NEW DELHI, Nov 25 – Karbi militant outfit United People’s Democratic Solidarity (UPDS) on Friday sealed an accord with the Centre and Assam Government, paving the way for restoration of peace in the troubled hill district.
The Centre declared a package worth over Rs 2000 crore, while the new set-up would be rechristened as ‘Karbi Anglong Autonomous Territorial Council’.
Celebrations marked the signing of the accord, with the UPDS leaders hailing the deal as “historic”. The outfit had flown in representatives of at least 50 organisations from Karbi Anglong. The tripartite Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) was signed in presence of Union Home Minister P Chidambaram and Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi. Both the leaders were presented with traditional shawls and Karbi jackets.
UPDS chairman Longsodar Senar, general secretary Haren Singh Bey and two joint secretaries, Kanjan Terang and Surya Rongphar, and self-styled C-in-C Anil Teron signed the accord, while State Home Secretary Jishnu Barua and Joint Secretary (NE) Shambhu Singh signed it on behalf of the State Government and the Centre respectively.
The chairman of the UPDS told newsmen that he was happy at the signing of the accord. “Our long-drawn struggle has come to an end today,” he said.
“We will continue our movement politically and we want a speedy development of Karbi Anglong,” he added.
The new territorial council would be reorganised and four new districts are proposed to be created.
For fulfilment of the main political demand, the UPDS has to wait till 2016-2017 though, when the strength of the proposed territorial council is proposed to go up to 50. The ensuing election, however, would be held according to the existing arrangement of 30 seats. The proposed increase in seats from existing 26 to 44 elected seats and also nominated seats shall be applicable till the subsequent election to the Council due in 2016-17 or mid-term poll, if any, whichever is earlier, said Home Ministry sources.
The State Government has also put its foot down and refused to dissolve the existing Congress-led council, which is on its last leg.
Officials explained that the increasing strength of the Council would call for delimitation of existing constituencies bringing amendment to the Assam Election Commission rules among others. The Tarun Gogoi Government favours an early election sometime in January-February.
The UPDS has been asked to surrender their weapons and disband the militant outfit within a month in view of the approaching elections to the council. The accord, however, has proposed that rehabilitation of UPDS cadres, withdrawal of cases relating to heinous crimes shall be reviewed case by case according to existing policy for withdrawal of such cases.
The new territorial council has been given 39 government departments barring some vital departments such as home, relief and rehabilitation, judiciary and sales taxes among others. The council currently has about 15 government departments.
On the economic front the Council would be entitled to Rs 350 crore including Rs 70 crore per annum over and above the plan allocation.
According to Home Ministry sources, the accord proposes setting up of a committee under Assam Legislative Assembly as envisaged under Article 371B of the Constitution of India, renaming of existing council as Karbi Anglong Autonomous Territorial Council (KAATC); increasing seats in the council up to 50 members of which six will be nominated by Governor for more representation.
The accord proposes setting up of village councils for boosting democratic process at the grassroot level, transfer of additional subjects by Assam to the council along with legislation and executive powers.
A State Finance Commission (SFC) has been proposed for consideration of higher fund allocation to the council to undertake viable activity. The Centre has inserted a clause proposing strict adherence to established norms of financial management and proper audit of the accounts.
Special measures for socio-economic, education, health and cultural development have been promised by the Centre.
Improvement of road connectivity, water supply and supply of power in Karbi Anglong district under existing schemes, besides providing one-time grant for capacity building in KAATC for preparation of DPR.
Assuring that implementation of MoS would be reviewed periodically, the Home Ministry has proposed to bring amendments in the relevant paragraphs of the Sixth Schedule. Executive orders will be issued to implement the other provisions of MoS, said official sources.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Champion Sangma's 'arrest' shrouded in mystery
SHILLONG: A day after reports of the detention of Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) chief Champion Sangma by security forces in Bangladesh, state police were yet to come out with any official reaction on the matter, even as Intelligence sources iterated the former cop-turned-rogue was indeed in the dragnet of authorities in the neighbouring country.
"There are indications that he was detained by the Rapid Action Battalion of Bangladesh in Mynmensing district," a source said.
Champion, a former DSP in the Meghalaya Police, was widely believed to have been hiding in Bangladesh, due to proximity of the neighbouring country to Garo Hills.
The GNLA had let loose a reign of terror in Garo Hills, indulging in killings and kidnapping of government officials and businessmen. Recently, the outfit had abducted the BDO of Dadenggre block, P K Boro, whose whereabouts are yet to be traced.
