants from the Garo Hills in Meghalaya had come to Darangthop under Agia police station to collect extortion money, said DSP Shyamal Prasad Saikia.
Friday, August 2, 2013
Seven Persons Kidnapped in Manipur
Seven persons, including two senior engineers of the Irrigation and Flood department, have been kidnapped by suspected militants from an interior village in Manipur, police said today.
The seven persons -- superintending engineer N Karnaraj, executive engineer N Surachandra, their two drivers, contractor Sanayaima Sharma, Abhijit Sinha and Debajit Sinha were abducted from Pukhuo Terapur area in Imphal East district, about 15 km from here, yesterday.
Both Abhijit Sinha and Debajit Sinha belong to a Kolkata-based construction company, sources said.
The seven persons who were returning to Imphal after inspecting a worksite were taken to an unknown place by the armed abductors, the police said.
As per preliminary investigation, monetary demand from the officials appeared to be the cause of the kidnapping.
An IFCD official, on condition of anonymity, appealed to the kidnappers to release the officials unharmed as their abduction would severely affect the development programmes of the department.
No individual or group has claimed the responsibility for the incident, the police said.
The seven persons -- superintending engineer N Karnaraj, executive engineer N Surachandra, their two drivers, contractor Sanayaima Sharma, Abhijit Sinha and Debajit Sinha were abducted from Pukhuo Terapur area in Imphal East district, about 15 km from here, yesterday.
Both Abhijit Sinha and Debajit Sinha belong to a Kolkata-based construction company, sources said.
The seven persons who were returning to Imphal after inspecting a worksite were taken to an unknown place by the armed abductors, the police said.
As per preliminary investigation, monetary demand from the officials appeared to be the cause of the kidnapping.
An IFCD official, on condition of anonymity, appealed to the kidnappers to release the officials unharmed as their abduction would severely affect the development programmes of the department.
No individual or group has claimed the responsibility for the incident, the police said.
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Close aide of NDFB-S chief arrested in Guwahati
GUWAHATI: In a major breakthrough, Assam Police's operations wing arrested AnnaiNarzary alias Kangphu, a close aide of National Democratic Front of Boroland (S) chief I K Songbijit, on Thursday.
Police said Narzary is a self styled sergeant major of the outfit and acted as a major link between the outfit and its counterparts across the borders of Bangladesh and Myanmar.
"Narzary was on his way to Latumbai in Meghalaya when we arrested him. From there, he was supposed to travel to the Barak Valley. We believe he was planning to join some other outfit members who are currently hiding in the jungles of Bangladesh," said a policeman who was a part of the operation.
Police found three mobile phones from his possession. "Narzary works as a link between the outfit's bases in the region and several Myanmar-based ultra groups. He helps to procure arms from Myanmar too," he added.
Narzary, who hails from Udalguri district, was also wanted in several extortion cases in the district.
"Udalguri Police are on the lookout for Narzary for a long time. He was involved in many extortion and abduction cases too," said a policeman in Udalguri who confirmed Narzary's identity.
Militants of NDFB (Songbijit) faction have been building bases in the jungles of Meghalaya bordering Assam. Admitting to the presence of NDFB rebels in the state, a policemen from Meghalaya said, "We have been coordinating with Assam Police and sharing information on the developments. NDFB ultras are setting up bases in Ri Bhoi district. The district has some areas where Bodos reside and these militants are taking advantage of it."
Police said Narzary is a self styled sergeant major of the outfit and acted as a major link between the outfit and its counterparts across the borders of Bangladesh and Myanmar.
"Narzary was on his way to Latumbai in Meghalaya when we arrested him. From there, he was supposed to travel to the Barak Valley. We believe he was planning to join some other outfit members who are currently hiding in the jungles of Bangladesh," said a policeman who was a part of the operation.
Police found three mobile phones from his possession. "Narzary works as a link between the outfit's bases in the region and several Myanmar-based ultra groups. He helps to procure arms from Myanmar too," he added.
Narzary, who hails from Udalguri district, was also wanted in several extortion cases in the district.
"Udalguri Police are on the lookout for Narzary for a long time. He was involved in many extortion and abduction cases too," said a policeman in Udalguri who confirmed Narzary's identity.
Militants of NDFB (Songbijit) faction have been building bases in the jungles of Meghalaya bordering Assam. Admitting to the presence of NDFB rebels in the state, a policemen from Meghalaya said, "We have been coordinating with Assam Police and sharing information on the developments. NDFB ultras are setting up bases in Ri Bhoi district. The district has some areas where Bodos reside and these militants are taking advantage of it."
