PJACB economic blockade starts
with supporters blocking NH-31C in Assam.
Tarun Gogoi, the CM of Assam said
his Government could not control the BTAD unrest the way it would
have liked to and it would take some time for rehabilitation of
the remaining camp inmates.
A militant of Songbijit faction
of NDFB-IKS, identified as H Leba alias Lalit Hajong, laid
down arms before Udalguri Dy. Commissioner, Thaneswar Malakar,
in Udalguri District of Assam.
CM, Tarun Gogoi said that after
tackling insurgency effectively over the years, his Government
was now faced with the problem posed by CPI-Maoists that are trying
to strike roots in the State.
January 2
SFs arrested a person, identified
as Rafikul Islam (34), along with arms and ammunition in Kokrajhar
District of Assam.
The indefinite economic blockade
called by the PJACBM has been suspended till January 15, following
intervention from the MHA.
January 3
Unidentified militants abducted
a businessman, identified as Anjan Kar (30), from the Kherbari
in Sonitpur District of Assam.
Activists set ablaze a motorcycle,
damaged a car and an attempt was made to burn down the Bamunigaon
panchayat office in RHAC areas during a 36-hour Bandh in
Goalpara and Kamrup Districts of Assam.
SFs arrested two active militants
of ADF, Jehaskal Hasda alias Rajen and Raju Hembram, at
Kachugaon under Gossaigaon sub-division in Kokrajhar District.
One 9 mm pistol and 5 mobile phones were recovered from their
possession.
January 4
SFs recovered two IEDs suspected
to be planted by Anti-Talks faction of ULFA-ATF, from an Oil India
Ltd pipeline at Nagajan in Tinsukia District of Assam.
SFs arrested an ULFA linkman from
Dhubri District of Assam.
HSDP, a new political entity,
created after dissolution of some Opposition parties and now-disbanded
UPDS, will launch a "mass political movement" from March 2013
demanding a separate State comprising Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao
Districts of Assam.
Former UPDS leaders, who had signed
a tripartite MoS with the Centre and the State Government on November
25, 2011, said they have lost faith in the government as even
after more than one year no step has been taken to implement the
agreement.
SFs in an encounter killed an
ULFA-ATF militant, corporal Debajit Duarah alias Bangli
Asom, at Hebeda village in the Bordubi area in Tinsukia District.
SFs arrested three militants belonging
to ULFA-ATF, identified as Mridul Hazarika and Samarjit Sarma
of Panigaon-Patkata and Illias Ali, in Nalbari District.
January 5
SFs arrested one militant of AANLA,
identified as Mohesh Orang (23), from Gopinathpur area of Kokrajhar
District. One .9 mm pistol along with 5 live rounds was recovered
from the arrested militant.
January 6
SFs arrested two suspected GNLA
militants, identified as Nidu Sangma (19) and Dukham Momin (18),
from Bakhrakhuti village near Dudhnoi in Goalpara District.
January 7
SFs arrested a militant belonging
to ULFA-ATF, identified as Nitul Moran, at Doomdooma in Tinsukia
District.
Non-tribals of Kamrup-rural District
blocked NH-37 and disrupted rail communication at different locations
in southern Kamrup demanding the forthcoming Garm Panchayat
(village-level self governing body) election be held in non-tribal
pockets within the RHAC. The Gram Panchayat polls are not
held in all the autonomous council areas of the State, including
under the RHAC, as these special category areas have their own
council elections.
State Government will update NRC
in 42 LACs in eight districts of Assam in the first phase.According
to an official source, the 42 LACs are from Dibrugarh, Tinsukia,
Sivasagar, Jorhat, Golaghat, Lakhimpur, Nagaon and Sonitpur Districts.
The NRC in these constituencies will be updated within three years
from the day of starting the work.
January 8
The CBI team arrested Moinul Haque,
former 'president' of ABMSU for his role in the killing of four
Bodo youths on July 20, 2012, at Joypur in Kokrajhar District.
Two of his associates, identified as Jahanuddin Sheik and Jakhir
Ali, were also arrested.
Altogether 22 people have been
arrested by the CBI in connection with the case. The CBI has earlier
arrested five people in September 2012, six in December 2012 and
eight persons on January 5, 2013.
January 9
Three children, identified as
Rinki Kurmi (10), Rupesh Kurmi (5) and Sandhya Kurmi (5), were
killed and two others were injured in a suspected grenade explosion
at Kharjan under Digboi Police Station in Tinsukia District. Those
injured in the blast were identified as Bhanumati (25), and Pushpanjali
Kurmi (7).
ABSU warned of a massive movement
if Bodoland is not formed by the time the Telangana region of
Andhra Pradesh State gets statehood. ABSU 'General Secretary',
Jiron Basumatary further called for the release of jailed NDFB-RD
'chairman' Ranjan Daimary to facilitate the peace process.
January 10
Suspected NSCN-K militants abducted
four persons of a private mining company from Tikok Hills area
under Margherita Sub-Division in Tinsukia District. The abducted
persons were identified as Mahendra Baruah, Pancham Charki, Kunal
Basumatary and Raja Thapa.
UHM, Sushil Kumar Shinde said
that ban on outlawed ULFA and NDFB would continue.
CM, Tarun Gogoi held the ULFA-ATF
responsible for the death of three children in Tinsukia district
on January 9.
January 11
SFs rescued the four employees
of Brahmaputra Infrastructure Private Ltd, abducted by suspected
NSCN-K militants on January 10, from the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh
border in Tinsukia District.
January 12
SFs arrested a suspected militant
belonging to ULFA-ATF, Dhanudhar Neog, from Jutlibari area of
Doomdooma in the Tinsukia District.
Following the inputs provided
by the arrested ULFA-ATF militant SFs busted a militant camp located
in the northern part of the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park in the
same District.
January 13
SFs arrested a militant belonging
to I K.Sanbijit faction of the NDFB-IKS, identified as Sailot
Narzary, from Sukrajhar area under Basugaon Police Station in
Chirang District. Two foreign made hand grenades were recovered.
SFs arrested two injured militants
of the NDFB-IKS, following an encounter with SFs, at Ultapani
in Kokrajhar District. SFs recovered two grenades, one pistol
and some incriminating documents from the injured militants.
January 14
SFs killed two militants, identified
as Thungri Basumatary and Barfu alias B Borailing belonging to
the NDFB-IKS at Delaishree near Lumsung Forest reserve under Chirang
reserve in Kokrajhar District. The SFs also recovered two .9 mm
pistols and some rounds of ammunition. NDFB-IKS, however, termed
the killing of two militants in the encounter as "fake encounter"
and condemned the killings.
SFs arrested an NDFB-IKS militant,
identified as Sylot Narzary (25) alias Syco, from Salbari
area under Basugaon Police Station of Chirang District.
January 15
Central Government said that the
SoO Agreement with the NDFB-PTF had been extended till June 30,
2013.
January 16
The next round of political dialogue
between the Government and NDFB-PTF is likely to be held later
this month, even as the NDFB-PTF renewed its demand for creation
of a separate State of Bodoland. A five-member delegation of NDFB-PTF
led by 'general secretary' Govinda Basumatary on January 16 had
their first interaction with UMHA, Sushilkumar Shinde. The militant
leaders urged the UMHA to expedite resolution of their charter
of demands.
State Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi
credited the BTC authorities and Congress for the quick rehabilitation
of the riot-affected people. CM Gogoi said, "We thought it would
take time to rehabilitate the people after such major riots but
I am told only about 6,000 people are now left in the relief camps
and the process is on to rehabilitate them. Most of the over 4
lakh people have returned. It was possible because of the initiative
by the Hagrama Mohilary-led BTC administration and the people
of this area, who have realised that we need to live together
in peace. The riots were incited by certain forces to create misunderstanding
and chaos among the people."
In addition, BTC 'chairman' Hagrama
Mohilary softened his stand on rehabilitation of doubtful citizens
in the Bodo belt, saying all displaced people would be re-settled
with or without land documents.
January 17
SFs arrested an ULFA-ATF linkman,
identified as Tutu Bora Moran, from Jutlibari under Doomdooma
Police Station in Tinsukia District.
Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said
that notwithstanding the improvement in the situation in BTC areas
following a period of prolonged Bodo-Muslim ethnic violence in
2012, forces that had fuelled the clashes were still active in
the State. CM, Tarun Gogoi also asserted that militant groups
and Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) agents were also at work
during the ethnic-clashes period.
48- hour Karbi Anglong Bandh
(General Shutdown) imposed by KANCHASDCOM, a organisation demanding
creation of an autonomous state encompassing the two autonomous
hill Districts; Karbi Anglong & Dima Hasao, of the State began.
A leader of KLNLF Dhani Ram Tisso further said that the creation
of an autonomous State was a national commitment and that sentiment
of the entire hill people was involved.
January 19
SFs recovered two bottle grenades
from Budlabet Tea Estate area under Doomdooma Police Station.
The two youths who were carrying the grenades managed to escape.
Separately, SFs arrested a Dima
Hasao based Dimasa militant, identified as Bipa Dimasa (27), from
Banderdewa in North Lakhimpur District.
SFs arrested three linkmen NDFB-IKS,
identified as Hitesh Das alias Kendura, Bidya Basumatary
alias Bonjar and Thempu Narzary, from Bongaigaon and Chirang
District respectively.
SFs arrested two armed couriers
of NDFB-IKS, Bipul Khaklari (39), and Chandradhar Bora, (32),
and recovered a Chinese grenade launcher and 12 shells at Tezpur
in Sonitpur District.
SFs arrested a women conduit of
NDFB-IKS, Benita Mushahary, from Bongaigaon District.
KSA-Laichan faction has called
for a 12-hour Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao District Bandh (General
strike) on January 25 to press its demand for an autonomous State
comprising the two hill district of the State as per the provision
of the article 244(A) of the Constitution of India.
ABSU said that it would not sit
silent if the Government of India drops the demand for creation
of a separate Bodo State (Bodoland) this time and goes ahead with
the creation of Telangana State.
January 20
SFs in an encounter, killed a
militant belonging to the ULFA-ATF, identified as Lalit Moran,
in Kakojan Reserve Forest under Digboi Police Station in Tinsukia
District. But the local people claimed that the slain youth was
innocent.
SFs recovered two powerful IEDs
from the house of one Biswajit Moran at Hahkhati Pathargaon under
Kakopathar Police Station in the same District.
The leader of the ULFA-ATF, Paresh
Baruah, is securing an uninterrupted flow of funds from Guwahati,
the main commercial centre in Northeast India, for his personal
use, revealed an internal report of the government. The militant
leader in hiding, who shuttles between Taga in northern Myanmar
and Ruili in southern China, is collecting the money from a handful
of Guwahati-based contractors through his own channel, the report
said, adding they are paying hefty amounts to Baruah "without
any real threats to their lives."
January 21
ULFA-ATF and NDFB-IKS along with
nine other militant outfits of the northeast called for boycott
of Republic Day celebrations on January 26 and blamed the Government
of covert military operations.
The other groups includes CorCom,
the umbrella body of seven militant groups of Manipur, NLFT and
Tripura People’s Democratic Front,[Political organisation representing
(ATTF)]
ULFA-ATF militants opened fire
at the Namtola Police Station under Sivasagar District injuring
a trooper, identified as Liladhar Chetia, and also set ablaze
four vehicles.
January 22
SFs, in an encounter killed two
GNLA militants near Khardand under Krishnai Police Station of
Goalpara District.
SFs arrested a Bangladeshi citizen,
identified as Altaf Hussain (30), along with FICN worth INR 100,000
from Sealdoh village in Dhubri District. The arrestee belongs
to Panchbari village under Kurigram District of Bangladesh.
In a statement issued by Aranya
Asom, a member of the ‘publicity wing ‘of the ULFA-ATF, the outfit
claimed responsibility for the attack. It said the action was
in retaliation to the killing of an innocent youth, Lalit Moran,
in Tinsukia District on January 20 by SFs.
January 23
SFs recovered a hand grenade in
front of the Kakopathar Police Station in Tinsukia District. Police
recovered the grenade from the road while checking vehicles.
The KPLT has called a 36-hours
Karbi Anglong bandh (shutdown strike), beginning
5 pm of January 24. It has also announced to boycott the Republic
Day celebrations in the District. In a press communiqué,
KPLT ‘general secretary’ and ‘publicity in-charge’ of the
organization, Pakler Ageng, stated that, “There is no justification
in observing Republic Day in Karbi Anglong as Government has resorted
to oppressive and suppressive policies to thwart the free will
of the people. Therefore, all democratic values have lost their
credibility in the District.”
NDFB-PTF leadership is optimistic
on the creation of Bodoland State as the Central Government is
about to announce its decision on the demand for a separate Telangana
State by January 28.
A suspected cadre of KPLT Bikrom
Teron died after he and four others were allegedly thrashed by
the public for extortion in an interior village in Karbi Anglong
District in the night. Teron and four other KPLT cadres — Donsingh
Tokbi, Mangalsingh Signer, Mansingh Rangpi and Rensingh Tokbi
— were caught by villagers while they were going to Donghap under
Dokmoka Police station to extort money from.
January 24
CRPF jawan Yambel Darlong was
killed and havildar Debnath Laskar of the Assam Police was seriously
injured when the KPLT, a rebel group, fired at a joint team of
Police and CRPF patrolling party at Engti gaon of Koilamati area
under the Chokihola Police station in Karbi Anglong District.
Army’s bomb disposal squad defused
a ‘sophisticated and powerful’ IED suspected to have been planted
by ULFA at Mangaldoi in Darrang District. The IED was planted
just outside the sadar Police station on National Highway-52.
Security forces have been put on high alert, apprehending strikes
by the outfit ahead of Republic Day.
258 incidents of extremist violence
were reported in 2012 and 53 insurgents were killed during the
same period in Assam. Moreover, the number of civilians killed
in extremist violence stood at 33 while four security personnel
also lost their lives. Besides, 1174 insurgents were also captured.
Further, 443 arms, 9320 rounds of ammunition, 110 improvised explosive
devices and 163 grenades were recovered by the Security Forces.
This was informed by ADGP-Law and Order, AP Rawat while talking
to the media persons at Assam Police headquarters. He also informed
that over INR 110 million cash was recovered from across the State.
The senior Assam Police official
also put the total number of extremist-related incidents violence
in the last three years at 790. Moreover, in the last three years,
the tally of arms and ammunition recovery stood at 1247 and 18764
rounds respectively.
Asked about the rising number
of arms and explosive recovery, DGP, JN Choudhury said that the
procurement of explosives has never been a problem. Dimapur and
China has been the major sources of arms smuggling in the State,
the DGP added.
The DGP, said, the ULFA-ATF may
be facing manpower crisis but there is “no shortage” of arsenal
for the outfit. According to Choudhury, the seizure of a large
number of Chinese grenades and IED in Assam in 2012 is an indicator
that the group still has access to sophisticated arms and ammunition.