The state police had formed a team of Special Weapons and Tactics ( SWAT), consisting of highly trained commandos, to neutralize the GNLA rebels.
Meanwhile, leader of opposition in the Meghalaya assembly, Conrad K Sangma, met governor Ranjit Shekhar Mooshahary here this evening and expressed his concern over the prevailing law and order situation in Garo Hills.
Welcoming reports of the detention of the GNLA chief, Conrad, while stating that he too was not absolutely sure about the development, said this would be a step forward in dealing with the outfit.
Meanwhile, interrogation of the six GNLA 'linkmen', nabbed by the state police on Wednesday in connection with an arms deal in the city, was on, police sources said. The city police apprehended an aide of the GNLA, Jackiush A Sangma, based on whose interrogation five others involved in the arms deal were also nabbed.
"Jackiush was in Shillong to make an arms deal with some persons, but a police team apprehended him along with two others, namely Bappun A Sangma and Harding M Marak," East Khasi Hills SP, A R Mawthoh, had said. Cash amounting to Rs 11,49,500 was seized from Jackiush's possession.
"On interrogation, he revealed that he was an aide of Sohan D Shira, 'C-in-C' of the GNLA, and was sent by him for procuring arms and ammunition from one Pungam Hangal alias Angam of Dimapur, who had come to Shillong for the deal," the SP had informed.
Sources said the rebel leader may be handed over to Indian authorities in Meghalaya.
"There are indications that he was detained by the Rapid Action Battalion of Bangladesh in Mynmensing district," a source said.
Champion, a former DSP in the Meghalaya Police, was widely believed to have been hiding in Bangladesh, due to proximity of the neighbouring country to Garo Hills.
The GNLA had let loose a reign of terror in Garo Hills, indulging in killings and kidnapping of government officials and businessmen. Recently, the outfit had abducted the BDO of Dadenggre block, P K Boro, whose whereabouts are yet to be traced.
The state police had formed a team of Special Weapons and Tactics ( SWAT), consisting of highly trained commandos, to neutralize the GNLA rebels.
Meanwhile, leader of opposition in the Meghalaya assembly, Conrad K Sangma, met governor Ranjit Shekhar Mooshahary here this evening and expressed his concern over the prevailing law and order situation in Garo Hills.
Welcoming reports of the detention of the GNLA chief, Conrad, while stating that he too was not absolutely sure about the development, said this would be a step forward in dealing with the outfit.
Meanwhile, interrogation of the six GNLA 'linkmen', nabbed by the state police on Wednesday in connection with an arms deal in the city, was on, police sources said. The city police apprehended an aide of the GNLA, Jackiush A Sangma, based on whose interrogation five others involved in the arms deal were also nabbed.
"Jackiush was in Shillong to make an arms deal with some persons, but a police team apprehended him along with two others, namely Bappun A Sangma and Harding M Marak," East Khasi Hills SP, A R Mawthoh, had said. Cash amounting to Rs 11,49,500 was seized from Jackiush's possession.
"On interrogation, he revealed that he was an aide of Sohan D Shira, 'C-in-C' of the GNLA, and was sent by him for procuring arms and ammunition from one Pungam Hangal alias Angam of Dimapur, who had come to Shillong for the deal," the SP had informed.
Sources said the rebel leader may be handed over to Indian authorities in Meghalaya.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Meghalaya rebel chief nabbed in Bangladesh: Police
Shillong, November 25 : In a major setback to the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA), its top leader Champion R Sangma has been detained in Bangladesh and is likely to be handed over to India soon, a police official on Thursday.
Champion, who claims to be fighting for a separate Garoland, has been
camping in Bangladesh for several months in search of support.
"We have confirmed from the central intelligence agencies that Champion has been arrested from Mymensingh district (Bangladesh) by Royal Action Bangladesh (RAB) commandos," a top Meghalaya police official, who did not wish to be named, told IANS.
He said the rebel leader will be handed over to India soon.
However, an Indian home ministry official said that New Delhi does not have any official confirmation of Champion's detention.
"We are yet to get any official confirmation," Shambhu Singh, joint secretary (Northeast) in the union home ministry, told IANS.
Champion, a former deputy superintendent of police, deserted the Meghalaya Police and floated the GNLA due to alleged harassment by his seniors.
