Imphal: Unidentified militants attacked the private house of Manipur's Health Minister L Jayenta Kumar in Imphal West district by exploding a grenade which injured a passer-by, official sources said.
The militants lobbed the grenade at around 7 pm last night when the minister was outside the house campaigning for the forthcoming assembly elections on January 28.
A woman identified as Memcha Devi who was standing around Kumar's house was injured besides and two vehicles parked in nearby were damaged, sources said. Kumar said no militant organisation had demanded money from him and it was not known who lobbed the grenades.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Friday, December 30, 2011
97 DHD-Jewel cadres join police force
SILCHAR: The rehabilitation process of surrendered militants in Assam's once-troubled Dima Hasao district took off on Friday as 97 surrendered Dima Halam Daoga-Jewel cadres left Haflong for Guwahati to join the Assam police service.
"The Assam government in accordance with their eligibility appointed 108 cadres of the DHD-Jewel in police service. 97 of them left Haflong in the noon train amid much fanfare while the rest will join them soon," an official said.
Sources said DHD-Jewel leaders on Friday organized a farewell ceremony at the outfit's liaison office in Haflong on this occasion. Addressing the cadres, the outfit's chairman Jewel Garlossa expressed his hope that government will fulfill all the other promises made during the surrender ceremony two years ago.
382 cadres of DHD-Jewel laid down arms before senior officials of the state and Central government including Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi on the day of Gandhi Jayanti in 2009 at a function in Haflong. Later, the number of surrendered cadres rose to 416. They have been living in four designated camps including two situated at Haflong, one in Maibang and another in Harangajao of the district.
Chief Minister Gogoi had announced a rehabilitation package of Rs 50 crore for the district and said a police battalion would be raised to accommodate eligible DHD-Jewel cadres.
With its surrender, the outfit had placed a charter of demands, which include a change of name for the district, an autonomous state within the state under article 244 (A) of the Constitution and induction of the cadres in government forces and amnesty for all.
The government meanwhile changed the nomenclature of the erstwhile North Cachar Hill district to Dima Hasao.
The outfit has been on a killing spree for the last few years and had killed 51 policemen in 2008 alone besides stalling work for two national projects including Lumding-Silchar broad gauge conversion and Silchar-Saurastra East-West Corridor.
Sources said none of the surrendered cadres is a graduate. Only four per cent have completed matriculation, 78 per cent have not even studied up to Class X and 18 per cent have not been to school altogether.
"The Assam government in accordance with their eligibility appointed 108 cadres of the DHD-Jewel in police service. 97 of them left Haflong in the noon train amid much fanfare while the rest will join them soon," an official said.
Sources said DHD-Jewel leaders on Friday organized a farewell ceremony at the outfit's liaison office in Haflong on this occasion. Addressing the cadres, the outfit's chairman Jewel Garlossa expressed his hope that government will fulfill all the other promises made during the surrender ceremony two years ago.
382 cadres of DHD-Jewel laid down arms before senior officials of the state and Central government including Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi on the day of Gandhi Jayanti in 2009 at a function in Haflong. Later, the number of surrendered cadres rose to 416. They have been living in four designated camps including two situated at Haflong, one in Maibang and another in Harangajao of the district.
Chief Minister Gogoi had announced a rehabilitation package of Rs 50 crore for the district and said a police battalion would be raised to accommodate eligible DHD-Jewel cadres.
With its surrender, the outfit had placed a charter of demands, which include a change of name for the district, an autonomous state within the state under article 244 (A) of the Constitution and induction of the cadres in government forces and amnesty for all.
The government meanwhile changed the nomenclature of the erstwhile North Cachar Hill district to Dima Hasao.
The outfit has been on a killing spree for the last few years and had killed 51 policemen in 2008 alone besides stalling work for two national projects including Lumding-Silchar broad gauge conversion and Silchar-Saurastra East-West Corridor.
Sources said none of the surrendered cadres is a graduate. Only four per cent have completed matriculation, 78 per cent have not even studied up to Class X and 18 per cent have not been to school altogether.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
5 houses of militants pulled down by mob
IMPHAL, Dec 30 – In all, five houses belonging to militants of the banned KCP of Kesho group were pulled down by an irate mob in Chanam Santrok village of Imphal East district today for their alleged involvement in the abduction of a chowkidar and his son, who were subsequently shot dead over a ransom.