According to Police records, a total of 163 grenades and 110 IEDs
were seized in 2012 compared to 110 grenades and 89 IEDs seized
in 2011. Similarly, the number of rounds of ammunition seized
went up to 9,320 in 2012 from 5,544 rounds in 2011.
On the Maoist threat, he said
there are 114 Maoists at present, who are mostly active in Upper
Assam districts of Tinsukia, Dibrugarh and Dhemaji and are concentrating
on mass mobilisation and creation of a support base.
Though the overall level of violence
in Assam has come down, extortion by the militant groups remains
a major cause of concern and according to a “very conservative
estimate”, the militants managed to collect at least INR 270 million
from the State in 2012.
The AANLA has urged the State
as well as the Central Government to redress its grievances and
to deal with the long-pending issue of Adivasis. In an email ,
C-n-C of AANLA , Peter Dang expressing his total annoyance over
the Government’s lackadaisical attitude towards the problems of
the Adivasi people living in the State and urged the agencies
concerned, particularly the Central government to provide ST status
to the Adivasi people, to create a separate Autonomous Council
for the Adivasis in Assam, land allotment and pattas to the Adivasis
residing in tea gardens and villages of Assam by sending the mobile
circle office for protection of land and properties.
January 26
Plastic explosives were recovered
from three youths who were targeting a power station in Assam’s
Dhemaji District on Republic Day. They were caught and arrested
following a chase. Three packets of plastic explosives, five packets
of fuse wire, six fuses and daggers were found in their possession.
The youths identified as Pranendra Wari, Nakesh Narzari and Hemkanta
Narzari were targeting the NHPC at the Gerukamukh Dam Site. It
was not known to which insurgent outfit they belonged to.
At least eight low-intensity explosions
were reported from two different Districts. While four explosions
were reported Porabhata, Medattari, Airkata and Chirakuti in Dhubri
District, another four were reported from Simlakandi, Jaleswar,
Gornagar and Merakuchi in Goalpara District. One of the blast
occurred near the house of Mainuddin Ahmed, AIUDF legislator,
from Jaleswar.
Immediately after the explosions
at Jaleswar, the villagers caught a motorcycle-borne man. Suspecting
he was the one carrying bombs, the villagers lynched him. The
man was later identified as Nazrul Islam Khan, a known criminal,
from the neighbouring Dhubri District.
Superintendent of Police (SP),
Goalpara, Shyamal Saikia said, “It seems the blasts were triggered
by a gang of criminals. We found a letter on a fake ULFA [United
Liberation Front of Asom] letterhead from the spot where he was
killed. The letter carried a demand for Rs. 1 crore [INR 10 million]".
The possibility of the involvement of Ulfa was very remote in
this case, added Saikia.
The State Government has sanctioned
eight new Police Stations in Udalguri District. This was stated
by the Deputy Commissioner, Thaneswar Malakar. The eight Police
Stations will be set up at Bhairabkunda, Lalpani, Borobazar, Bhakatpara,
Khagrabari, Goriajhar, Bhergaon and Amjuli.
January 27
NDFB-RD has clarified that the
outfit was not behind any extortion demands in the region and
cautioned the people not to give away to the fake demands made
in the name of the outfit.
The 'Information and Publicity
Secretary' of the NDFB-RD, B Najib said that the outfit was not
behind the demand of INR five million as was reported in some
section of the media. The Publicity Secretary said that such demands
are being made by organizations who pose as NDFB-RD with the conspiracy
to malign the name of the outfit and to derail the outfit's peace
parleys with the Central Government.
Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar
Shinde assured an official delegation led by a group of executive
members of the Dima Hasao and Karbi Anglong autonomous District
councils that discussion on Autonomous State will be done at the
meeting of the state re-organisation committee, reports Nagaland
Post. Creation of an autonomous State within Assam has been a
long standing demand of the tribal population of the twin hill
Districts.
January 28
SFs in an encounter killed a militant
belonging to the ULFA-ATF at Upper Khardung in Goalpara District.
Two troopers of the 19 Dogra Regiment of the Indian Army were
also injured during the exchange of fire. The ULFA-ATF militant
has been identified as Nayan Asom alias Babul Ali. SFs recovered
a pistol and three magazines from his possession. Militants also
lobbed grenades on SF personals during the encounter.
January 29
Suspected ULFA-ATF militants blew
up an oil pipeline at Makum in Tinsukia District.
NDFB-PTF and the PJACBM [a body
supporting NDFB-PTF on Bodo State issue] strongly reacted on the
allegations levelled by the ruling BTC leaders, blaming NDFB-PTF
for rampant extortions and kidnapping in BTC areas. The 'Assistant
Information and Publicity Secretary', NDFB-PTF, R Daokha said
that the allegation of extortion and kidnapping in BTC areas levelled
by State Transport Minister Chandan Brahma and BTC Deputy Chairman,
Khampa Borgoyary in a demonstration held at Kajalgaon on January
28.
January 30
MHA has released INR 13.57 billion
to the State Government to counter- insurgency between the period
1990-91 to 2012 [up to December 18] and the amount was transferred
to the State Government through Reserve Bank of India. This information
came as a reply to a Right to Information Act (RTI) query by a
State-based NGO, APW.
The RTI also revealed that ULFA
leader Anup Chetia's willingness on joining the ongoing peace
process between ULFA-PTF and Central Government is yet to be received.
Anup Chetia is the 'General Secretary' of ULFA and is presently
jailed in Bangladesh.
Beginning of formal talks with
the NDFB-RD will depend on the release of the chairman of the
outfit, Ranjan Daimary on bail.Meanwhile; Daimary has been able
to win over most of the rebels of the outfit to persuade them
to join the peace process.
Highly placed official sources
told the newspaper that though the Central Government's interlocutor
PC Haldar had conducted several rounds of informal talks with
NDFB-RD 'chairman' Ranjan Daimary in jail to pave the way for
formal talks with the outfit; it is still not decided as to when
the talks would start.
January 31
NDFB-PTF softens its stand on
changing the Centre's interlocutor, P.C.Haldar for the peace talks
with the outfit. The next round of talks is scheduled to be held
on February 28. The Bodo militant outfit had earlier demanded
that the Centre should replace Haldar with a person of political
background.
MHA -Joint Secretary in charge
of North-east, Shambhu Singh said that the Government was not
responsible for the slow pace of negotiation with the Bodo militant
outfit. The tripartite talks were attended by officials of Assam
Government, the NDFB-PTF, besides the MHA.
February 2
SFs arrested a suspected cadre
of NDFB-IKS Mithisat Narzary (22), from Aipoali in Bengtol area
under Chirang District. Police said he had demanded money from
a senior officer in the District.
Runikhata residents caught one
Jaiklong Basumatary alias Biren for demanding money from local
people posing as an NDFB cadre and handed him over to the Police
in Bongaigaon District. He confessed to making the demands and
named two accomplices, who were later arrested from Bhurdalang.
Suspected militants abducted a
businessman, Raju Saha (30), from Dotma in Kokrajhar District.
ABSU came down heavily on State
Chief Secretary Naba Kumar Das for accusing the Bodos in his affidavit
submitted to the Gauhati High Court, of instigating the riots
in lower Assam Districts of Kokrajhar, Chirang and Dhubri in 2012.
February 3
Suspected militants belonging
to the NDFB-IKS exploded a powerful bomb in the railway tracks
at Goabari in Kokrajhar District. No casualty was reported. The
bomb suspected to have been planted by the NDFB-IKS exploded at
1.10am two minutes after the Howrah-Guwahati down Garibrath Express
passed the area between Gossaigaon and Fakiragram, Police said.
Operation wing of Assam Police
arrested four youths, who were on their way to Myanmar to join
the NDFB-IKS, from the interstate bus terminus (ISBT) in Guwahati
under Kamrup (Metro) District. The arrestees were identified as
Uttam Borgayari (23), Minu Basumatary (27), Anima Brahma (19)
and Bharati Basumatary (19). All of them hail from Chirang District
of BTAD.
Jamaat-e-Islami-Hind has claimed
that Bodo leaders have agreed to bring back all the people who
were compelled to leave the BTAD by the miscreants.Jamaat-e-Islami
Hind said top leaders of BTC have assured leaders of that all
riot victims will be rehabilitated at their native villages in
BTAD area.109 persons lost their lives during the Bodo-Muslim
clashes in Kokrajhar, Chirang and Dhubri District in 2012.
SFs arrested four militants of
Karbi militant formation, UKLA from various hideouts in Karbi
Anglong District. According to additional Superintendent of Police
(ASP), Bolin Deury and officer in-charge of Bakulia Police Station,
Khorgeswar Bordoloi, based on the information, SFs arrested Jiten
Phangso from Natun basti. Police said that Jiten believed to be
the founder of UKL A is serving in Indian Reserve Battalion.
According to latest Government
report, at least 4834 militants of different outfits across seven
states in North Eastern (NE) region were killed in counter-insurgency
operations from 2001 to 2012. During the period, at least 1909
militants were killed in Manipur, while 1777 were killed in Assam,
536 in Nagaland, 307 in Tripura, 105 in Arunachal Pradesh and
9 in Mizoram.
According to the Government report,
in a single year, highest number of militants were killed in Manipur
in 2008.In Manipur, 341 militants were killed in 2008, while 161
were killed in the year 2001, 101 in 2002, 148 in 2003, 127 in
2004, 143 in 2005, 141 in 2006, 218 in 2007, 321 in 2009, 104
in 2010, 30 in 2011 and 74 in the year 2012.
In other hand, the year 2001 recorded
the highest number of militant fatalities under counter-insurgency
operations in Assam. In Assam, a total of 1777 militants were
killed during the period, in which, 275 were killed in the year
2002, 281 in 2003, 136 in 2004, 83 in 2005, 43 in 2006, 149 in
2007, 133 in 2008, 196 in 2009, 98 in 2010, 45 in 2011 and 55
in 2012.Most of the militants killed during counter-insurgency
operations were from United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA),"
a top official of the Assam Police said.
In Meghalaya, 191 militants were
killed during the period, the breakups being - 8 in the year 2001,
17 in 2002, 27 in 2003, 23 in 2004, 26 in 2005, 17 in 2006, 13
in 2007, 12 in 2008, 4 in 2009, 17 in 2010, 8 in 2011 and 19 in
2012.
February 6
SFs recovered four AK-56 Assault
Rifles and four AK-56 magazines from Damsodiang Phai, Daiphai,
under Maibong Police Station in Dima Hasao District. The hidden
cache of arms is believed to have been left by the DHD group during
the period of ceasefire agreement. It is also believed that the
newly formed DJNA group has been trying to trace and recover the
said weapons for their subversive activities.
February 7
Two militants of the GNLA were
killed, in a encounter with the SFs, along the Assam-Meghalaya
border at Ambringkona under Boko Police Station of Kamrup (Rural)
District. The slain militants are yet to be identified. SFs recovered
two 7.65mm pistols, seven rounds of ammunition, a large quantity
of AK-47 rifles and two demand notes of the outfit.
SFs arrested a suspected a MULTA
militant from the heart of the Nagaon town in Nagaon District.
A pistol and live ammunition were seized from him.
SFs arrested, Kishan Agarwal,
an owner of a garment shop at Tinsukia town's Daily Bazar for
collecting money on behalf of ULFA-ATF in Tinsukia District
February 8
SFs arrested a militant belonging
to NDFB-RD, identified as Mathura Basumatary (25) alias
B Majumser, from Rangsaidham area of No -2 Amguri area under Basugaon
Police Station of Chirang District. One Chinese grenade was recovered
with him.
The state government of Assam
has agreed to a probe by the CBI into the seizure of FICN by officials
of the DRI, Guwahati from three accused persons arrested earlier
on August 30, 2012. The vehicle was on its way from Malda District
in West Bengal and FICN is reported to have been brought from
Bangladesh. Earlier, sources from the NIA said fake notes are
supplied from Pakistan via Bangladesh to border Districts of Assam
and West Bengal.
February 9
KNA-Karbi Anglong unit observed
the 'Political Autonomy demand day' at its head office named Kuki-Kho
in Manja near Diphu in Karbi Anglong District. The celebration
was attended by all Kuki chiefs (Haosa), with other frontal Kuki
organizations including KRA and UKDA.
Miscreant targeted the Singra
weekly market under Boko PS in Kamrup (Rural) District and five
houses of the market were damaged by fire.
Eight militants of the newly-formed
outfit MPTF surrendered before SFs in Kokrajhar District. The
militant group, led by Hafizur Rahman, area commander of the outfit,
surrendered before the top police and army officials at Gossaigaon.
The militants deposited three .9mm pistols, two 7.6mm pistols,
three handmade rifles, one hand grenade and 14 rounds of ammunition."The
militant group was formed in 2012 during the ethnic violence in
lower Assam," a top police official said.
February 10
CEM of KAAC, Joy Ram Engleng appealed
to KPLT militants to call off the indefinite Karbi Anglong District
strike beginning from 5 p.m. of February 12. However, KPLT 'chairman'
B.D. Sarpo Tungjang has dismissed the appeal and stated that,
"we have acknowledged the public appeal but this is the time for
asking for a separate state when government is mulling over the
issue, why should we sit at home; it is better to live in our
own land then in other people's house".
The Malang market near Boko in
Kamrup (Rural) District was set ablaze by the miscreants.
February 11
A meeting of the central committee
members of the ULFA-PTF was held at a private lodge in Dispur
in Kamrup (Metro) District. Issues related to extradition of the
outfit's 'general secretary' Anup Chetia alias Golap Baruah from
Bangladesh and the faction's next round of talks with the Centre
was discussed at the meeting. Apart from 'Chairman' Arabinda Rajkhowa,
senior leaders such as ULFA 'vice-chairman' Pradeep Gogoi, 'foreign
secretary' Sasadhar Choudhury, 'publicity secretary' Mithinga
Daimary, 'cultural secretary' Pranati Deka, among others, were
present at the meeting.
Unidentified miscreants on the
eve of third phase of Panchayat (local self government institution)
elections, set ablaze three Lower Primary (LP) schools namely
Bordamal Kamarpara LP school, Goraimari LP School and Doroni LP
School, all under PS in Goalpara District.
An LP school was partially damaged
at Nicinta, also under Agia PS.
sources said three schools, which
are stated to be voting centres for the Panchayat election on
February 12 namely Hatipara LP School, Machenokhowa LP School
and Sekhadari LP School under Boko Revenue Circle in Kamrup (rural)
District were partially burnt down on February 10 night causing
the voters to panic.
Miscreants set ablaze a truck
(WB-15-A- 9894) loaded with goods at Kharkhori under Chhaygaon
PS and another truck (AS-01 P-9950) was also set on fire at Bodapara
under Boko PS in Kamrup (rural) District.