The outfit which has also forged an alliance with the Bangladesh-based rebel group, A'chik Special Dragon Party has unleashed a reign of terror in the three impoverished districts of Garo Hills in the western part of Meghalaya.
Meghalaya shares a 443-km border with Bangladesh, part of which is porous, hilly and unfenced and prone to frequent infiltration.
It has forged an operational alliance with the United Liberation Front of Asom (Ulfa) and the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB).
Both the Assam-based rebel groups have transformed the GNLA into a violent group with access to sophisticated arms and ammunitions.
Over 20 people, including security personnel, have been killed in the Garo Hills in the last one year by GNLA rebels.
On Monday evening, four police personnel and a civilian were killed and two policemen were critically injured by the rebels at Nengpatchi in East Garo Hills district.
On Monday, heavily armed GNLA rebels abducted Block Development Officer (BDO) PK Boro and two traders Dulal Modak and Rokybul Haque from two areas of Meghalaya's West Garo Hills district. The whereabouts are still unknown.
Boro was abducted at gunpoint from his official chamber in Dadenggre while the traders were kidnapped from Kalchengpara weekly market.
The GNLA has over 100 rebels, including a few women cadres, operating in the three impoverished districts. The outfit has procured a cache of HK53 rifles and explosives to add to their arsenal.
Champion, who claims to be fighting for a separate Garoland, has been
camping in Bangladesh for several months in search of support.
"We have confirmed from the central intelligence agencies that Champion has been arrested from Mymensingh district (Bangladesh) by Royal Action Bangladesh (RAB) commandos," a top Meghalaya police official, who did not wish to be named, told IANS.
He said the rebel leader will be handed over to India soon.
However, an Indian home ministry official said that New Delhi does not have any official confirmation of Champion's detention.
"We are yet to get any official confirmation," Shambhu Singh, joint secretary (Northeast) in the union home ministry, told IANS.
Champion, a former deputy superintendent of police, deserted the Meghalaya Police and floated the GNLA due to alleged harassment by his seniors.
The outfit which has also forged an alliance with the Bangladesh-based rebel group, A'chik Special Dragon Party has unleashed a reign of terror in the three impoverished districts of Garo Hills in the western part of Meghalaya.
Meghalaya shares a 443-km border with Bangladesh, part of which is porous, hilly and unfenced and prone to frequent infiltration.
It has forged an operational alliance with the United Liberation Front of Asom (Ulfa) and the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB).
Both the Assam-based rebel groups have transformed the GNLA into a violent group with access to sophisticated arms and ammunitions.
Over 20 people, including security personnel, have been killed in the Garo Hills in the last one year by GNLA rebels.
On Monday evening, four police personnel and a civilian were killed and two policemen were critically injured by the rebels at Nengpatchi in East Garo Hills district.
On Monday, heavily armed GNLA rebels abducted Block Development Officer (BDO) PK Boro and two traders Dulal Modak and Rokybul Haque from two areas of Meghalaya's West Garo Hills district. The whereabouts are still unknown.
Boro was abducted at gunpoint from his official chamber in Dadenggre while the traders were kidnapped from Kalchengpara weekly market.
The GNLA has over 100 rebels, including a few women cadres, operating in the three impoverished districts. The outfit has procured a cache of HK53 rifles and explosives to add to their arsenal.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Ulfa steps up ‘revival’ activities
Barua names new panel
Guwahati, Nov 24 : The Paresh Barua-led group of Ulfa today named a 16-member central committee, as it had announced earlier, but left all positions occupied by pro-talks leaders free except that of the deputy commander-in-chief.
Barua made himself the acting vice-chairman and remained the military chief, while promoting himself to the rank of “major general” from “colonel”.
Reacting swiftly to the move, the pro-talks group of the outfit led by Arabinda Rajkhowa described the move as unconstitutional, as it went against the outfit’s basic tenets.
The new committee also has an acting chairman — Abhijit Barman, a name unknown to the Rajkhowa group, with some saying it was probably just a name.
An email statement issued by the Barua-led group’s spokesperson, Arunodoi Dohotia, said its mobile military headquarters had unanimously approved the names of the 16-member central committee and appealed to people of the state for their “continued cooperation, blessings and inspiration”.