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
'Nature of operations against Ulfa may change after Chetia's return'
GUWAHATI: The unified command in the state will review the nature of its ongoing operations against Ulfa-I, the anti-talks faction of the rebel outfit led by Paresh Baruah, after Anup Chetia's repatriation to India from Bangladesh.
On the other hand, Assam Police stepped up pressure on Baruah's last surviving field commander, Drishti Rajkhowa, to join the Arabinda Rajkhowa-led pro-talks faction. The Assam Police DGP on Monday said that Drishti Rajkhowa ordered the grenade blast that injured 15 persons in the city on Sunday.
"Our counter-insurgency operation will continue on existing lines for now but we may have to change them after Anup Chetia is brought here. He is the key leader of the outfit and his statements will be crucial for us. We will interrogate him after he comes and whatever information he gives us will be matched with the information we have and, then, we may have to change the line of the operation," a security source said.
Chetia, who is the founder general secretary of the outfit and currently in protective custody in a Bangladesh jail, recently gave up his appeal in a Bangladesh high court seeking political asylum and wants to return home. Chetia was the mastermind behind making Ulfa a powerful militant outfit, and both Baruah and Rajkhowa want him on their side. The Centre also wants Chetia to join the peace talks.
The source said, "Pinning the blame for the blast on Drishti is part of the strategy to mount pressure on him to switch sides. There were inputs about Drishti's presence in Mehndipathar in Garo Hills a few weeks ago, but he was untraceable there. Assam Police have been making a huge effort to break Drishti and lure him to the pro-talks faction."
Drishti Rajkjhowa, whose actual name is Monoj Rabha, is from the Rabha community in Goalpara district. He is very popular among the Rabha people and is the last armed wing 'commander' of the outfit, and has survived waves of surrenders and counter-insurgency operations. Known to be a master disguiser, Drishti shuttles between Bangladesh and the neighbouring Garo Hills in Meghalaya that border the state in the southwestern region. He is so elusive that security and intelligence agencies do not even have any recent photograph of him.
"If Drishti can be coerced to leave anti-talks faction, it will be the biggest blow to Paresh Baruah and it will weaken him like never before," the source said.
On the other hand, Assam Police stepped up pressure on Baruah's last surviving field commander, Drishti Rajkhowa, to join the Arabinda Rajkhowa-led pro-talks faction. The Assam Police DGP on Monday said that Drishti Rajkhowa ordered the grenade blast that injured 15 persons in the city on Sunday.
"Our counter-insurgency operation will continue on existing lines for now but we may have to change them after Anup Chetia is brought here. He is the key leader of the outfit and his statements will be crucial for us. We will interrogate him after he comes and whatever information he gives us will be matched with the information we have and, then, we may have to change the line of the operation," a security source said.
Chetia, who is the founder general secretary of the outfit and currently in protective custody in a Bangladesh jail, recently gave up his appeal in a Bangladesh high court seeking political asylum and wants to return home. Chetia was the mastermind behind making Ulfa a powerful militant outfit, and both Baruah and Rajkhowa want him on their side. The Centre also wants Chetia to join the peace talks.
The source said, "Pinning the blame for the blast on Drishti is part of the strategy to mount pressure on him to switch sides. There were inputs about Drishti's presence in Mehndipathar in Garo Hills a few weeks ago, but he was untraceable there. Assam Police have been making a huge effort to break Drishti and lure him to the pro-talks faction."
Drishti Rajkjhowa, whose actual name is Monoj Rabha, is from the Rabha community in Goalpara district. He is very popular among the Rabha people and is the last armed wing 'commander' of the outfit, and has survived waves of surrenders and counter-insurgency operations. Known to be a master disguiser, Drishti shuttles between Bangladesh and the neighbouring Garo Hills in Meghalaya that border the state in the southwestern region. He is so elusive that security and intelligence agencies do not even have any recent photograph of him.
"If Drishti can be coerced to leave anti-talks faction, it will be the biggest blow to Paresh Baruah and it will weaken him like never before," the source said.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Factional clashes among militant outfits a cause of security concern in Manipur
Factional clashes among militant outfits are a cause of security concern in Manipur. Recently, unidentified armed militants launched an attack on a vehicle carrying the 'home secretary' of the Kuki Liberation Army (KLA) Saikhohao and his family.
On July 13, Saikhohao, along with his family, was on his way back from Imphal to his home in Saikul village. While Seikhohao died on the spot, his two year old daughter succumbed to her injuries the next day. Two others were also injured in the ambush.