About 500 activist of Rabha bodies
have staged a road blockade at Dairang under Krishnai PS in an
attempt to block the polling officials from moving to the polling
centres by that road.
The Agriculture Office at Dhudhnoi
in Goalpara district was also set ablaze by the miscreants.
The RHJMC, an umbrella organisation
of 34 groups, is opposing the holding of panchayat polls in RHAC
areas. RHJMC are opposed to panchayat polls in the Rabha-Hasong
area without holding RHAC election.
February 11-12
Miscreants set ablaze at least
five voting centres and one sub-post office in Mirza under Kamrup
(rural) District.
February 12
Eleven persons were killed and
many injured when SFs opened fire to quell groups of protesters
ransacking polling stations and preventing other voters from casting
their ballots at several places in the RHAC areas in Goalpara
District during the third and final phase of Panchayat
(village level local self Government institution) elections.
The clashes that erupted between
the SFs and groups of protesters armed with machetes, knives,
iron rods and sticks left three dead at Kathalmuri Palsa under
Dhupdhara Police Station, two at Kachadal under Ranjuli Police
Station, one at Siluk under Dudhnoi Police Station, three at Bekipool
under Khrishnai Police Station and two at Dhuptola under Mornoi
Police Station.
According to sources, four columns
of Army have been pressed into service to contain the situation
in the district amid unconfirmed reports of fresh group clashes
spreading to new areas.
Curfew was clamped in the areas
under Mornoi Police Station after fresh reports of group clashes
between two communities were reported from Dhuptola area following
killing of two persons who allegedly placed two hand bombs outside
the polling station at Raikhashini Jawaharlal Nehru Vidyalaya.
Earlier, mob set ablaze a village under Krishnai Police Station
where around 60 houses were destroyed. The mob also indulged in
brick-batting and torched two police vehicles, a bus and a Bolero
vehicle standing on NH-37 leaving some CRPF personnel and the
Officer-in Charge of Krishnai Police Station, Haten Ali Ahmed,
injured.
According to official sources,
the Goalpara District recorded a peaceful polling of 60 percent
at the 659 polling centres while polling could not take place
at the rest 173 centres.
PM Manmohan Singh while addressing
a conference of State Governors in New Delhi has said that LWE
geographical spread in the country is showing a shrinking trend
even though in Assam, it is expanding, which is "worrisome".
SFs killed a militant belonging
to NDFB-IKS, identified as Pri Pri Mushahary, somewhere near the
Ripu reserve forest under Kachugaon Police Station in Gossaigaon
sub division of Kokrajahar District. One 7.65 mm pistol factory
made, two 7.65 mm live rounds and one mobile phone were recovered
from the site. However, another NDFB-IKS militant managed to escape
in the thick forest.
The body of abducted businessman
Raju Saha (30), of Dotma in Kokrajhar District, was recovered
from the approaching road to National Highway 31-C, about 150
meters from Serfanguri Police Station in the same District in
the night. Local People suspect the hands of the NDFB-IKS behind
the killing of Saha.
The AABYF condemned the killing
and threatened the militant group involved in the killing and
the government of dire consequence if effective measures are not
taken immediately.
February 12-13
Death toll in violence during third
phase of Panchayat (local self Government institution) polls in
RHAC areas of Goalpara District has risen to 20. 12 people had died
as a result of Police firing when violent mobs of comprising the
Rabha people attacked polling centres and polling teams to obstruct
the holding of Panchayat polls on February 12. One more person
later died in the Police firing on a mob that was indulging in arson
and looting. Besides this, bodies of seven persons killed in clashes
between Rabha and non-Rabha groups were recovered.
February 13
CM Tarun Gogoi revealed that 19
people lost their lives in the RHAC violence, of which six died
in ethnic clashes. "Twelve persons died in Police firing during
poll violence, one during loot and arson, and six in ethnic clashes.
About 70, including 30 policemen, were injured, while over a hundred
houses were burnt," Gogoi said. Gogoi, while admitting that there
were lapses on the part of the Government and the administration,
said that the violence was an 'organized one' with vested interest
circles lending their weight behind it. UNI quoted Tarun
Gogoi saying, "I take full responsibility for failing to provide
adequate security. There were some lapses and we had no prior
information."
The violence has triggered an
exodus of people from affected villages, forcing over 12,000 people
to take shelter in 12 relief camps till February 13 afternoon,
even as the Army has been continuing flag marches. There was no
relaxation in the curfew clamped in Krishnai and Mornoi Police
Station areas.
Two houses were set ablaze in
fresh incidents on the outskirts of Goalpara town in Goalpara
District. Two fire brigade personnel, who had gone there, also
received bullet injuries.
Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi termed
the Rabha Accord as faulty.
February 14
A goodwill mission team of the
APCC comprising several senior leaders, visiting the violence
hit areas of Goalpara District, was attacked at the Rangagora
Lower Primary School camp inmates. Rangagora Lower Primary School
is being used as relief camp by the violence-hit people of the
greater Gobindapur area. According to reports, the APCC delegation
was headed by vice president YL Karna. Several vehicles were also
damaged in the incident. About 10,650 displaced people have been
put up in 12 relief camps.
The State government admitted
that it is not constitutionally competent to exclude autonomous
council areas from the Panchayat Act, yet it went ahead to promise
this to the Rabhas 17 years ago. The CMO issued a statement signed
by the Chief Minister's press adviser, Bharat Chandra Narah, which
said, "Clause 5 of the Rabha Hasong Accord signed between the
Government of Assam and the All Rabha Students Union and the Rabha
Hasong Demand Committee on March 10, 1995 at Dispur was unconstitutional
because the state government has no jurisdiction to exclude Rabha
Hasong Autonomous Council areas from the purview of 73rd Amendment
of the Constitution of India under Article 244M." Narah further
said that though Clause 5 existed in the accord, it was not included
when the state legislative assembly passed the Rabha Hasong Autonomous
Council Act in 1995 to give legality to the accord.
The supporters of Kokrajhar District
committee of the ARSU during the 12-hour BTAD bandh (general strike)
called by the same organisation set ablaze a car and a bike at
Magurmari Rabha Basti in Kokrajhar District. All the business
establishments, markets and shops remained closed while vehicles
were off the road during the bandh period. The National
Highway 31(C) also wore a deserted look.
A Congress Party office and three
trucks were set ablaze and vehicles damaged during the bandh
in Udalguri District. Unidentified persons poured kerosene on
the Congress office, Rajib Bhavan, at Tangla in Udalguri District
and set ablaze its wooden doors and windows. Police fired in the
air at Kalaigaon to disperse a group of persons using violent
means to impose the bandh by forcing shop-owners to close down
their shops. At Khoirabari in the same District, some persons
set ablaze three trucks and blocked roads to prevent movement
of vehicles.
Markets, shops, offices, banks,
educational institutions remained closed and vehicles kept off
the roads in the BTAD comprising Kokrajhar, Udalguri, Baksa and
Chirang Districts.
ABSU had also supported the bandh
and observed a Black Day.
February 15
Three persons were killed and
four seriously injured in clashes and Police firing at Hatsinghimari
in Dhubri District, the second day of counting of votes for panchayat
(village level local self Government institution) polls in Assam.
Sources in Dhubri district administration said a large number
of people had started gathering in front of Hatsinghimari counting
centre since early morning, alleging that the process for counting
and declaration of results had been delayed inordinately.
Counting was stopped and indefinite
curfew clamped at Hatsinghimari town, where the counting for panchayat
polls under South Salmara-Mancachar subdivision was taking place.
The administration also issued shoot-at-sight orders.
SFs arrested a militant belonging
to KPLT, identified as Prabin Rongpi, from the Balipathar area
under Bokajan Police Station in Karbi Anglong District. Police
seized cash worth INR 50,000, a revolver and two live ammunitions
from him. Police said a group of KPLT militants were in the Balipathar
area to attack businessmen who did not support their bandh
(General Shut down) and opened their business establishments during
bandh hours.
Normal life in the District has
been affected as the indefinite Karbi Anglong bandh (General
Shut down) imposed by KPLT entered its fourth day. The bandh called
by KPLT militants started on 5 pm of February 12. No untoward
incident has so far been received from any part of the District.
Government offices barring the Deputy Commissioner's office all
other government offices have remained closed, while no vehicular
movement was visible.
Two persons were injured and two
vehicles damaged as suspected KPLT militants opened fire on NH
37 near Kaziranga National Park in the night. The area falls under
Kohora Police outpost in Golaghat District neighbouring Karbi
Anglong.
Armed suspected militants abducted
a young engineer of a private construction firm engaged by Power
Grid Corporation of India from Betagaon in Baksa District. The
Police said they were yet to identify the abductors. Sources in
Baksa said the NDFB, which has a strong base in the area, might
have demanded money from the construction firm and abducted the
engineer as it refused to pay them. No one from the company was
available for comment.
SFs arrested two NDFB linkmen
from Chirang District
February 16
Four militants belonging to the
ULFA-ATF, including a senior leader, surrendered before SFs in
Tinsukia District. Among the militants who laid down their arms
is senior ULFA-ATF leader Rahendra Moran alias Guli Asom,
Parikshit Moran, Champak Hazarika and Kushal Buragohain. Rahendra
Moran alias Guli Asom was responsible for the ULFA-ATF's
extortion related activities in the upper Assam Districts.
State Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi
said that the situation in violence hit Goalpara District is now
peaceful and the displaced people will be rehabilitated soon.
"Situation in Rabha-Hasong area is now peaceful. Sense of security
among the people has returned and the government will make all
efforts to ensure their security," Gogoi told reporters. The Rabha
Hasong Joint Action Committee (RHJAC) led protest of panchayat
(local-level self governing body) polls, had turned violent on
February 12 (panchayat election day) with a total of 20
people killed in incidents of Police firing, arson and clashes.
February 17
KPLT temporarily suspended the
indefinite Karbi Anglong bandh (shutdown strike) from 5
am February 18 in view of the HSLC examination. Meanwhile, the
KPLT's general secretary further threatened that if the demand
for a separate State is not voiced by the Member of Parliament
(MP), Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) s and Member of Autonomous
Council (MAC) s before March 15, the organization will again call
an indefinite bandh from March 15.
AASU & members of the AATS staged
a sit-in protest against the violence in Rabha Hasong areas near
Raj Bhawan in Guwahati.
A Bangladeshi national, Aminul
Islam, 35, was apprehended by the SFs from Panchughat of Dhubri
town in Dhubri District.
February 18
A satellite phone and a Chinese
grenade were recovered from Nakathalgurie in Tinsukia District,
during an encounter between SFs and ULFA-ATF rebels.
NEC, a subsidiary of the Coal
India Limited CIL, has been incurring a loss of nearly INR 10
million daily following the closure of Tikak colliery at Margherita
in Tinsukia District bordering Arunachal Pradesh. The colliery
was shut down in January after four workers of a private company
engaged there were abducted by suspected Naga militants.
February19
Police arrested five armed men
from the Deberapar area under Mariani Police Station in Jorhat
District. The arrested were identified as Asang Injeng, Mireng
Injeng, Tussung Injeng, Chened Ayer and Aleng Longkumar. Police
recovered two pistols, 13 rounds of live ammunition and cash worth
INR 35,000 from them. "We arrested the five at Deberapar Chariali
at around 12.30 am on Tuesday. They were travelling from Mokokchung
to Chairmanbasti in Nagaland,'' officer-in-charge of Mariani Police
Station Padma Kanta Das said.
State Chief Minister Gogoi accompanied
by Home Secretary, GD Tripathi visited Goalpara District to take
stock of the law and order situation and to meet the camp inmates
who were affected by poll-related violence in Rabha Hasong areas.CM,
Gogoi assured them that the Government would provide necessary
protection and rehabilitate them soon. Altogether 434 houses were
fully gutted in Matia and 165 in Balijana revenue circles of the
District.
February 20
An unidentified GNLA militant
was killed in an encounter with SFs at Dokapara under Lakhipur
police station of Goalpara district. The Police recovered a 7.65mm
US-made pistol, two magazines, seven rounds of ammunition, letter
heads of GNLA and a bike from the victim, a police source in Lakhipur
said.
The Police Forces of the States
of the North East region have decided to launch coordinated efforts
to check the Maoist rebels from establishing strong roots in the
region. The forces are also of the view that the peace talks with
the militant groups, which have already signed cease- fire agreements,
should be expedited.
A meeting of the heads of the
Police Forces of the North East States, convened by the Union
MHA, which concluded in Gangtok in Sikkim, discussed in detail
the efforts by the Maoist rebels to establish roots in the North
East region and observed that there is need for formulating strategies
to check the growth of the Maoists and all the States decided
to launch coordinated efforts in this regard. The meeting observed
that though the militant groups have weakened in 2011 and 2012,
in recent times, the level of violence has gone up, which is a
matter of serious concern.
February 21
ULFA-ATF militant, 'deputy commander-in-chief',
Bijoy Das alias Bijoy Chinese, has come overground to join the
peace process. Bijoy Chinese is also the eastern zone commander
of ULFA-ATF, surfaced about a week ago and was with the SFs in
Tinsukia. Bijoy Chinese on February 21 told reporters in Tinsukia
that he would join the ULFA-PTF soon. "It took me some time to
return," he said, adding "More cadres of the anti-talks faction
will join the pro-talks faction soon."
UDLF announced its "avowed intention"
to return to the mainstream by surrendering arms. UDLF was formerly
known as the UDLA operates mainly in parts of Karimganj and Hailakandi
Districts. Spokesperson for the outfit, Rajesh Charki, said that
the UDLF had declared that it would observe ceasefire for six
months from yesterday and keep in abeyance all its insurgent operations.
ULFA-ATF' Vice Chairman' Paresh
Baruah has switched off his entire mobile and satellite phones
and shifted to Skype. This is the last bit of information intelligence
agencies intercepted while eavesdropping on Baruah's conversations
about a week ago.
February 22
Unidentified men hurled two grenades
at Belsiri under Missamari Police station in Sonitpur District.
Five criminals came on two motorcycles hurled the first grenade
at a shop but it did not explode and the second into a field,
which exploded.
A NDFB militant identified as
Simang Brahma, was arrested from Rowmari in Chirang District in
a joint operation by Police and the Army.
Speculation over the disappearance
of Majoni Das, a teacher with Purva Bharati Educational Trust
here, with ULFA-ATF claiming that she had joined the outfit. Majoni,
a resident of Udaipur village under Demow police station in Sivasagar
District, had been reported missing since February 10.
A release issued by the outfit's
publicity secretary, Arunudoi Dohotia, claimed that Majoni, who
is a human rights activist, writer and a patriot, "managed to
escape the evil design of Sivasagar police which had planned to
eliminate her, arrived at an Ulfa camp and joined the outfit".
Her family alleged that the Police were constantly harassing Majoni
for her alleged links with a senior ULFA leader.