The new names of the committee include acting chairman Abhijit Barman, acting vice-chairman and military chief “major general” Paresh Barua, assistant general secretary and acting finance secretary “lieutenant colonel” Jiban Moran, deputy military chief “major” Drishti Rajkhowa and “major” Bijoy Chinese, assistant finance secretary “major” Michal Dekaphukan and “captain” Partho Gogoi, assistant organising secretaries “captain” Montu Saikia, “captain” Nayan Medhi, “lieutenant” Selim and “lieutenant” Azhar Ali, assistant cultural secretaries “lieutenant” Samiran Bhuyan, “lieutenant” Sagar Topno and “lieutenant” Jyotimoy Bharali, assistant information and publicity secretary “lieutenant” Arunodoi Dohotia and assistant foreign secretary Pranomoy Asom.
The group, which had earlier said doors were open for chairman Rajkhowa and other senior leaders and that it would welcome them if they decided to return, did not no-minate a permanent committee, barring the post of deputy military chief in which Dris-hti Rajkhowa and Partho Go-goi have been nominated in pl-ace of Raju Baruah, who, too, is with the pro-talks group.
The Paresh Barua group is against talks with the government without discussions on the subject of sovereignty.
The spokesperson of Rajkhowa group, Mrinal Hazarika, told The Telegraph that the new committee announced by Barua was not acceptable according to the constitution of Ulfa. “He (Barua) cannot nominate a new committee without approval by Ulfa’s general council and nor can he effect any changes in the ranks of the organisation. He created a rank of ‘major general’ and promoted himself, though there is no such rank in Ulfa,” Hazarika said.
On being asked why a permanent committee had not been named, Hazarika said, “Maybe Barua is waiting for Anup Chetia’s return, since he himself cannot nominate a permanent committee. Chetia’s stand will determine the balance of power in the outfit. But we can only say that Chetia is in favour of talks.”
According to a senior leader of the Rajkhowa group, Barua was forced to constitute a committee because without that, he would have found it difficult to liase with any other group or agency. “They will want to know about the organisational structure before getting into any deal, so he had to form a committee,” he said.
Stating that Abhijit Barman and Pranomoy Asom were, in all probability, fake names, he said, “We would otherwise have known them because these are senior posts and given to senior leaders.”
Hazarika, however, said the announcement of new central committee would have no impact on the ongoing peace process with New Delhi.
“In case of NSCN, NDFB and some other groups, we have seen that there are factions outside the purview of talks process. So we do not believe that the new development will have any impact on the talks process,” he said.
Guwahati, Nov 24 : The Paresh Barua-led group of Ulfa today named a 16-member central committee, as it had announced earlier, but left all positions occupied by pro-talks leaders free except that of the deputy commander-in-chief.
Barua made himself the acting vice-chairman and remained the military chief, while promoting himself to the rank of “major general” from “colonel”.
Reacting swiftly to the move, the pro-talks group of the outfit led by Arabinda Rajkhowa described the move as unconstitutional, as it went against the outfit’s basic tenets.
The new committee also has an acting chairman — Abhijit Barman, a name unknown to the Rajkhowa group, with some saying it was probably just a name.
An email statement issued by the Barua-led group’s spokesperson, Arunodoi Dohotia, said its mobile military headquarters had unanimously approved the names of the 16-member central committee and appealed to people of the state for their “continued cooperation, blessings and inspiration”.
The new names of the committee include acting chairman Abhijit Barman, acting vice-chairman and military chief “major general” Paresh Barua, assistant general secretary and acting finance secretary “lieutenant colonel” Jiban Moran, deputy military chief “major” Drishti Rajkhowa and “major” Bijoy Chinese, assistant finance secretary “major” Michal Dekaphukan and “captain” Partho Gogoi, assistant organising secretaries “captain” Montu Saikia, “captain” Nayan Medhi, “lieutenant” Selim and “lieutenant” Azhar Ali, assistant cultural secretaries “lieutenant” Samiran Bhuyan, “lieutenant” Sagar Topno and “lieutenant” Jyotimoy Bharali, assistant information and publicity secretary “lieutenant” Arunodoi Dohotia and assistant foreign secretary Pranomoy Asom.
The group, which had earlier said doors were open for chairman Rajkhowa and other senior leaders and that it would welcome them if they decided to return, did not no-minate a permanent committee, barring the post of deputy military chief in which Dris-hti Rajkhowa and Partho Go-goi have been nominated in pl-ace of Raju Baruah, who, too, is with the pro-talks group.
The Paresh Barua group is against talks with the government without discussions on the subject of sovereignty.