The families of the five accused have also been forced out from their localities forever as a severe treatment awarded for their act of brutality against the chowkidar of Irilbung Water Supply Scheme and his son.
The kidnapping drama of the duo occurred on December 7 and they kept them in their custody for 10 days before the militants killed them on December 16 apparently for not receiving the ransom amount on time.
This morning around 7: 30, the villagers, including members from the local club, Lai Committee and Meira Paibis of Santrok village suddenly stood up against the five accused showing extreme anger and broke down their houses out of which one belonging to T Rome alias Romeo, who is still at large, was set ablaze.
They also said the village will assist the police to trace Romeo and warned that no one should provide shelter to the accused involved in the killing of the father and son.
Out of the five militants of Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) of Kesho group who were involved in the brutal double murder case, police have already arrested four accused.
The families of the five accused have also been forced out from their localities forever as a severe treatment awarded for their act of brutality against the chowkidar of Irilbung Water Supply Scheme and his son.
The kidnapping drama of the duo occurred on December 7 and they kept them in their custody for 10 days before the militants killed them on December 16 apparently for not receiving the ransom amount on time.
This morning around 7: 30, the villagers, including members from the local club, Lai Committee and Meira Paibis of Santrok village suddenly stood up against the five accused showing extreme anger and broke down their houses out of which one belonging to T Rome alias Romeo, who is still at large, was set ablaze.
They also said the village will assist the police to trace Romeo and warned that no one should provide shelter to the accused involved in the killing of the father and son.
Out of the five militants of Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) of Kesho group who were involved in the brutal double murder case, police have already arrested four accused.
Friday, December 23, 2011
NSCN-IM under NIA scanner
Guwahati, Dec. 24 : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has zeroed in on two NSCN (I-M) members who had allegedly led the failed attempt to assassinate Manipur MLA Wungnaoshang Keishing in April this year.
The investigating agency, however, has not been able to collect enough material evidence to nail any of the accused.
“The NIA investigators have recorded the statements of the Manipur Rifles troopers who were injured in the ambush besides a couple of civilian witnesses in the case, and the needle of suspicion is being pointed at NSCN (I-M),” an official source said.
“Two NSCN (I-M) members — one of the rank of self-styled major and another of the rank of self-styled lieutenant — have been identified as the prime suspects who had led the ambush. The only problem is that the NIA has not been able to collect enough evidence to nail the accused in court,” he said.
The NIA investigation into the case suffered a setback when Keishing — an independent MLA from Phungyar Assembly constituency in Ukhrul district of Manipur — passed away in Imphal on October 8 following a cardiac arrest.
He said the investigation so far had ascertained that Keishing was targeted by the NSCN (I-M) for seeking upgrade of the Phungyar sub-division into a full-fledged district.
The MLA was the convener of Phungyar district demand committee.
“Keishing drew flak from the United Naga Council (UNC) and NSCN (I-M) for supporting creation of a separate Phungyar district out of Ukhrul, because they felt bifurcation of Ukhrul would deal a major blow to the ongoing efforts for the integration of contiguous Naga-inhabited areas. It seems to be the motive behind the bid on the Manipur MLA’s life,” the source said.
Even though Keishing had a providential escape, eight persons, including six Manipur Rifles personnel and two civilians, were killed in the attack that took place while the legislator was returning to Imphal after attending an HIV/AIDS awareness campaign at Riha village, around 40km from the Manipur capital, on April 15.
The Guwahati branch of the NIA registered a case (number 02/11) and took over the investigation. Manipur Police has initially registered the case at Litan police station in Ukhrul district in July this year in accordance with a Union home ministry directive.
The investigating agency, however, has not been able to collect enough material evidence to nail any of the accused.
“The NIA investigators have recorded the statements of the Manipur Rifles troopers who were injured in the ambush besides a couple of civilian witnesses in the case, and the needle of suspicion is being pointed at NSCN (I-M),” an official source said.