The RHJMF strongly objected to
a draft of the list of villages for delimitation. The forum strongly
objected to the draft that deleted the names of several villages
from Goalpara and Kamrup Districts and did not maintain the contiguity
of villages. ARSU president Tonkeswar Rabha alleged that five
villages from Goalpara and 10 villages from Kamrup districts were
found deleted from the draft list compared to the last draft published
in 2005.
Preparations for the polls got
under way following the publication of the draft of village councils
and general council for delimitation on February 21 in all the
block development offices, circle offices and offices of Goalpara
and Kamrup deputy commissioners, an official source in Goalpara
said. The state election commission announced the polls to the
Rabha Hasong Council in January.
ULFA-ATF ‘Vice president’ Paresh
Baruah claimed that recent surrenders of a few senior members
of the ULFA, including the surrender of ‘deputy commander-in-chief’
Bijoy Chinese, would not affect the outfit. Baruah said, “We are
hopeful that one day the global political scene will turn in our
favour. If you look at history, no country could dominate any
area against the wishes of the people and even the British had
to leave India. Over the years, new countries were born out of
changes in the global political scene and some day such a scene
will come in our favour.
February 23
SFs arrested a NDFB militant,
identified as Moni Narjery, from the Misamari area of Sonitpur
District. The arrested militant was arrested with a grenade. Narjery
was a militant of NDFB's Sangbijit faction and was involved in
February 22, 2013 grenade blast near Belsiri railway station.
SFs arrested an AANLA militant,
identified as Sunil Munda (35), from Hathimara in Udalguri District.
DHD-N, which had signed a tripartite
peace accord in New Delhi on October 8, 2012, will celebrate its
formal "homecoming" on March 9 in Haflong. The 'chairman' DHD-N,
Dilip Nunisa, on February 22 said that Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi
had agreed to be present on that day.
February 24
SFs arrested five persons, including
two NDFB militants and three linkmen, from Koiemari in Baksa District.
SFs recovered a .9mm pistol, six mobile sets and two bikes from
the militants.
The NDFB-PTF threatened not to
take part in the peace dialogue, being held for past seven years,
with the Central Government unless it is held at the political
level to resolve its demand for Bodoland state.
ULFA-ATF 'Vice-President', Paresh
Barua said that he has not created any faction in the outfit and
appealed to the media not to identify the organisation with him.
In a statement emailed to media here, Barua clarified that he
was not the head of ULFA and was only a fellow official. "I cannot
represent the organisation and instead Ulfa carries our identity.
Our chairman, Abhijit Asom, is our head and we all function as
per his directives," Barua said.
Formal talks with the NDFB-RD
are yet to be started. The initiation of formal talks with the
NDFB-RD would depend on the release of Daimary on bail.
February 25
A truck driver from West Bengal,
Mohidul Sheikh (36), was abducted by unidentified persons at Nangdolbari
under Sidli Police Station in Chirang District on February 25.
SFs arrested two ULFA linkmen,
Rahimuddin (18) and Baktar Ali (24), in Dhubri District.
The PJACBM has called a 100-hour
strike in the BTAD and its adjoining tribal-dominated areas from
February 28-midnight in protest against what it termed the State
Government’s “lackadaisical” attitude towards the Bodoland issue.
State DGP Jayanta Narayan Choudhury
said that a section of the banned ULFA leaders were still “under
illusion that establishing a ‘sovereign Assam’ was possible because
of their ‘misconception’ about the colonial occupation of Indian
State of Assam”.
The GNC, in a meeting held at
Hudakona in Goalpara District, renamed itself as Garo National
Union GNU. It strongly opposed the inclusion of villages dominated
by Garo people in the RHAC area for which a draft was published
on February 21 referring the delimitation of villages in Goalpara
and Kamrup Districts.
Centre has decided to act tough
with insurgent groups in the Northeast and has decided that it
will not sign agreements with insurgents as it was proving a futile
exercise.
February 26
An ULFA-ATF militant lobbed a
grenade at a Police team at Kenduguri bypass area in Jorhat in
Jorhat District, injuring two SF personnel. The injured were identified
as Constable Keshab Gogoi and home guard Bolin Sonowal. Constable
Gogoi managed to snatch a bag containing a bottle grenade and
28 rounds of live ammunition of AK-47 rifle from the militants.
Police have picked up four persons, identified as Pankaj Bora,
Ranjit Dutta, Mintu Bora and Arpan Jyoti Lahon, for questioning.
CISF recovered an IED during a
normal security drill near Noonmati Refinery in Guwahati under
Kamrup (metro) District. The explosives containing ammonium nitrate
and ball bearings placed in a tin can, a detonator and some fuse
wires were found inside a bag just outside the refinery’s boundary
wall.
Two militants belonging to MPTFA
surrendered along with arms and ammunition before the Intelligence
Wing of the Army located at Chaprakata of Bongaigaon in presence
of Kokrajhar Additional SP. The two cadres were identified as
Mohammad Sahajahan Ali (22) and Mohammad Jahinul Islam (25).
An official release stated that
as many as 12,644 displaced people due to the Bodo-Muslim clashes
in 2012 are still living in 20 relief camps. Of which 4615 are
in Kokrajhar District, all of whom belonging to the minority community
and 395 Bodo and 7634 minority people are living in camps in Chirang
District.
State Chief Minister, Tarun Gogoi
called for special treatment for all CPI-Maoist affected Districts
of the State. Referring to ULFA, the Chief Minister expressed
his confidence that Paresh Barua would one day join the peace
process. The support base of the militant outfit has shrunk and
ULFA has weakened over the years. “Today, I am in a better position
to control ULFA,” he said.
February 27
An engineer of the PGCL, abducted
by suspected militants and taken to their camp in Bhutan, was
released. SP Raju, hailing from Nellore in Andhra Pradesh, arrived
at Ghawra Chowk police station in Baksa District and informed
the Police about his release. The engineer was abducted by suspected
NDFB-IKS militants on February 15.
Union Home Ministry took three
days to request Army for deployment, according to information
collected under RTI by the CHRI. “Reports say major incidents
of violence erupted on July 20 and the State government wrote
to the MHA on July 21. The order for deployment of armed forces
went out to the DGMO [Director-General Military Operations] by
fax on July 24 at 9:22 p.m. There seems to be a gap of three days
between the request for assistance and the order issued for deployment,”
says CHRI programme coordinator (access to information programme)
Venkatesh Nayak.
UHM, Sushil Kumar Shinde justified
holding panchayat (local self governing body)
elections in the RHAC area and the Police firing on “group of
miscreants” in Goalpara District that killed 14 people. “The security
forces had to resort to firing to control the violence at six
places. This resulted in deaths of 14 persons. Other seven persons
died due to ethnic clashes,” UHM, Shinde said.
He said while eight Districts
went to the polls in Assam on February 12, the third and last
phase, only in Goalpara was election disrupted “by a large group
of miscreants” who attacked polling and security personnel. He
added that the situation was now under control and the government
would pay ex gratia of INR 500,000 to the next of kin of the firing
victims.
A civilian, Nikul Paul (29), was
injured when unidentified assailants fired at him at Nutunmati
in Baksa District.
Two militants of MPTP, identified
as Hafizul Rahman (32) and Moinul Hoque (27) surrendered at the
Gossaigaon Police Station under Kokrajhar District.
February 28
NDFB-PTF did not participate in
a tripartite meeting in New Delhi, sticking to its stand of not
participating in peace talks unless these are held at the highest
political level.
Non-tribal and Garo bodies here
are determined not to allow any polls in the RHAC, if the villages
with non-tribal majority were not excluded from the proposed draft
delimitation of constituencies for the autonomous council. The
RHAC polls are set be conducted on April 30.
SFs arrested a suspected militant
of DNLF at Hatikhali in Dima Hasao District. The militant, identified
as Son Khelma, was arrested when he came to collect extortion
money from a bank in the area, police sources said.
March 1
Normal life was affected and a
bike was set on fire on the first day of the 100-hour bandh
(shutdown strike) called by the PJACB since midnight. The committee
has called the bandh in the proposed Bodoland area, comprising
BTAD and adjoining tribal-dominated areas, in protest against
the State Government’s “lackadaisical” attitude towards their
demand for a separate state under Articles 2 and 3 of the Constitution.
The committee also wants the Centre to hold a dialogue with the
NDFB-PTF at the highest political level.
Joint secretary in the MHA, Shambhu
Singh and former IB chief P.C. Haldar, who is the interlocutor
in the ongoing Bodo peace process, visited Guwahati to hold discussions
with State Government officials on the NDFB-PTF’s non-participation
in February 28 talks.
NIA special judge, Samarjit Dey
convicted DHD-J linkman, Samir Ahmed under Section 19 of the Unlawful
Activities (Prevention) Act [UAPA] in NIA case number 02/2009.
Ahmed was set free following the sentence, as he had already spent
more than three years in prison during the investigation and trial
of the case.
Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar
Shinde will attend the ‘home coming ceremony’ of DHD-N militants
at Haflong in the same District on March 9. A MoS was signed between
the Government and the outfit on October 8 2012.
State DGP J.N. Choudhury expressed
hope that ULFA-ATF leader Paresh Baruah will also return to the
mainstream and join the peace process initiated by Arabinda Rajkhowa
led ULFA-PTF. The DGP said Baruah might also join the peace talks
at a later stage if he founds its progress favourable.
March 4
A motorcycle and a goods carrier
were set ablaze as the 100-hour proposed “Bodoland” bandh (general
Shutdown) announced by the PJACBM from the midnight of February
28 paralysed life for the fourth consecutive day. Both the incidents
were reported in Kokrajhar District. PJACBM is demanding the creation
of Bodoland state comprising BTAD and adjoining tribal-dominated
areas, under Articles 2 and 3 of the Constitution, which is not
supported by State Government. PJACBM also wants the Centre to
hold a dialogue with the NDFB-PTF at the highest political level.
The NRCF urged Governor Janaki
Ballav Patnaik to take immediate steps to exclude the villages
dominated by non-tribals from the RHAC areas, which are scattered
over Goalpara and Kamrup (Rural) Districts.
March 5
The State Government clarified
that contrary to rumours, the proposal to grant ST status to six
communities had not been rejected by the RGI. It was still under
the consideration of the RGI. The six communities involve Koch
Rajbongshis, Tai Ahoms, Morans, Mottacks, Chutias and tea tribes.
WPT & BC Minister, Rajiv Lochan
Pegu then informed the State Assembly that the rumour that the
RGI had rejected the proposal to grant ST status to the six communities
was baseless..
Two militants of the NDFB-IKS,
surrendered before the officers of the Red Horns Division of the
Army and Police at Kokrajhar District. The two surrendered militants
were identified as ‘second lieutenant’ John Islary alias Jwngsar
and N Jangkrithai alias Jigkanta Narzary (26).
John Islary was the former Commanding Officer (CO) of Western
Command and is now the CO of the Central Region of the NDFB-IKS.
ULFA-ATF has declared its
slain leader ‘sergeant major’ Dilip Asom alias Rajen
Saikia as ‘national martyrs’ of their revolution.
The leader was killed in an encounter with Army at Diyun in Arunachal
Pradesh on March 3.
March 6
State DGP J.N. Choudhary has warned
that forces inimical to the state might try to carry out blasts
during the Assembly session.
Non-Rabha and non-tribal organisations
under NRCF strongly opposed the inclusion of respective villages
in the RHAC in a rally held at Bhalukdubi lower primary school
field near Goalpara District on March 6. The protesters demanded
the exclusion of 394 villages in Goalpara and Kamrup Districts
dominated by non-Rabha and non-tribal people from the draft list
of 770 villages.
ULFA-PTF is upset with the Centre’s
handling of Anup Chetia’s deportation, as they want him to join
the ongoing dialogue with the Central Government. A seven-member
delegation of the pro-talk faction, led by ‘chairman’ Arabinda
Rajkhowa arrived in New Delhi on March 6 to take part in the next
round of political dialogue on March 7. The discussion, to be
held at the Home Secretary level, would also be attended by Centre’s
interlocutor PC Haldar.
The NDFB-PTF has made it clear
that it would not accept any alternative arrangement other than
a separate State of Bodoland.
One woman was arrested from Kamalpur
area of Kamrup Rural District along with FICN of a face value
of INR 25,000.
40,626 Bangladeshis, who were
declared as illegal migrants have evaded deportation over the
years. Assam Accord implementation Minister, Himanta Biswa
Sarma, in a written reply to a question by Asom Gana Parishad
(AGP) legislator Keshab Mahanta, informed the house on March 6
that the Police have been instructed to nab these illegal migrants
so that they can be deported to their country. "Police in
every District are on their look out and there have been a few
arrests too," the minister stated in his reply.
ABSU has demanded issuance of
Inner Line Permits (ILPs) for people coming from outside the state
to check the unabated influx of outsiders, mainly from Bangladesh.
ABSU ‘president’ Promod Boro and ‘general secretary’ Romeo P Narzary,
in a memorandum sent to the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday,
said the lands in tribal belts and blocks are being occupied by
non-tribals and Bangladeshis, but the government machineries have
done nothing to protect these lands from the encroachers.
March 7
SFs arrested two militants of
APA, identified as Jermis Munda and Markush Munda, at Paharpur
under Kumarikata Police Station in Baksa District. SFs recovered
five rifles, two hand grenades, 45 detonators from their possession.
The negotiations between the Central
Government and ULFA-PTF have reached a crucial stage with
the militant leaders claiming that they have received positive
vibes from the Government. “Yes, talks were successful”, Union
Home Secretary, RK Singh later told newsmen.
State Chief Minister, Tarun Gogoi
said that the level of insurgency has come down because of development.
He further stated that doors of the Government are open for all,
who sought solution of their problems through talks.
Publication of the final draft
of villages of RHAC, scheduled to be published on March 8, will
be delayed as numerous claims and objections are still being heard
in Goalpara and Kamrup Districts. Official sources in the two
Districts said draft of village councils and general council published
in the block development offices, circle and deputy commissioners’
offices on February 20 received numerous claims and objections
till the last date of February 28.
March 8
ULFA-ATF received a big jolt following
surrendering of its 11 cadres before the Deputy Commissioner of
Tinsukia (District) at a brief function held at Tinsukia.
The surrendered militants were identified as Monoranjan Gogoi
alias Kanu alias Minto Asom, Dipen Saikia alias Raja Asom, Manik
Dohotia alias Meghon Asom, Hayanta Saikia alias Joi Asom, Bulen
Moran alias Devid Asom, Rantu Moran alias Ashim Asom, Mizo Gohain
alias Andhi Asom, Hemkanta Changmai alias Jatin Khanka, Dhania
Saikia alias Kancha, Dharmen Sonowal alias Janbha and Raju Moran
alias Robit.
Bijoy Chinese, Deputy Chief and
a close associate of Paresh Baruah, who recently surrendered had
stated that a number of hardcore militants were waiting to surrender
within a short time. The surrender was a part of the process,
Police claimed.