The spokesperson of Rajkhowa group, Mrinal Hazarika, told The Telegraph that the new committee announced by Barua was not acceptable according to the constitution of Ulfa. “He (Barua) cannot nominate a new committee without approval by Ulfa’s general council and nor can he effect any changes in the ranks of the organisation. He created a rank of ‘major general’ and promoted himself, though there is no such rank in Ulfa,” Hazarika said.
On being asked why a permanent committee had not been named, Hazarika said, “Maybe Barua is waiting for Anup Chetia’s return, since he himself cannot nominate a permanent committee. Chetia’s stand will determine the balance of power in the outfit. But we can only say that Chetia is in favour of talks.”
According to a senior leader of the Rajkhowa group, Barua was forced to constitute a committee because without that, he would have found it difficult to liase with any other group or agency. “They will want to know about the organisational structure before getting into any deal, so he had to form a committee,” he said.
Stating that Abhijit Barman and Pranomoy Asom were, in all probability, fake names, he said, “We would otherwise have known them because these are senior posts and given to senior leaders.”
Hazarika, however, said the announcement of new central committee would have no impact on the ongoing peace process with New Delhi.
“In case of NSCN, NDFB and some other groups, we have seen that there are factions outside the purview of talks process. So we do not believe that the new development will have any impact on the talks process,” he said.
Meghalaya rebels set conditions for releasing official
Shillong: The outlawed Garo
National Liberation Army (GNLA) Wednesday demanded withdrawal of central
forces from Meghalaya in return for setting free a government official
abducted two days back.
Heavily armed GNLA rebels abducted Block Development Officer (BDO) P.K. Boro and two traders Dulal Modak and Rokybul Haque from two areas of Meghalaya's West Garo Hills district Monday.
Boro was abducted at gunpoint from his official chamber in Dadenggre while the traders were kidnapped from Kalchengpara weekly market.
"Ten days' time will be given to the Meghalaya government to withdraw the CoBRA (Combat Battalion for Resolute Action) commandos, and if the government doesn't respond, we will send the dead body of Boro," GNLA chairman Champion R. Sangma told IANS on phone.
Champion, who is hiding in Bangladesh, however, promised to release abducted traders soon.
The GNLA has been demanding for withdrawal of central forces - two units of Combat Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) commandos and five companies of Border Security Force (BSF) troopers - ever since the troops were deployed in Garo Hills area in July.
Meanwhile, security forces intensified their operation in the region to rescue the abducted trio.
"The search operation is on," Inspector General of Police (Western Range) G.H.P. Raju told IANS.
CoBRA and Meghalaya's Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) commandos have been pressed into service to trace the hostages.
The GNLA earlier had sent extortion demands of Rs.50 lakh to Boro through mobile text messages.
Over 20 people, including security personnel, have been killed while more than 10 people were abducted for ransom in the area in the last one year by GNLA rebels.
Champion, who claims to be fighting for a separate Garoland, has been camping in Bangladesh for several months in search of support.
The outfit has also forged an alliance with the Bangladesh-based rebel group, A'chik Special Dragon Party.
The GNLA has over 100 rebels, including a few women cadres, operating in three impoverished districts of western Meghalaya.
Heavily armed GNLA rebels abducted Block Development Officer (BDO) P.K. Boro and two traders Dulal Modak and Rokybul Haque from two areas of Meghalaya's West Garo Hills district Monday.
Boro was abducted at gunpoint from his official chamber in Dadenggre while the traders were kidnapped from Kalchengpara weekly market.
"Ten days' time will be given to the Meghalaya government to withdraw the CoBRA (Combat Battalion for Resolute Action) commandos, and if the government doesn't respond, we will send the dead body of Boro," GNLA chairman Champion R. Sangma told IANS on phone.
Champion, who is hiding in Bangladesh, however, promised to release abducted traders soon.
The GNLA has been demanding for withdrawal of central forces - two units of Combat Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) commandos and five companies of Border Security Force (BSF) troopers - ever since the troops were deployed in Garo Hills area in July.
Meanwhile, security forces intensified their operation in the region to rescue the abducted trio.
"The search operation is on," Inspector General of Police (Western Range) G.H.P. Raju told IANS.
CoBRA and Meghalaya's Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) commandos have been pressed into service to trace the hostages.
The GNLA earlier had sent extortion demands of Rs.50 lakh to Boro through mobile text messages.
Over 20 people, including security personnel, have been killed while more than 10 people were abducted for ransom in the area in the last one year by GNLA rebels.