“Two NSCN (I-M) members — one of the rank of self-styled major and another of the rank of self-styled lieutenant — have been identified as the prime suspects who had led the ambush. The only problem is that the NIA has not been able to collect enough evidence to nail the accused in court,” he said.
The NIA investigation into the case suffered a setback when Keishing — an independent MLA from Phungyar Assembly constituency in Ukhrul district of Manipur — passed away in Imphal on October 8 following a cardiac arrest.
He said the investigation so far had ascertained that Keishing was targeted by the NSCN (I-M) for seeking upgrade of the Phungyar sub-division into a full-fledged district.
The MLA was the convener of Phungyar district demand committee.
“Keishing drew flak from the United Naga Council (UNC) and NSCN (I-M) for supporting creation of a separate Phungyar district out of Ukhrul, because they felt bifurcation of Ukhrul would deal a major blow to the ongoing efforts for the integration of contiguous Naga-inhabited areas. It seems to be the motive behind the bid on the Manipur MLA’s life,” the source said.
Even though Keishing had a providential escape, eight persons, including six Manipur Rifles personnel and two civilians, were killed in the attack that took place while the legislator was returning to Imphal after attending an HIV/AIDS awareness campaign at Riha village, around 40km from the Manipur capital, on April 15.
The Guwahati branch of the NIA registered a case (number 02/11) and took over the investigation. Manipur Police has initially registered the case at Litan police station in Ukhrul district in July this year in accordance with a Union home ministry directive.
Willing to go the extra mile for peace
By Syed Nazakat
R K Singh, Union Home Secretary./ Photo Sanjay Ahlawat
Amid all the political melee in Parliament, a landmark peace accord went unnoticed. The militant United People's Democratic Solidarity (UPDS), formed 18 years ago in Assam's Karbi Anglong district, decided to lay down arms and contest elections, due in January, thanks to an agreement signed with the Union government in November. The UPDS has given up its demand for a separate state and has, instead, settled for more powers to the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC). In his first exclusive interview to the media since he took over from G.K. Pillai, Union Home Secretary R.K. Singh told THE WEEK that the peace accord would pave the way for ending other insurgencies. Excerpts:
You have ended one of the most violent conflicts in the country. The peace accord with the UPDS is a major step forward in the northeast. In the past two to three years, we have managed to bring to the talks table a large number of people who have been underground. In Manipur, we have a tripartite agreement with Kangleipak Communist Party (Lalumba faction). Our interlocutor, [P.C.] Haldar, has successfully concluded talks with the ANVC [Achik National Volunteer Council] in Meghalaya and two insurgents groups in Assam. Talks with Ulfa [United Liberation Front of Assam] are also progressing well.
What was the key to ending the Karbi Anglong insurgency?
Our view is that we are ready to listen. We are willing to go the extra mile in our endeavour for peace. We are willing to think of different ways to give people their say.
What are the terms of the deal signed with the UPDS?
I'll not call it a deal. It was a peace agreement. The new name of the KAAC will be Karbi Anglong Autonomous Territorial Council. The number of its elected members will be increased to 44 from 26, and nominated members to six from four. We have given to the council 39 subjects related to development, and have promised to help in socio-economic development.
What about your talks with Ulfa?
We have had a couple of rounds of talks. We are making good progress.
Any chance of Ulfa chief Paresh Baruah joining talks?He is not willing. He is camping in Myanmar and China. That shows where he is getting inspiration from.
Many companies in the northeast and Naxal-affected areas are allegedly paying armed groups to avoid trouble.
Yes, we are aware of it.
Is this widespread?
The people who are doing construction work in the insurgency-hit areas pay what is called ‘protection money'. Naxalites threaten local businessmen. If they don't pay, Naxals attack them.
But this is not limited to local businessmen. Employees of Essar Steel were caught after allegedly paying Maoists in Dantewada.
That was wrong. It amounts to funding terrorism.
You are to meet the Pakistan home secretary for talks.
We've given Pakistan some dates. But Pakistan, which will host the meeting, has not yet responded. We expect that the talks will be held soon.
What are your expectations?
We would not approach the talks with any preconceived notion. I'll say what are the facts and share the evidence we have. I do expect my Pakistani counterpart to respond to our concerns, just as he would expect that we would respond to his concerns.