Five suspected NDFB-ATF cadres
hatching a plan to abduct a bank employee from Guwahati city were
arrested from the Christianbasti area. The arrested cadres have
been identified as Gajen Boro alias Lenra, Sanjiv Swargiary alias
Ranjal, Jita Boro, Mithuyal Basumatary and Vijay Ramchiary. All
of them are from Baksa District.
Taking the next step towards fulfilment
of the demands made by the ULFA-PTF, the Centre is likely to start
the process of inter-ministerial deliberations to work out a package.
The Centre’s latest move was conveyed to the team of pro-talk
leaders at the tripartite meeting held in New Delhi on March 7.
At the meeting, Union Home Secretary, R.K. Singh reviewed the
progress so far made in talks with ULFA. After detailed discussion,
it was decided to follow up on a few specific steps on some issues,
said official sources.
March 9
Miscreants blew up a State Government-run
lower primary school at Kachurthal village under Ramnathpur Police
station areas in Hailakandi District near Mizoram border. Police
said the blast was triggered by suspected Mizoram-based miscreants.
However, there was no report of any loss of life. Sources said
border dispute between the two neighboring States has been a contentious
issue for past many years. Mizos claim Kachurthal village is within
the boundary of Mizoram. They have been opposing the construction
of the school in question by Assam authorities. In 2012, the school
was damaged due to similar blast.
The DHD, was disbanded. At the
same time, Dilip Nunisa, the chief of the outfit, announced the
formation of a new political party called Halali Progressive Groups
(HPG) at a home-coming ceremony in Haflong, the headquarters of
Dima Hasao district.
Nunisa was spearheading an armed
struggle for the creation of Dimaraji, a separate Dimasa State
comprising Dimasa-inhabited areas of Assam and Nagaland, till
his outfit signed a ceasefire agreement with the Centre on January
1, 2003. He said his new party will contest in the coming
election to the Dima Hasao Autonomous Council. He said the HPG
will work for a peaceful, developed and progressive Dima Hasao.
March 10
Accusing the State Government
of totally failing in updating the NRC, the AASU, demanded that
both the State Government and the Centre take urgent initiative
to implement the Assam Accord in its letter and spirit. The AASU
will resort to a Statewide 30-hour fast from 6 am on March 19
at every District headquarters where a 30-member body of the AASU
would take part.
March 11
Two persons were injured in a
bomb blast at a weekly market in Doiangmukh weekly market in Kheroni
area of Karbi Anglong District. Police have detained 15 persons
for interrogation in connection with the blast and confirmed it
as the handiwork of militants.
A bomb weighing one kilogram was
recovered from a public bus at Bongaigaon bus stand near Lower
Assam Hospital and Research Centre in Bongaigaon District. No
one has been arrested yet in this connection and investigation
is on. The bomb was defused later.
A total of 1,989 people have died
in violence by militants and miscreants in the present BTAD areas
since the movement for a separate State of Bodoland in 1987. Further,
only one accused out of the 426 has so far been punished. The
trial of 49 cases has been completed, resulting in the acquittal
of 48 and the rest of the cases are pending.
198 of the total 416 cases pending
against the BLT had been withdrawn as on January 2012. Of the
remaining 218 cases, petition has been filed for withdrawal of
209 cases following recommendation by the screening committees
of the districts concerned. Six cases are under consideration
of the screening committees and three are under investigation.
The next of kin of those killed
in violence during 1987 to June 22, 2004 have been paid compensation
of INR 100,000, and for those killed after June 22, 2004, an amount
of INR 300,000 has been paid to the next of kin. A total of INR
19.80 crore has been spent in the compensation since 2007-08 till
date.
This was revealed in a written
reply by Forest Minister Rockybul Husain (on behalf of the Home
Minister) to a question by HB Ahmed of AIUDF in the State Assembly.
SFs arrested two AANLA militants,
Bhimsen Kerketa and John Basbech, from Gholapani near Uarimghat
along the Assam-Nagaland border in Golaghat District. The duo
was involved in the killing of a teacher Jimmy Brown Buragohain,
his wife and daughter in the same District in December 18, 2012.
AANLA had demanded money from the teacher a few months before
the incident and Buragohain had not heeded to the outfit's demand.
SFs arrested an illegal Bangladeshi
migrant, identified as Ghulam Mustafa (45), from the char area
of Khagrachar under Sukhchar Police Station in Dhubri District.
SFs recovered FICN worth INR 298,000, in the denominations of
INR 1000 and INR 500 from his possession.
AASAA-Karbi Anglong has accused
Joy Ram Engleng led KAAC of extending "passive" support to certain
persons of "doubtful motive" in grabbing land belonging to Adivasi
community in various places of Karbi Anglong District. In a release,
president of AASAA, Anil Toppo held KAAC responsible for allowing
Sanjit Timung and Dilip Kramsa both ex-cadres of UPDS of evicting
hundreds of Adivasi people from Hotokajan and Lahorijan tea estate
model village, Khatkati block-2 at gun point and occupying 200
bighas of land recently.
March 12
Chirang District administration
has begun the final phase of rehabilitation of the Bodo-Muslim
ethnic clashes-affected people. At least 2,726 inmates are still
taking shelter in five relief camps in the District.
Minister of State for Home Affairs
M Ramachandran stated that insurgent groups in the Northeastern
region are getting arms and ammunition from China, MoS for Home
Affairs, M Ramachandran replied with a "no" when asked whether
the Government has received information regarding assistance provided
by China to separatist groups involved in large-scale violence
that took place in the north-eastern states in recent years.
A civilian driver, identified
as Sukumar Das (32), was abducted by a group of suspected militants
belonging to the NDFB-IKS near the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border
in Sonitpur District. The daring abduction took place even though
the driver was accompanied by three army troopers of the intelligence
department from the Army base in Misamari.
March 13
SFs arrested one militant of NDFB-IKS,
identified as Phunka Narzary (19), from Oguri village under Bijni
Police Station in Chirang District on March 13. S Saikia, Officer-in-Charge,
Basugaon Police Station, following the arrest, said, "One 7.65
mm pistol, three live ammunition and one hand grenade were recovered
from him. We have allegations that he was involved in several
extortion cases. We started investigation over the matter."
KPLT decided to postpone the indefinite
period Karbi Anglong Bandh (General shutdown). 'chairman' of KPLT,
B.D. Sarpo Tung Ajang said that to achieve state hood peoples
overwhelming support was necessary and that such a movement in
Karbi Anglong was unimaginable.
The RHAC elections scheduled for
April 30 is likely to be delayed owing to the continuing process
of preparing the final draft of villages and general councils
for delimitation. Though the state election commission extended
the date of publishing of the final draft from March 8 to 15,
officials in Goalpara expressed their inability to complete the
process within the deadline adds the report.
Suspected Adivasi militants abducted
a schoolteacher, Lebi Tete, from his residence in Paharline Kuani
village in Bogijan area under Golaghat Police Station in Golaghat
District on March 13. Police arrested five persons for interrogation,
but they haven't got any leads in the case so far.
The CPI-Maoist is in the process
of appointing local area commanders in the Sonitpur District,
security agencies have ascertained. The next step would be the
selection of cadres and their training to set up armed squads,
sources revealed.
The Union MoS for Home Affairs
M Ramachandran said in Parliament that consensus on the definition
of 'Assamese people' and the criteria for the reservations in
the Parliament, State legislatures, and local bodies could not
be arrived at and the proposal could not reach its logical conclusion.
The Central and State Governments are nowhere near implementation
of the Clause Six of Assam Accord, despite the lapse of 28 years,
the report added. The clause deals with the reservation of seats
to the Parliament, State legislatures, and local bodies for Assamese
people and protection of monuments and places of cultural and
historical monuments in Assam.
March 14
An encounter between SFs and militants
belonging to KPLT took place at Moujadar basti area under Borpathar
Police Station in Karbi Anglong District. SFs recovered an AK-47
rifle, one SLR, some incriminating documents and a motorcycle
from the spot. However, no one was killed or arrested during the
encounter.
The manpower shortage in the State
Police has risen sharply in recent years with 7,819 posts lying
vacant in various ranks. In a written reply given during the ongoing
assembly session, State environment and Forest Minister Rockybul
Hussain said against a sanctioned strength of 72,461 posts, Assam
Police has 64,642 personnel at present. Hussain replied on behalf
of Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, who also holds the Home Portfolio.
According to an official report
on Assam Police's strength as on March 2013 the vacancies among
the top-ranking posts are - one post in the rank of DGP, 10 IGP
posts, four posts in the DIG rank and 196 posts of DSP of unarmed
branch are lying vacant. Besides, several other lower rank posts
in the police force are also vacant. These include 82 posts of
inspector (unarmed branch), 57 posts of Inspector (armed branch),
177 posts of Sub-Inspector (unarmed branch) and 38 posts of Sub-Inspectors
(armed branch).
March 15
The Assam Minority Struggle Association
staged a dharna (sit-in protest) in front of the Goalpara (Goalpara
District) Deputy Commissioner's office to protest against the
killings of non-Rabhas in the District. Assam Sankhyalaghu Sangram
Parishad 'president', Naziruddin Ahmed alleged that people from
a particular community attacked two non-Rabha boys who were on
their way to Dhuptola from Moilapathar in broad daylight on March
13. Azibar Ali (15) was killed in the attack and another boy,
Hazer Ali, was seriously injured. "Before this incident, Soman
Ali (18) was killed and his body was recovered from Maladhara.
So, one after another incident is taking place and the government
is doing absolutely nothing to control the situation," Ahmed claimed.
Also, the Parishad warned the State Government of strong consequences
if the culprits aren't brought to book in the next 48 hours.
A Police source in the District
said that three person who were allegedly involved in March13's
incident were arrested from the Uranpara-Rakhasani area of the
District on March 14.
A 36-hour Goalpara bandh
(General strike) beginning from March 19 has been called by the
NRCF in support of their demand to delete the names of non-Rabha
and Garo villages from the draft of villages.
According to the State home department's
records, in the year 2012, SFs recovered about 444 arms, 9,373
rounds of ammunition and 200 explosives from all corners of the
state.
Goalpara District topped the chart
in arms recovery with a total of 123 arm recoveries in 2012. Also,
654 rounds of ammunition, 14 grenades and 36 IEDs were recovered
from the District. SFs said that Goalpara District has seen a
steep increase in the seizure of arms and ammunition as the GNLA
and the ULFA-ATF are highly active along the Assam-Meghalaya border.
"Last year, there were at least
50 arms, 148 rounds of ammunition, six grenades and five IEDs
recovered from Kokrajhar District," added the report. As many
as 36 and 21 arms were recovered from Baksa and Udalguri Districts
of Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) respectively last year.
The report cited that the highest number of 42 grenades was recovered
from Baksa District.
While in the Hill Districts, of
Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao, 33 and 31 arms seized respectively
in 2012. SFs seized almost 2,967 rounds of ammunition from these
two Districts alone.
As per the records available,
2,438 rounds of ammunition were recovered from Guwahati city,
which topped the charts in the ammunition seizure category. Further,
22 arms and five explosives were also seized from the city in
2012. Besides, the GRP too seized at least 16 arms and 1,035 rounds
of ammunition during the same period in the State.
The Tinsukia administration has
requested Dispur for 45 motorbikes to reduce response time during
anti-insurgency operations after the latest security review pointed
to a heightened threat perception in the border district. Insurgent
groups like CPI-Maoist, ULFA-ATF and Naga militant outfits are
active in the District that shares a 240kilometre border with
Arunachal Pradesh.
Unidentified militants abducted
three ginger traders from an area near Terang basti under Manja
police station of Karbi Anglong District. According to information
a group of five armed unidentified militants abducted the traders,
Minu Basumatary, Pawgan Singson and Dulal Basumatary. Sources
revealed that a huge sum (around INR 1.8 million) has been demanded
from the relatives of the abducted persons.
13 youths from Charaideo Sub-Division
in Sivasagar District have joined the ULFA-ATF a few days back.
A few of them who signed the release are Pabitra Asom, Papu Asom,
Gonesh Asom, Binod Asom, Jitu Asom, Nomal Asom and Khagen Asom.
The youths, most of them less than 30 years of age, stated in
a press release that they joined the outfit willingly for the
failure of the authorities in solving issues like the granting
of Scheduled Tribe status to the Tai-Ahom community and the Dibang
dam, among others.
March 16
SFs stationed at Maibong in Dima
Hasao recovered a huge cache of arms and ammunition, official
sources said on March 16. The cache of arms included two .9 mm
pistols with magazine, four 12 bore guns, four Chinese grenade,
two radio sets, two IED and a few detonators which were hidden
in an old water tank. Security sources suspected that the recovered
arms belonged to DNLF.
SFs arrested an ULFA-ATF militant,
identified as Amar Deka alias Abinash Asom (23), from Darrang
District. SFs recovered a Chinese M-46 grenade and some incriminating
documents from his possession.
SFs arrested a NDFB linkman, Sanjeev
Mushahary (28), from an undisclosed location.
State Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi
expressed satisfaction over the dialogue between the Central Government
and ULFA-PTF. Saying that the peace talks with ULFA-PTF was progressing
in the right direction, Gogoi, however, said it would be too early
to comment on possible outcome of dialogue.
March 16
SFs arrested a DJNA militant,
Thomas Daulagapu, from upper Mahandijua village under Manja Police
Station in Karbi Anglong District.
In a confessional statement given
to Manja Police, Thomas Daulagapu revealed that around 30 DJNA
cadres were receiving training in NSCN-K camp. The arrested cadre
told Manja police that DJNA was to pay a huge sum to NSCN-K for
"imparting training and arming the group." The arrested cadre
admitted that the newly formed outfit was also active in Karbi
Anglong and Dima Hasao district for collecting fund by "means
of extortion." Thomas said a former DHD cadre Runit Jidung engaged
him to send out extortion notices to various individuals and organizations.
He revealed that Runit was supposed to receive 20% of the total
collection. Thomas also mentioned that the chief aim of DJNA was
to form a separate state (Dimaraji) for the Dimasa community on
the lines of the disbanded DHD.
March 17
Pradip Roy, a member of the KLO,
and wanted in Godapani Pathak's murder, was arrested by Bengal
police from Kamakhyaguri in Jalpaiguri District in north Bengal
a few days ago and was handed over to Bongaigaon Police. He is
now being interrogated at Abhayapuri Police Station of the District
since the past couple of days.
March 18
The Union Government has given
its nod to start updating of the NRC in seven Districts of Assam
after violence marred the NRC pilot project in Barpeta District
in 2010. The decision was taken after a meeting between the Centre
and the State government held in New Delhi on Monday.