"This type of brutal killing is inhumane in nature and is completely condemnable and as the speaker of the Kuki Inpi Manipur, I strongly condemn this type of action against him and any other persons in Manipur," said H Azhang Khongsai, Speaker, Kuki Inpi Manipur
While no one has taken responsibility for the incident till now, rival Kuki cadres are suspected to be behind the attack. Kuki militant outfits often engage in factional fights, which result in bloodshed.
"This incident has happened at a time when they are under the suspension of operation. So this is very unfortunate and I am not happy with it," Chungkham Haokip, President, Kuki Inpi.
KLA is the armed wing of the Kuki Liberation Organization (KLO) and the group is a signatory to the ongoing Suspension of Operation with the government. Over 20 Kuki militant groups operating in Manipur have signed tripartite agreement with the state and the Centre.
On July 13, Saikhohao, along with his family, was on his way back from Imphal to his home in Saikul village. While Seikhohao died on the spot, his two year old daughter succumbed to her injuries the next day. Two others were also injured in the ambush.
"This type of brutal killing is inhumane in nature and is completely condemnable and as the speaker of the Kuki Inpi Manipur, I strongly condemn this type of action against him and any other persons in Manipur," said H Azhang Khongsai, Speaker, Kuki Inpi Manipur
While no one has taken responsibility for the incident till now, rival Kuki cadres are suspected to be behind the attack. Kuki militant outfits often engage in factional fights, which result in bloodshed.
"This incident has happened at a time when they are under the suspension of operation. So this is very unfortunate and I am not happy with it," Chungkham Haokip, President, Kuki Inpi.
KLA is the armed wing of the Kuki Liberation Organization (KLO) and the group is a signatory to the ongoing Suspension of Operation with the government. Over 20 Kuki militant groups operating in Manipur have signed tripartite agreement with the state and the Centre.
Sunday, July 21, 2013
GNLA commander killed in Meghalaya
A three-hour gunfight between security forces and Garo rebels Friday
ended after a Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) commander was killed
in Meghalaya.
Acting on a tip off, security forces raided Basamgre village in the East Garo Hill district, about 300 km west of Shillong.
The gun battle began when the militants fired at the security forces. Area commander Pilon M. Sangma was killed, district police chief J.F.K. Marak told IANS.
Pilon was wanted in several cases of murder, kidnapping and extortion in Garo Hills. Police said his killing was a major setback to the outfit.
An AK-47 rifle, three magazines with 148 rounds of live ammunition, one US-made .45 Colt pistol with 17 rounds of ammunition, a grenade and a high frequency wireless set were recovered from the site.
Sohan D. Shira, military wing chief of GNLA, has threatened retaliation.
"If our GNLA cadres are killed in this way, then from now onwards all those people travelling in vehicles will also meet the same fate. This will happen very shortly," Shira told Alva B. Sangma, editor of a Garo weekly Achik Songbad.
Meanwhile, Meghalaya Police has sounded a security alert in Garo Hills following the GNLA's threat, while the SWAT and CoBRA commandos continue combing operations to track down more rebels.
The GNLA, one of five Garo rebel groups fighting for a separate "Garoland" in western Meghalaya, is headed by police officer-turned-rogue Champion R. Sangma.
Sangma is presently lodged in Shillong jail after being arrested from the India-Bangladesh border last year.
Over 40 people, including security personnel, have been killed, and more than 10 people were abducted for ransom by GNLA in the last three years.
Acting on a tip off, security forces raided Basamgre village in the East Garo Hill district, about 300 km west of Shillong.
The gun battle began when the militants fired at the security forces. Area commander Pilon M. Sangma was killed, district police chief J.F.K. Marak told IANS.
Pilon was wanted in several cases of murder, kidnapping and extortion in Garo Hills. Police said his killing was a major setback to the outfit.
An AK-47 rifle, three magazines with 148 rounds of live ammunition, one US-made .45 Colt pistol with 17 rounds of ammunition, a grenade and a high frequency wireless set were recovered from the site.
Sohan D. Shira, military wing chief of GNLA, has threatened retaliation.
"If our GNLA cadres are killed in this way, then from now onwards all those people travelling in vehicles will also meet the same fate. This will happen very shortly," Shira told Alva B. Sangma, editor of a Garo weekly Achik Songbad.
Meanwhile, Meghalaya Police has sounded a security alert in Garo Hills following the GNLA's threat, while the SWAT and CoBRA commandos continue combing operations to track down more rebels.
The GNLA, one of five Garo rebel groups fighting for a separate "Garoland" in western Meghalaya, is headed by police officer-turned-rogue Champion R. Sangma.
Sangma is presently lodged in Shillong jail after being arrested from the India-Bangladesh border last year.
Over 40 people, including security personnel, have been killed, and more than 10 people were abducted for ransom by GNLA in the last three years.
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