Your concern, as you recently said, is that the terrorist camps are still active in Pakistan.
Yes. We have specific reports, detailed photographs. We have the whole list and we have the numbers.
How many terrorist camps are there?
Some 40 camps.
You believe Pakistan is deliberately protecting them?
I can't answer on behalf of Pakistan.
Is there any way you can achieve peace with Pakistan?
That is why we are talking. We want one thing from Pakistan—stop providing its soil for harbouring terrorists, training terrorists and launching terrorist attacks.
R K Singh, Union Home Secretary./ Photo Sanjay Ahlawat
Amid all the political melee in Parliament, a landmark peace accord went unnoticed. The militant United People's Democratic Solidarity (UPDS), formed 18 years ago in Assam's Karbi Anglong district, decided to lay down arms and contest elections, due in January, thanks to an agreement signed with the Union government in November. The UPDS has given up its demand for a separate state and has, instead, settled for more powers to the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC). In his first exclusive interview to the media since he took over from G.K. Pillai, Union Home Secretary R.K. Singh told THE WEEK that the peace accord would pave the way for ending other insurgencies. Excerpts:
You have ended one of the most violent conflicts in the country. The peace accord with the UPDS is a major step forward in the northeast. In the past two to three years, we have managed to bring to the talks table a large number of people who have been underground. In Manipur, we have a tripartite agreement with Kangleipak Communist Party (Lalumba faction). Our interlocutor, [P.C.] Haldar, has successfully concluded talks with the ANVC [Achik National Volunteer Council] in Meghalaya and two insurgents groups in Assam. Talks with Ulfa [United Liberation Front of Assam] are also progressing well.
What was the key to ending the Karbi Anglong insurgency?
Our view is that we are ready to listen. We are willing to go the extra mile in our endeavour for peace. We are willing to think of different ways to give people their say.
What are the terms of the deal signed with the UPDS?
I'll not call it a deal. It was a peace agreement. The new name of the KAAC will be Karbi Anglong Autonomous Territorial Council. The number of its elected members will be increased to 44 from 26, and nominated members to six from four. We have given to the council 39 subjects related to development, and have promised to help in socio-economic development.
What about your talks with Ulfa?
We have had a couple of rounds of talks. We are making good progress.
Any chance of Ulfa chief Paresh Baruah joining talks?He is not willing. He is camping in Myanmar and China. That shows where he is getting inspiration from.
Many companies in the northeast and Naxal-affected areas are allegedly paying armed groups to avoid trouble.
Yes, we are aware of it.
Is this widespread?
The people who are doing construction work in the insurgency-hit areas pay what is called ‘protection money'. Naxalites threaten local businessmen. If they don't pay, Naxals attack them.
But this is not limited to local businessmen. Employees of Essar Steel were caught after allegedly paying Maoists in Dantewada.
That was wrong. It amounts to funding terrorism.
You are to meet the Pakistan home secretary for talks.
We've given Pakistan some dates. But Pakistan, which will host the meeting, has not yet responded. We expect that the talks will be held soon.
What are your expectations?
We would not approach the talks with any preconceived notion. I'll say what are the facts and share the evidence we have. I do expect my Pakistani counterpart to respond to our concerns, just as he would expect that we would respond to his concerns.
Your concern, as you recently said, is that the terrorist camps are still active in Pakistan.
Yes. We have specific reports, detailed photographs. We have the whole list and we have the numbers.
How many terrorist camps are there?
Some 40 camps.
You believe Pakistan is deliberately protecting them?
I can't answer on behalf of Pakistan.
Is there any way you can achieve peace with Pakistan?
That is why we are talking. We want one thing from Pakistan—stop providing its soil for harbouring terrorists, training terrorists and launching terrorist attacks.
Abducted GMs killed, bodies found
In what has created sensation in the industrial sector of Assam, the police on Friday recovered bullet-ridden bodies of two senior executives working in private sector and public sector who were suspected to have been abducted by Karbi rebels for ransom.
Southern range DIG Binod Kumar told this newspaper that bodies of retired colonel Jatindar Singh Sandhu, who was working as general manager of JP Cement and Ramen Sharma, deputy general manager of Assam Mineral Development Corporation, were recovered from Haskuri village near Umrangshu in Dima Hasao district.