The NRC would not be updated in
Barpeta District this time but it would be updated in non-minority-dominated
Districts of Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Sivasagar, Jorhat, Golaghat,
Nagaon and Sonitpur, said Shambu Singh, Joint Secretary of Home
Ministry (NE In-Charge).
India asked Bangladesh to work
out an action plan to flush out the remaining militant leaders
of the Northeast region from that country. Central Government's
request was conveyed at the Director General level "Border Coordination
Conference" between BSF and BGB that got under way on March 18.
The meeting will end on March 23.
The Central Government is hoping
the peace talks with ULFA-PTF will attain a new level of credibility
in April with the return of the outfit's general secretary, Golap
Baruah alias Anup Chetia. The key ULFA leader is in "protective
custody" in Rajshahi jail in Bangladesh, pending a decision on
his petition in the Bangladesh Supreme Court. He has sought asylum
in Bangladesh or in a third country. When the court takes up the
case, possibly next month, a decision would be tensely awaited
in both countries. Though Dhaka is likely to turn down the request,
it is hoped that the initiative will come from Chetia himself.
March 19
A Policeman was injured when supporters
of the 36-hour Goalpara District bandh (general strike)
clashed with the Police at Pancharatna under Kharmuja Police outpost.
Officer-in charge of Kharmuja Police Outpost, Marmuj Ali, was
injured when nearly 500 strike supporters staging a blockade on
the road allegedly attacked the SFs.
The situation turned violent when
the Police tried to clear the road for vehicles. The supporters
then attacked a Tata Sumo at Pancharatna about 300 metres away
from Naranaryan Setu and set it ablaze. The driver of the car
was also injured in the attack. Protesters also set ablaze a truck
at Kumri area in the District. Police later had to fire blank
shots in the air to disperse the mob. With the arrival of additional
SFs and senior Police officials, a semblance of normalcy returned.
The bandh was called by
non-Rabha and non-tribal organisations under the NRCF to register
its protest against the inclusion of non-Rabha and non-tribal
dominated villages in the RHAC. They demanded the exclusion of
the names of 394 villages dominated by non-Rabha, non-tribal and
Garo population from the draft of villages in the council, the
preparation for which is under way.
Six out of the seven districts,
to be covered in first phase of NRC update, do not have the NRC
of 1951 while the complete electoral rolls of 1966 and 1971 are
available in only two Districts. The first phase of the NRC update
approved by the RGI will take place in seven Districts - Tinsukia,
Dibrugarh, Sivasagar, Jorhat, Golaghat, Nagaon and Sonitpur. According
to official records, the districts that are scheduled for the
NRC update in the first phase have no records of the NRC of 1951;
only partial records of the rolls of 1966 and 1971 are available
in Sivasagar District. Among the other first phase Districts,
names of 208 villages are not in the electoral rolls of 1966 in
Tinsukia. In Nagaon, 19 villages are not included in the rolls
of 1971 and names of another 11 villages are not there in rolls
of 1966. The complete electoral rolls up to 1971 are available
in only Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Golaghat and Sonitpur.
The process to update the NRC
in Assam will start in April. This was decided at a meeting between
officials of Union Home Ministry, representative of the Assam
government and the RGI in New Delhi, officials said. "We held
detailed discussions with the officials of the Registrar General
of India to pave way for early initiation," State Home Commissioner,
G.D. Tripathy said.
Three ginger traders, who were
abducted by unidentified militants from Terang village in Karbi
Anglong on March 15, escaped from the hideout of the militants.
A Police personal, Arfan Khan,
was injured during the 36-hour Goalpara District bandh
(General strike). nearly 1,200 rubber trees were felled by suspected
non-Rabhas during the 36-hour Goalpara District bandh (General
strike). The bandh was called by non-Rabha and non-tribal organisations
under the NRCF to oppose the inclusion of non-Rabha and non-tribal
dominated villages in the upcoming RHAC.
A general alert has been sounded
to increase security cover of all the major religious institutions
including temples in the State following apprehension that any
such temple may come under attack from extremists,. Notably, Kamakhya
temple has been on the alert list since 2010 and the threat perception
remains till date.
March 20
The Centre acknowledged the fact
that anti-national activities of CPI-Maoist in some Districts
of the north-eastern States are posing a threat to internal security.
In a reply to a question in the
Rajya Sabha, Union MoS for Home Affairs RPN Singh said, "The Assam-Arunachal
border has emerged as another theatre for Maoist activities. The
CPI (Maoist) are trying to establish organizational base in the
Northeast with a view to forge relations with other insurgent
groups to meet its military requirements." According to him, while
Maoist activities have been reported in 2012 in Dhemaji and Tinsukia
Districts of Assam, Maoist influence has been noticed in Dibrugarh,
Sonitpur and Chirang Districts. The movement of the Maoists have
also been reported in Lohit and lower Dibang valley Districts
of Arunachal Pradesh. The Upper Assam Leading Committee (UALC)
of the CPI (Maoist) is operating in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh
and has been involved in incidents of looting of weapons and extortion
from local villagers. The UALC is also engaged in recruitment
and training of cadres of militant outfits in Assam. The foray
of CPI (Maoist) into the sensitive north-eastern States is fraught
with serious strategic implications since it has potential trans-border
possibilities.
MoS for Home affairs RPN Singh
further said that the Centre has alerted the State Governments
concerned in this regard. The Home Ministry is also monitoring
the situation closely and is sending advisories, as and when required,
based on intelligence inputs, the Minister added.
In a reply to a question raised
by AGP Member of Parliament Birendra Prasad Baishya in the Rajya
Sabha (upper house of Parliament), Union Minister of State
for Home Affairs Mullappally Ramachandran said that consensus
on the definition of "Assamese people" and the criteria for reservation
in the Parliament, State Legislature and local bodies could not
be arrived at, and that the proposal had not reached its logical
conclusion. Clause 6 of the 1985-Assam Accord provides constitutional,
legislative and administrative safeguards to the "Assamese people"
the State.
March 21
Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, when
asked about the rise in CPI-Maoist activities in some upper Assam
Districts in the State, said, that, "Given the rise in Maoist
[CPI-Maoist] activities in upper Assam, we have decided to deploy
more security forces". On the issue of NRC update in Assam, Gogoi
said, "Due to lots of problems with regard to NRC update in lower
Assam, we have started the NRC update in upper Assam in the first
phase."
ULFA-PTF 'chairman' Arabinda Rajkhowa
stated India and Bangladesh are trying to find a way to get undivided
ULFA 'general secretary' Anup Chetia alias Golap Baruah
out of the "protective custody" of Bangladesh court so that he
can be extradited to India for participation in the ongoing peace
talks.
State Forest Minister Rockybul
Hussain stated that the present Government in the State created
around 25,000 posts in the State Police Department and around
8,000 posts in the department are lying vacant at present. Between
1,000 and 2,000 of these posts fall vacant annually due to superannuation
of incumbent officers and staff, he said.
He further claimed that the situation
in the BTAD areas is returning to normal and those taking shelter
following the incidents of ethnic clash last year are returning
to their native places. State Forest Minister Rockybul Hussain
further informed the State Assembly that the migrants entering
the State during the 1966-1971 period should register themselves
with the authorities concerned or else they are to be sent to
the detention camps set up for detaining illegal migrants.
March 22
KLNLF observed its 19th raising
day at its Diphu designated camp in Karbi Anglong District. In
an open session organized leaders of the outfit under truce reiterated
its demand for a separate statehood for the scheduled tribes inhabiting
in the hills of Assam for lasting peace. KLNLF came over ground
in 2010 declaring truce with the government the outfit also 'decommissioned'
its entire arsenal as a gesture of readiness for peaceful conclusion
of its arms struggle through negotiation.
The Central Government will soon
offer a new rehabilitation package to the ULFA-PTF as the primary
focus of the ongoing peace talks is rehabilitation of its members.
The rehabilitation package will be a "constructive" one that will
help its cadres lead a dignified life.
DG of BGB, Major General Aziz
Ahmed said Dhaka would never allow its soil to be used against
any anti-India activity. BGB DG said that Bangladesh had assured
India it would not harbour any anti-India elements, while interacting
with journalists at the end of five-day long 37th Border Co-ordination
Conference with BSF in New Delhi. The two sides also identified
175 patches along the border for increased patrolling where fencing
was not possible.
Alarmed by reports of fresh illegal
infiltration from Bangladesh triggered by the ongoing turmoil
in the neighbouring country, India has alerted the border guarding
force deployed along the international border. Briefing the media,
DG, BSF, Subhash Joshi and DG of BGB, Major General Aziz Ahmed
said that forces were on alert, denying reports of rise in infiltration
along the highly porous international border. DG BSF Subhash Joshi
said about 27 percent of India's border with Bangladesh could
not be fenced due to riverine terrain and other difficult geographical
features. He said fencing work was sanctioned for 3,436 km of
the 4,096-km border with Bangladesh and 2,525 km had been fenced.
He said work was in progress for fencing on 365 km and the pending
work was expected to be completed in a year or two.
March 23
SFs arrested two suspected NDFB
cadres, identified as Mohash Baghoar (20) Sunil Bormohalia (19),
from Rangapara town in Sonitpur District. SFs recovered one country-made
gun along with three rounds of ammunition from the cadre.
March 24
SFs arrested two suspected linkmen
of the NDFB-IKS, identified as Jotin Nazari and Putuli Nazari,
near Koliabhomora Bridge in Sonitpur District. SFs recovered a
pistol and five grenades from their possession. The husband-wife
duo was on their way to Biswanath Chariali from Dimapur via Tezpur
on a motorcycle.
The Army has got a ROV to tackle
the IED planted by militants in the State. "Designed by the DRDO,
the ROV was tested in December and inducted in January," an Army
Officer said.
The Central Government has ruled
out general amnesty for the members of NDFB-RD, who have been
charged with involvement in heinous crimes, including the serial
blasts in the state on October 30, 2008. The 2008 serial blasts
claimed 88 lives and left 540 persons injured. The CBI in its
chargesheet had named 18 NDFB cadres, including its founder 'chairman'
Ranjan Daimary, in the October 30 serial blasts. A key Government
representative associated with the peace process said peace talks
and trials in cases of heinous crimes will go hand in hand for
the NDFB-RD.
CM Tarun Gogoi hailed the UC structure
engaged in counter-insurgency operations in the State as one of
the best in the country and commended the role of the Army and
other paramilitary forces in curbing insurgency.CM Gogoi said,
"Assam's unified command structure is one of the best in the country.
The Army has been successful in taking positive initiatives in
the state. We are able to function as a government because of
it (the Army)."
NDFB-IKS banned felling of trees
and other illegal activities inside the reserve forest. NDFB-IKS
has issued leaflets in many areas, especially in the vicinity
of forest areas in Ripu-Chirang Reserve in Kokrajhar and Chirang
Districts. The leaflets were issued by the NDFB-IKS ‘forest minister’
B. Sibigiri, and ‘commanding officer’ of NDFB-IKS’s western command,
M. Biban.
March 25
SFs
arrested three UPDS cadres, identified as Sarsing Timung (35),
Lawrence Engleng (32) and Kangbura Ingti (30), from Maisa Killing
located in the valley of Singhason Hill track in Karbi Anglong
District. The cadres were planning to abduct two prominent businessmen
of the locality.
Criminal
cases registered against members of the DHD-N and DHD-J/ BW outfits
for non-heinous crime may be withdrawn by the State Government
as per procedure established by law. Further, criminal cases registered
against members of the two DHD groups for heinous crimes will
be reviewed case by case in consonance with the existing policy
on the subject, and wherever feasible, steps for withdrawal of
such cases will be initiated by the State Government. This was
stated in a written reply by Forest Minister Rockybul Hussain
on behalf of the State Home Minister to a question by Prafulla
Kumar Mahanta in the Assembly.
Six insurgent groups are currently
active in Assam while 12 others in talks with the Central and
State Government, Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Rockybul
Hussain said. Six groups - ULFA-ATF, NDFB-ATF/ NDFB-IKS, KPLT,
KLO, MULTA and HuM-are active in the State; Hussain said replying
to a question in the House.
Hussain said outfits in talks
were NDFB’s Progressive faction, ULFA-PTF, KLNLF, ACMA, BCF, KRA,
UKDA, KLA, HPC-D, APA, AANLA and STF.
The NDFB-RD and the NSLA have
declared unilateral ceasefire, Hussain said while replying on
behalf of Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, who also holds the Home
Affairs portfolio, said.
Two groups —BTF and ULFBV have
already surrendered. Settlement has been reached by the central
and state governments with the UPDS and the two factions of the
DHD.
“However, details regarding the
progress of talks with various outfits cannot be disclosed now,”
Hussain said. On cases faced by leaders and cadres of outfits
in talks, he said, “We will not lift the cases faced by them.
The cases will be dealt by the courts and judiciary. A monthly
assistance of INR 3,000 is provided to each cadre belonging to
groups engaged in peace talks.
SFs arrested five KLRA cadres
including the ‘chairman’ and ‘general secretary’ from Kolonga
locality under Baithalangso Police Station of Hamren sub-division
of Karbi Anglong District. The arrested cadres were identified
as Tension alias Sanchar as the ‘chairman’ of
KLRA and Robinson Inghi as ‘general secretary’; the other three
arrested has been identified as Ronjit Timung, Sanjib Teron and
Premison Engti.
NESO asked Prime Minister Manmohan
Singh to expedite the ongoing peace process with various rebel
groups in India’s northeastern states. “The Indian government
must demonstrate its sincerity and commitment to all the ongoing
political dialogues with different armed groups operating in the
Northeastern states,” NESO Chairman Samuel B Jyrwa said. “A time-frame
mechanism with a focus for an acceptable, honourable and solution
must be worked out (with the rebels) and there should be no procrastination
towards this the initiative,” Jyrwa said.
On the “unabated influx of illegal
migrants from neighbouring countries” that has brought a serious
demographic change in the North East, NESO urged the prime minister
to extend Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873 in the entire
North Eastern states. The student body also asked the Government
to take immediate initiatives to prepare a register of citizens
by updating the National register of citizens, 1951, which is
the official the document on citizenship.
March 26
A six–member delegation of the
PJACBM and NDFB–PTF, met the UHM Sushil Kumar Shinde in New Delhi
to discuss the peace talk with the NDFB-PTF in political level
to resolve the problems. The delegation was represented by Jebra
Ram Mushahary, Chief Convener, PJACBM, Chief Advisor Gangadhar
Ramchiary, Maihung Daimary, Member, PJACBM, B Swmkhwr, and ‘General
Secretary’ of the NDFB-PTF M Gerema, ‘Home Secretary’ and B Alongbar,
‘Organizing Secretary’ of the outfit. The UHM assured them to
expedite the peace talks on desired political level to find an
amicable solution to the Bodoland issue.
March 27
SFs recovered 556 rounds of ammunition
from a train at Hojai station in Nagaon District. The bullets
recovered were of AK-47 assault rifles, .9 mm pistols and Insas
rifles, Police said.