Champion, who claims to be fighting for a separate Garoland, has been camping in Bangladesh for several months in search of support.
The outfit has also forged an alliance with the Bangladesh-based rebel group, A'chik Special Dragon Party.
The GNLA has over 100 rebels, including a few women cadres, operating in three impoverished districts of western Meghalaya.
No quick-fix solution to militancy
SHILLONG, Nov 24 – With the Garo Hills situation fast deteriorating due to heightened militancy, Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma yesterday said militancy is due to certain problems inherent to Meghalaya and there was no quick-fix solution” to it.
“Militancy is due to certain problems inherent to Meghalaya. We earlier had the Achik Liberation Matgrik Army, Achik National Volunteers Council and now the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA). There are also many mushrooming groups. There is no quick-fix solution to militancy,” Sangma said on the sidelines of a workshop.
On Monday, the BDO of Dadenggre, PK Boro was abducted from his office chamber by suspected GNLA militants. The militants then fired three rounds in the air to scare off onlookers. On the same day, two businessmen – Dulal Modak and Rokybul Haque – from Singimari town were also suspected of being kidnapped by the GNLA.
Asked about the State Government’s position on banning the GNLA, a visibly annoyed Chief Minister refused to comment on the issue.
The Central Government had earlier sought the State Government’s view whether the GNLA should be banned. The State Government has said it would take a decision on the issue soon.
Sangma said that the State Government was looking into a multi-faceted approach to root out militancy from the State. He attributed militancy due to youths being deprived of a decent livelihood and having a perception of lack of opportunities.
“Many in the State have this perception that there is lack of opportunities in the State,” he said. He said his government was identifying ways of addressing the issue of militancy by trying to create opportunities to the people in the State.
“Militancy is due to certain problems inherent to Meghalaya. We earlier had the Achik Liberation Matgrik Army, Achik National Volunteers Council and now the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA). There are also many mushrooming groups. There is no quick-fix solution to militancy,” Sangma said on the sidelines of a workshop.
On Monday, the BDO of Dadenggre, PK Boro was abducted from his office chamber by suspected GNLA militants. The militants then fired three rounds in the air to scare off onlookers. On the same day, two businessmen – Dulal Modak and Rokybul Haque – from Singimari town were also suspected of being kidnapped by the GNLA.
Asked about the State Government’s position on banning the GNLA, a visibly annoyed Chief Minister refused to comment on the issue.
The Central Government had earlier sought the State Government’s view whether the GNLA should be banned. The State Government has said it would take a decision on the issue soon.
Sangma said that the State Government was looking into a multi-faceted approach to root out militancy from the State. He attributed militancy due to youths being deprived of a decent livelihood and having a perception of lack of opportunities.
“Many in the State have this perception that there is lack of opportunities in the State,” he said. He said his government was identifying ways of addressing the issue of militancy by trying to create opportunities to the people in the State.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Two ULFA ultras killed in explosion on railway lines in Assam
SIBSAGAR: Two militants belonging to the anti-talk faction of ULFA were killed when a powerful bomb they were planting on railway tracks to target long-distance trains exploded in Assam's Sibsagar district early on Monday, officials said.
Ahead of the arrival of Dibrugarh-Kolkata Kamrup Express, the Delhi-bound Brahmaputra Mail and North East Express, the two militants were fixing the bomb on the tracks between Bojo and Langpotia under Charaido subdivision around 1:45am when they were blown to smithereens in the blast, they said.
The militants were identified as Romen Dhadumia alias Jitu Bora of Barhat and Hiren Gogoi of Golaghat.
The explosion damaged the tracks which were being repaired, they said.
The explosion comes in the run up to 'Protest Day' on November 28 by the anti-talk faction of ULFA headed by Paresh Baruah.
Ahead of the arrival of Dibrugarh-Kolkata Kamrup Express, the Delhi-bound Brahmaputra Mail and North East Express, the two militants were fixing the bomb on the tracks between Bojo and Langpotia under Charaido subdivision around 1:45am when they were blown to smithereens in the blast, they said.
The militants were identified as Romen Dhadumia alias Jitu Bora of Barhat and Hiren Gogoi of Golaghat.
The explosion damaged the tracks which were being repaired, they said.
The explosion comes in the run up to 'Protest Day' on November 28 by the anti-talk faction of ULFA headed by Paresh Baruah.
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