The Umrangshu-based senior officials were abducted by suspected Karbi militants on November 25 from their offices situated near the industrial town of Umrangshu, 120 km from Haflong. The police said that the mutilated bodies of the two executives were recovered on Thursday night from a jungle. Security sources said that Karbi People’s Liberation Tigers (KPLT), a militant outfit active in central Assam, was responsible for the kidnapping. The abductors had demanded `2 crores as ransom for the release of the officials. While Col. Sandhu hailed from Rajasthan, Sharma was a resident of Sivasagar in Assam.
Meanwhile, the police brought bodies of two executives to Haflong civil hospital on Friday for autopsy. Mr Kumar who rushed to the area with additional reinforcement claimed that district police has got some lead and was hopeful of nabbing the culprits soon. So far four people have been arrested, he added. He said that police has launched massive combing operations to arrest the culprits. Security sources said that incident has created panic among the senior executives of industrial units in the area as most of the industrial units are facing threat from Karbi and other rebel groups active in the state.
Southern range DIG Binod Kumar told this newspaper that bodies of retired colonel Jatindar Singh Sandhu, who was working as general manager of JP Cement and Ramen Sharma, deputy general manager of Assam Mineral Development Corporation, were recovered from Haskuri village near Umrangshu in Dima Hasao district.
The Umrangshu-based senior officials were abducted by suspected Karbi militants on November 25 from their offices situated near the industrial town of Umrangshu, 120 km from Haflong. The police said that the mutilated bodies of the two executives were recovered on Thursday night from a jungle. Security sources said that Karbi People’s Liberation Tigers (KPLT), a militant outfit active in central Assam, was responsible for the kidnapping. The abductors had demanded `2 crores as ransom for the release of the officials. While Col. Sandhu hailed from Rajasthan, Sharma was a resident of Sivasagar in Assam.
Meanwhile, the police brought bodies of two executives to Haflong civil hospital on Friday for autopsy. Mr Kumar who rushed to the area with additional reinforcement claimed that district police has got some lead and was hopeful of nabbing the culprits soon. So far four people have been arrested, he added. He said that police has launched massive combing operations to arrest the culprits. Security sources said that incident has created panic among the senior executives of industrial units in the area as most of the industrial units are facing threat from Karbi and other rebel groups active in the state.
Friday, December 16, 2011
NDFB urges Delhi to free its leaders
Age of hope
Kokrajhar, Dec 17 : The National Democratic Front of Boroland has urged the Centre to release its jailed leaders, but not before profusely thanking Delhi for appointing an interlocutor and taking the peace process forward.
In a press release today, the outfit’s information and publicity wing assistant secretary B. Samijing said: “The NDFB welcomes the appointment of an interlocutor by the government of India to carry forward the peace process for durable and sustainable political solution to the conflict. We are grateful and thankful to the government for this initiative. We also extend our gratitude to the Bodo National Conference for their relentless pursuit of peace process.”
The NDFB statement came after P.C. Haldar, the government’s peace interlocutor, held talks with the outfit’s president, Ranjan Daimary, in Central Jail, Guwahati, last Tuesday.
Welcoming the beginning of parleys between the outfit’s leaders and the government interlocutor, the release said: “We are optimistic that the talks will proceed in the right direction towards a logical conclusion. The NDFB rallies around its leaders to carry forward the peace process and appeals to the all section of people to support it for a permanent solution.”
Calling on the Centre to release all its leaders and cadres from jail, the NDFB leader said: “We believe mutual respect and understanding will help find an amicable solution. In order to carry forward the political dialogue formally with dignity and honour we call on the government of India to free our leaders and cadres from jail. The talks held in captivity would tantamount to imposition, devoid of free and fair environment. Therefore, it is imperative to give a fair deal to the talks. The ball is now in the government’s court. We hope that the government will show sincerity in resolving the conflict and fulfilling the aspirations of the Bodo and other indigenous people,” it said.
The outfit also thanked the Bodo National Conference, a conglomeration of various organisations, for their relentless efforts to initiate the peace process.
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