Suspected Adivasi militants abducted
a businessman son belonging to Chapor town from Choibari tea estate
near the Dhubri- Kokrajhar District border. The victim was identified
as Ranjan Sil (22). There has been no ransom demand so far.
A parliamentary standing committee
on Home Affairs has recommended increased pressure on countries
bordering the Northeastern region during trade discussions to
close down Indian rebel training camps operating on their soil.The
Venkaiah Naidu-led department-related parliamentary standing committee
on Home Affairs stated in its report submitted on March that all
trade discussions with the countries bordering states of the Northeast
should include a clause demanding closure of rebel training camps
being run on their soil.
The committee observed that despite
adoption of various strategies to bring peace to the Northeast,
an environment conducive to investments to ensure accelerated
economic growth was yet to become a reality. “The need of the
hour is to undertake confidence-building measures and employment
generation, besides ensuring security and safety of human beings
and their belongings,” it stated. The committee opined that counter-insurgency
strategies in the Northeast should be multi-pronged and that Union
development ministries along with the State Governments of the
region could play effective roles in countering these insurgent
groups.
March 30
With the improvement of relations
between India and Bangladesh, the ties between the border guarding
forces of both the countries have also improved considerably and
coordinated patrolling by the BSF and BGB has started, which is
a major positive in border management. BSF sources elaborated
that the personnel of the BSF and BGB jointly identified the vulnerable
stretches along the Indo-Bangla border based on infiltration,
movement of criminals etc and coordinated patrolling is carried
out in those areas.
March 31
SFs, in an encounter, killed a
GNLA militant near the Khashi Ghaghra area under Krishnai Police
Station in Goalpara District. The slain militant was identified
as Khowak Marak. While, another GNLA militant identified as Niksrang
Sangma was injured in the same incident.
SFs recovered an IED, suspected
to be planted by NDFB militants, from a connecting road between
Kanyakuchi and Saljhar Township under Rangjuli Police Station
in the same District.
Members of FTVFA at a press conference
in Guwahati city urged the Government, the judiciary and the public
to stand by the victims of the October 30, 2008 serial blasts
and pleaded that NDFB chief Ranjan Daimary, who masterminded the
serial blasts in the state, is not released on bail. The district
sessions court on March 30 heard the bail plea of the militant
chief and reserved its judgment till April 3. Official sources
said that Daimary is likely to get interim bail to allow him to
participate in the ongoing peace parleys between the Centre, state
and the NDFB.
April 1
Two cadres of the NDFB-IKS, identified
as Thaijan (Tamaran) Brahma and Baitu (Kamishar) Brahma, were
arrested from Basbari Market in a joint operation by SFs based
at Panbari in Dhubri District. One US-made automatic pistol, two
magazines, 11 rounds of live ammunition, one hand grenade along
with a fuse, INR 25,000 in cash, two mobile phones, photos and
documents were recovered from them.
Police arrested a man, identified
as Biswanath Chandra Chauhan (35), along with a handmade gun from
his residence at Balagaon under Kokrajhar Police Station in Kokrajhar
District.
Government accorded a special
category status to Maoist-affected Tinsukia District to tackle
Left-wing extremism and militancy. The Government has constituted
a 13-member high-powered committee headed by Power and Industry
Minister Pradyut Bordoloi (MLA from the District) with senior
officers from several departments, including Commissioner (Upper
Assam division) and Deputy Commissioner of Tinsukia District,
to prepare a special all-round developmental plan that will focus
on infrastructure development and avenues of employment generation.
The plan will be named Integrated District Action Plan.
April 1-4
SFs arrested two suspected NDFB-IKS
cadres, during operations, in the foothills area of Misamari in
Sonitpur District. The two arrested militants were identified
as Prem Surin (26 yrs) and Kathimal Mushahary (45 yrs). SFs recovered
two country made rifles, one barrel of country made rifle and
one butt of a rifle.
April 2
Police managed to rescue Jagdish
Chandra Das, an employee at the State Secretariat, from Orang
more than a month after he was abducted from Guwahati. Das was
abducted on February 26 from Jalukbari area after which he was
taken to Udalguri and then to Orang where he was kept in captivity.
The abductors had demanded INR 10 million from his family. The
arrested persons were identified as Rupsingh Teron, Jagdish Basumatary,
Rongpi Boro, Abani Boro, Indrajeet Boro, Deepak Kumar Boro and
Suren Basumatary. Jagdish Basumatary is a member of Ex-Bodo Liberation
Tigers Welfare Society.
The State Government said that
it will not interfere in judicial matters of cases involving leaders
and cadres of militant groups engaged in peace talks, Minister
for Panchayat and Rural Development Rockybul Hussain informed
the Assembly that while the State Government gave full support
to talks between the Centre and militant groups, it was up to
the judiciary to decide bail pleas and related issues of arrested
militants. On the peace talks between the NDFB-RD and the Centre,
Hussain said that the Central Government’s interlocutor P C Haldar
had held several rounds of talks with Daimary, who is lodged in
Guwahati Central Jail.
Ranjan Sil (22), son of a businessman
of Chapor town in Dhubri District, was released by militants in
Kokrajhar town in Kokrajhar District. Ranjan was abducted by suspected
militants of BCF from Choibari tea garden in Dhubri District on
March 27.
April 3
Police arrested seven persons,
including five militants of RNLF [formerly known as Rabha Viper
Army] and two arms dealers of Meghalaya from Rani in Kamrup District
and Byrnihat (Assam-Meghalaya border) respectively. Inspector
General of Police (IGP-Law and Order) LR Bishnoi said, “We have
information that following panchayat elections in Goalpara, the
Rabha National Liberation Force is again trying to gain strength
by purchasing arms and ammunition. The outfit, which is mostly
active in the district, had received a blow when eight of its
cadres were killed in encounters during the past seven-eight months.
Another five cadres had surrendered. Drishti Rajkhowa of Ulfa
had asked a leader of the outfit, Deepak Rabha, to regroup and
promised them support in this regard.”
Golaghat Police apprehended eight
youths from Morongi in the District. They were allegedly on their
way to join ULFA.
Police arrested an ULFA cadre,
identified as Karuna Milli, with Lalit Konwar from Sissimukh-Machkhowa
in Dhemaji District and recovered arms and ammunition from him.
At least seven militant groups
will attend a meeting to be hosted by ULFA-PTF on the threat posed
by illegal migration to State’s ethnic communities at the group’s
designated camp in Kakopathar in Tinsukia District on April 7.
April 7th is ULFA’s raising day. The participants
are leaders of HPC-D of Mizoram, DHD of Dima Hasao, Karbi National
Liberation Army of Karbi Anglong, ANVC of Meghalaya, NDFB-PTF
and KRF.
The court of the District and
sessions judge, Kamrup, asked CBI to file its views on NDFB-RD
chief Ranjan Daimary’s plea for grant of absolute bail and reduction
of the bail amount from the current INR 500,000. The bureau has
been given time till April 10, the next date of hearing of Daimary’s
bail plea, to do so.
The FT of Goalpara (Goalpara District)
has disposed 59 cases in the month of March and has found seven
illegal migrants residing in the State. Disposing the cases, the
FT has declared 46 contesting ‘D’ voters as genuine Indian citizens,
three cases as ex–prate illegal migrants and dismissed one case.
April 4
DG of BSF, Subhash Joshi, along
with other senior BSF officers concluded a two–day (April 3-4)
visit of Karimganj and Mizoram border. The purpose of the visit
was to review the security scenario and border management on the
Indo–Bangladesh border in both the sectors. The DG revealed that
90 per cent of fencing was complete and the remaining portion
would also be completed soon.
State Police arrested four persons
from Guwahati city in Kamrup (metro) District and recovered eight
.32 bore pistols from them. According to the Police, the Bihar
residents were carrying the arms to Dimapur in Nagaland. The four
were identified as Nuri Begum, Ayesha Ali Khan, Chandni Begum
and Mohammed Firoze.
The AASU warned AIUDF chief Badaruddin
Ajmal asking to him not to pose fresh hurdles in the proposed
updating of the NRC in the State. The move comes in the wake of
AIUDF asking the State Government to approach the Centre seeking
use of the term "preparation' instead of "update"
in the application form for the NRC and saying that the previous
NRC of 1951 of the state had errors. AIUDF, too, pressed for amendments
in the sub-rules under the Citizenship Amendment Rules, 2009.
Militant outfit KPLT demanded
INR 300,000, as extortion money, from former president of AXX,
Rong Bong Terang,
April 5
All Assam Surrendered ULFA Samiti
reiterated its demand that ULFA-ATF 'commander-in-chief' Paresh
Baruah be brought to the talks table to find an amicable solution.
"Paresh Baruah has never opposed talks. The only thing he
wants to discuss is the issue of Assam's sovereignty. But discussing
sovereignty doesn't mean granting it. Moreover, the demand charter
of Rajkhowa faction is very confusing. So, to reach to a concrete
solution, the government must bring Paresh Baruah into the talks,"
said Rajkumar Duwarah, ‘president’ of the association. Duwarah
was a member of ULFA's organizing committee before he surrendered
in 1992.
A new militant formation UPLF
has come into existence on January 4, with an aim to create a
separate Dimasa Karbi-Anchal State comprising the Hill Districts
of Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao. The leaders of the outfit are
R. Dimasa and L. Karbi, in-charge of ‘information and publicity’
of UPLF, S. Karbi ‘chairman’ and J, Dimasa as ‘commander in chief’.
UPLF has warned that those involved in illegal exploitation of
minerals and natural resources within the declared zone of Dimasa
Karbia-anchal would be punished. The outfit also warned dishonest
governmental officials to cease from deceitful activities.
Security Forces recovered a bomb
planted by unidentified militants from Phandi Line Lower Primary
School in Sonitpur District.The school has remained closed since
then, adds the report.
April 6
SFs recovered a cache of arms
and ammunition was hidden in the Nutan Basti locality of Dima
Hasao District. The recovered weapons included three country-made
revolvers, 973 rounds of ammunition, 100 gelatine sticks, 40 detonators,
an IED and two grenades.
April 7
SFs defused an IED found at Pathsala
in Nalbari District. The device was found on April 6 evening.
SFs arrested two NDFB militants,
identified as Fungkha Narzary (25) and Obi Basumatary, from Rowmary
area in Chirang District. SFs recovered one pistol, seven rounds
of bullet and INR10,400 from them.
The ULFA-ATF, on its 34th raising
day, hoisted its flag at Naharkatia College in Dibrugarh District.
ULFA-ATF ‘chairman’ Abhijit Asom sought support from the people
for its “cause” to free Assam from “colonial forces”. Pro-Talks
faction of ULFA (ULFA-PTF) leader Arabinda Rajkhowa however, asked
all cadres of the militant outfit, along with the people of the
State, not to lose hope in the ongoing peace dialogue with the
Government.
Jiten Dutta, a leader of the ULFA-PTF,
expressed displeasure at being kept in the dark by their leaders
about the content of the ongoing talks with the Central Government.
Dutta said, “The central leadership [of ULFA-PTF] has not made
public what they are discussing with the Centre though they claim
that 80 per cent progress has been achieved in the talks”. He
further warned that if the interests of the indigenous people
of the State were not included in the on-going talks, then second-rung
leaders like him would join hands with other like-minded organisations
of the Northeast and launch a new struggle for the protection
of the indigenous people.
TVF, an umbrella organisation
of victims of militancy in the State, called upon civil society
to socially boycott militants and their families to discourage
upcoming generations from taking up arms.TVF founder and chief
adviser, Dhananjoy Saikia, in a speech, urged society to take
a firm stand against militancy. Saikia further called for social
boycott of all militants including current, former, surrendered
and those who engaged in peace talks.
CPI-Maoists under the banner of
‘Krishak Sramik Mahasamiti’ have become active in
the tea estates of Rupacherra, Sonacherra, Amranagar, Chintibil
and others in South Assam Districts of Cachar, Karimganj and Hailakandi.
The report identifies a Maoist activist Sridhar as office bearer
of Krishak Sabha of Cachar District for spreading the Maoist ideology.
Further, Shyam Sundar Santhal, Madan Urang, Sarat Kurmi, Naren
Urang and Rajeshwar Urang are actively working in different tea
estates of Cachar, Karimganj and Hailakandi Districts states the
report. The input further adds to say that two cadres, Bikash
Debnath and Swapna Debnath, have been given the responsibility
of South Assam.
April 8
Two militants of the ULFA-ATF
were killed in an encounter with SFs at Bordoloni village in
Dibrugarh District. SFs recovered a Germany made Heckler &
Koch (HK) 33 assault rifle, one 9 mm pistol, two grenades, five
magazines and a few Ulfa letterheads from the encounter site.
SFs arrested a militant belonging
to NNC- FGN from Kelelo area in Haflong town of Dima Hasao District.
The militant was identified as sergeant, Songbambe Kuame alias Nimpeu
of Kohima based 3rd Battalion of NNC-FGN. SFs recovered one auto
pistol, one magazine, three live rounds and one mobile hand set
with SIM card from his possession.
April 9
The State Government has decided
to learn from Maoist-hit States to tackle the menace making inroads
in Tinsukia District. Deputy commissioner S.S. Meenakshi Sundaram
said that Tinsukia officials would be sent to States like
Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Odisha to get first-hand knowledge
of the development plans being implemented in the rural areas
of these states. It was also decided that Chief Minister Tarun
Gogoi would be urged to send Police teams to the Maoist-affected
states for an orientation course on strategies adopted there to
tackle “Left-wing extremism”. The meeting was a preparatory one
before the first sitting of the 13-member high-powered committee
constituted by the State Government recently under the chairmanship
of Bordoloi for Tinsukia after the District was accorded special
category status. The deputy commissioner said the meeting also
decided to get a baseline survey conducted in all the 1,126 villages
of the District with special focus on about 200 villages identified
as CPI-Maoist and ULFA-affected to prepare an integrated district
action plan. Most of the villages of Sadiya subdivision on the
north bank of the Brahmaputra, where Maoists are said to be gaining
a foothold, will be included in the list.
SFs apprehended two surrendered
KLA militants, while they were removing nuts and bolts of the
railway track, from Migrendisa in Dima Hasao District. The duo
was identified as Paojamin and Paominlem.
April 10
SFs arrested two ULFA linkmen,
identified as Paniram Gogoi and Haren Gogoi, from Tingkhong 2
No. Dhadumia Gaon under Rajgarh Police Station in Dibrugarh District.
A motorbike, a pistol and two rounds of live ammunition along
with a demand letter were recovered from the house of the duo.
The ULFA-ATF warned singers and
artistes in State against singing Hindi songs during Rongali Bihu
celebrations. Bihu celebrations start on April 13. In an email,
assistant publicity secretary of the group, Arunodoi Asom, appealed
to all organisers and artistes not to perform Hindi songs and
music and instead stage the traditional cultural items. “We will
keep strict watch on the Bihu pandals. ULFA will be forced to
protest in future programmes of those singers, artistes and organisers
disrespecting our appeal and performing items influenced by Indian
culture”.
The CBI opposed any relaxation
in the conditions it had prescribed for releasing NDFB-RD ‘chairman’
Ranjan Daimary on bail. In response to Daimary’s bail application,
the CBI had earlier submitted in the court that interim bail might
be granted to him by imposing 12 conditions in the bail order.
Ranjan Daimary on March 31 prayed to the court for absolute bail
instead of interim bail, reduction of the bail amount from INR
500,000 sought by the CBI and not to bar him from giving any statement
to the media. Ranjan Daimari was chargsheeted by the CBI for his
alleged role in masterminding the October 30, 2008, serial blasts
in the State.
the Supreme Court directed Central
and State Government & the EC to submit written response within
three weeks explaining the reasons for the delay in updating National
Register for Citizens (NRC) since 2009. The Apex Court’s direction
came after the Counsel for the EC clarified that the Electoral
Rolls of 1966 was available. The hearing was in connection with
a Writ Petition (civil) filed by APW, a Non Governmental Organisation,
which sought the Supreme Court’s direction on the guidelines for
updating of NRC.
April 11
The Court of Kamrup District and
Sessions Judge granted bail to NDFB-RD ‘chairman’ Ranjan Daimary,
the prime accused, in the October 30, 2008 serial blasts in the
State. “Ranjan Daimary has been granted bail against a bail
bond of Rs 3 lakh [INR 300,000] and two persons standing surety
for him. The court has also laid down some conditions for him
which are – he cannot get involved in any anti–national activity,
he cannot give statements in the public favouring the NDFB (R),
he must be present in the court during all hearings in the case
and in case he cannot be present, he must give prior information
to the court and he cannot leave Assam without the court’s permission,”
said Daimary’s defence counsel Manas Sarania.
April 12
ULFA-PTF is optimistic that undivided
ULFA general secretary Anup Chetia, who is currently in a jail
in Bangladesh, will reach the State and join the peace talks by
Assamese New Year in 2014. ULFA-PTF believes that Chetia's inclusion
in the talks will open a window to bring Paresh Baruah to the
dialogue table."At present, Bangladesh is in a politically
volatile situation. After the turmoil is over, the Bangladesh
Supreme Court and New Delhi are likely to decide on Chetia's fate
next month," ULFA-PTF ‘chairman’ Arabinda Rajkhowa told the
media.
SFs arrested a KLO militant, Deep
Sarkar, at Bhaibazar under Golokganj Police Station in Dhubri
District.
State EC said that if differences
regarding delimitation of seats for RHAC are resolved amicably
then polls to the council could be conducted by the middle of
May. Speaking to reporters here, State Election Commissioner Biren
Dutta said “Earlier we had announced the RHAC polls for April
30. However, it will be difficult to hold the polls by that time
as some problems remain regarding delimitation of seats remain
to be settled,” he said. Dutta added: “We are hopeful that the
issues would be sorted out through discussions by April 23-24
and then polls could be held by mid-May.”The RHAC areas, covers
parts of Goalpara and Kamrup (Rural) Districts of lower Assam.
The State EC also issued notifications
for the DHAC, which covers the whole of Dima Hasao District. Polling
for the 28 seats in DHAC would be held on May 20 and counting
would be taken up on May 24. The EC has declared all the 200 polling
stations in Dima Hasao as sensitive, while 78 among them have
been categorised as hyper-sensitive.
April 13
SFs arrested a GNLA militant,
identified as Olman K. Marak, in Khardang of Goalpara District.
April 14
Suspected KPLT militants
shot dead a Sarkari Gaonbura (Government recognized village
headman), Sarat Teron (60), in Teron Gaon village under Deothar
Police Outpost in Bokajan Sub-Division of Karbi Anglong District.
"Son of the village headman is a member of the KLNLF outfit which
is under ceasefire agreement with government and natural rival of
the KPLT, probably the assailants suspected the victims son to be
the mole of the police," said a senior Police Officer.
April 15
CM Tarun Gogoi speaking at the
'Chief Ministers' conference in New Delhi said that there was
a declining trend in militant violence in the State. CM, Tarun
Gogoi said, "In the past few years, there has been a declining
trend of militant violence and talks are on with several militant
outfits. However, it would be over-optimistic to declare that
the nightmare of militant violence is over ". He said at a regional
level, it was clear that coordinated action was needed in Arunachal
Pradesh, Nagaland and some parts of Meghalaya if training; arms
supply, transit routes and shelters of militants operating in
Assam were to be choked. Tarun Gogoi said that Myanmar remained
a sanctuary for militants and there were efforts to reopen camps
in Bhutan."The crackdown by the present Bangladesh government
was a major factor in eroding the striking power of outfits like
ULFA [United Liberation Front of Asom] and NDFB [National Democratic
Front of Bodoland], and we will remain forever grateful (to Bangladesh),"
he added.
Tarun Gogoi further said, "We
have asked the government to increase the number of foreigners'
tribunals, initiating steps to update the National Register of
Citizens, strengthening of the border protection measures and
completion of border fencing".
Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi pointed
to growing activities of the CPI-Maoist in the State and citing
tough terrain asked the Centre to explore the feasibility of deploying
UAV in the State. CM Tarun Gogoi further pleaded that the Integrated
Action Plan (IAP) that forms a plank of the Centre's strategy
against the CPI-Maoist, should cover Dhemaji, Tinsukia and Dibrugarh
and Golaghat Districts initially. The IAP should be implemented
without delay, he statetd.
April 16
SFs arrested a person, who was
travelling from Tuensang to Dimapur in a Nagaland State Transport
bus, along with arms in Karbi Anglong District. SFs recovered
five .22 calibre Chinese-made pistols from him.
NDFB-RD 'chairman' Ranjan Daimary
has claimed that the CBI's allegation of his involvement in the
October 30, 2008, serial blasts in the State was based on "supposition
and probabilities" and not on facts. According to Daimary, who
was granted bail in the serial blasts case on April 11, the CBI
has not been able to establish any prima facie case against him
and the allegations in the chargesheet were "false, concocted
and fabricated".
However, according to the CBI
chargesheet Ranjan Daimary had sent NDFB militant Nilim Daimary
to Assam with instructions to procure explosives with the help
of G. Songswar, an NDFB militant from Udalguri District. Nilim
came to Assam in July 2008 and conveyed Daimary's message to Songswar
and R. Guthal. He also contacted George alias B. Jwangkhang,
Rahul Brahma alias Kharmswar and Rifikhang in Guwahati. The CBI
claimed to have found involvement of the trio in the serial blasts.
Despite the crackdown by the Government
of Bangladesh, a majority of the active militant groups of the
North East are still maintaining bases in the neighbouring country
and in fact, a few of the ultra groups are even giving training
to the new recruits in the bases in that country. Highly placed
sources in the MHA told the newspaper that the matter has already
been conveyed to Bangladesh so that action can be taken against
the militants using the territory of the neighbouring country
as safe sanctuary.
Sources revealed that the NDFB-IKS
has a strong presence in Bangladesh, particularly in the Khagrachari
area and according to information available with the security
agencies at least 30 to 40 members of the outfit are staying in
the area. Sources said that the camp is headed by hardcore militant
Thulunga, who was named in the chargesheet of the serial blasts
of October 2008. A few fresh recruits of the militant outfit are
being trained up in the bases, the sources added.
April 17
Central Agencies are closely monitoring
the movements of ULFA-ATF leader Paresh Baruah and analyzing his
statements in the media to pick up hints the elusive militant
leader may have dropped, expressing his interest to join the peace
process.
The Centre believes that Baruah
would join the peace process sooner or later. Central agencies
are now not only taking keen interest in Baruah's statements in
the media, but are also analyzing comments made by known ULFA
sympathizers. "There are no feelers from Baruah as of now, but
if he decides to come for talks, we believe that the first signs
in the present situation would be through the voices of a few
people, who are vocal in their support towards Baruah," the source
added. "His every movement is closely watched and followed. If
he joins the peace process, it is the ideal situation for all.
We do not want to stamp a peace deal with one faction of an outfit
and keep the other faction out in the open. This does not serve
the purpose of the peace process," a source said.
A letter sent to 13 States, by
the MHA on CPI-Maoist efforts to expand to new areas primarily
northeast. The letter states that CPI-Maoist had around one hundred
cadres, including 25 to 30 armed, in Assam and with Mahesh, a
Central Committee member from the Rabha community appearing to
be in charge. Quoting the Assam Police, the letter said 23 of
the 79 Police Stations in Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Sibsagar, Dhemaji
and Lakhmipur Districts in Assam were affected by Left-wing extremism
with cadres extorting small tea gardens, cattle-rearing farms
and individuals to sustain itself."… the Maoists have done some
ground-work in the tea garden areas where a local Maoist leader,
Aditya Borah, is at the forefront of efforts to recruit Adivasis
in Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts," the letter said. Some recently
arrested ATF militants revealed that they had close links with
Borah and that Maoists from West Bengal were providing ideological
training to Adivasi youth, the letter said.
April 19
An Inspector of a commando unit
of Assam Police, identified as Lohit Sonowal, two hardcore militants
of the ULFA-ATF and a civilian were killed in an encounter at
Kordoiguri village in Tinsukia District. The militants killed
in the encounter were identified as Raktajeet Hazarika and Ananta
Moran. An official said residents of village, where the incident
took place, identified the civilian as Pona Moran, who reportedly
died in the crossfire. District SP, P.P. Singh said Hazarika was
responsible for criminal activities in the Upper Assam Districts
for the past few years. "He was also involved in the killing of
surrendered ULFA (SULFA) militant, Tileswar Lahon, at Moran in
Dibrugarh District in 2011," Singh said.
UKDA observed its 4th raising
day at Immanuel Peace camp located in Saigang village in Karbi
Anglong District. In his speech, UKDA 'general secretary', Alex
Kuki said that, KAAC never bothered to undertake any developmental
works in the Kuki dominated Singhason hills in the last 65 years.
He further threatened that the UKDA will not hesitate to undertake
another armed resistance if the attitude of the Government towards
Kuki people of Karbi Anglong does not change. Leaders from other
Kuki militant organization, KRA and representatives of Kuki National
Assembly, Kuki Students Organization, and Kuki Women's Association
also attended the function.
April 21
SFs arrested a SULFA militant,
Bipul Chandra Roy, at Daobhangi in Dhubri District. Roy had come
to collect extortion money from a person named Abdul Samad Molla
of Silaipar in the District.
April 21
SFs, in an operation, arrested
a militant belonging to NSCN-K, Haihingbe Jeme, from Boro Haflong
locality in Dima Hasao District. Ammunition and explosive material
were also seized from him. SFs recovered one hand grenade, two
live rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and 10 detonators from the militant.
The militant groups, NDFB and
KLO are calling business persons and demanding money from them
in Dhubri District since last week. The KLO has been demanding
huge amounts of money from businessmen in Chagolia and Golokganj
areas of the District. A senior police officer of Dhubri district,
while admitting about the calls from KLO to businessmen, leaders
and contractors in Chagolia, expressed doubt over the calls from
supposed NDFB cadres. "As we know there is no presence of NDFB
in Dhubri district. Groups involved in this extortion network
are intimidating and threatening businessmen to cough up money.
We are keeping a close watch on this," a source said. Hagrama
Mohilary, chairman of BTC, on April 21 said that is hopeful of
the reunion of the two factions of the NDFB and a positive outcome
of the peace talks.
April 22
Thousands of people belonging
to several non-Mising organisations took out a rally in Sivasagar
District protesting the inclusion of non-Mising-dominated villages
in the MAC. The District administration on April 5 proposed the
names of 38 villages in two development blocks of the district
in the draft notification for organisation of the Dehing-Desang
constituency of the MAC. ATASU 'adviser', Aswini Chetia claimed
that most of the villages included in the MAC were dominated by
non-Misings.
Incidents of protests against
the earlier reported death of Puna Moran, a civilian killed in
an encounter between SFs and ULFA-ATF militants on April 19, were
reported from Dibrugarh and Tinsukia District. The protesters
mainly led by various students' unions demanded INR 2 million
as compensation to the family of Puna Moran, employment to his
widow, education and other expenses for his two children. They
also demanded a high level enquiry into the incident.
State Governor J. B. Patnaik asked
State Government officials to take urgent steps for speedy development
in Sadiya sub-division of Tinsukia District in order to fight
Naxalism [Left Wing Extremism]. Patnaik said Sadiya was the most
deprived and underdeveloped sub-division of the State.
According to DTO sources, the
District transport officer of Sonitpur, Joshu Kumar Doley, received
an extortion letter from ULFA-ATF militants. The letter, demanding
INR 1 million, was sent from Tinsukia and signed by one Rupankar
Gohain alias Rupankar Asom. Doley has informed the Sonitpur Deputy
Commissioner about the letter.
April 23
A 36-hour bandh (total
shutdown) called by the All Assam Moran Students' Union paralyzed
lives in upper Assam Districts. In Dibrugarh, Tinsukia and Sivasagar
Districts, educational institutions, banks and business establishments
remained closed while vehicles remained off the road. The bandh
was called in protest against the death of Puna Moran, a civilian
who was killed during an encounter between police and ULFA militants
at Kordoiguri village in Tinsukia District on April 19.
Tripartite talks will be held
in Dispur on April 24 between representatives of RHJMC, non-Rabha
groups and the State Government regarding the RHAC election.
S-CHTF in a memorandum submitted
to the Minister of Welfare of Plains Tribe and Backward Community
Department, Government of Assam, through the Sub-Divisional Officer
(Civil), Lakhipur Sub-Division, Cachar, demanded immediate implementation
of the rehabilitation package for the surrendered militants of
the outfit and reconstitution of the Barak Valley Hill Tribes'
Development Council. The reconstitution is to be done with members
selected by the CHTF.
The BVHTDC was formed by the State
Government after 417 militants of the CHTF surrendered on March
18, 1996.
April 24
The election to the RHAC which
was scheduled to be held on April 30, is likely to be delayed.
A meeting of the cabinet sub-committee on RHAC election was held
in Guwahati. The meeting, in which representatives of Rabha and
non-Rabha organizations had taken part, was presided over by State
Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Prithvi Majhi. After
the meeting, Majhi said, "There are some problems due to which
the RHAC polls cannot be conducted soon. More discussions are
needed with Rabha and non-Rabha organizations. Hence the polls
will be delayed."
April 25
KLNLF 'publicity -in-charge' Rajak
Dera alleged that on April 22 KPLT militants attacked the house
of KLNLF 'sergeant major' Mukesh Rongphar. Rajak Dera said that
no one was injured during the attack. Rajak Dera further urged
KPLT to stop engaging in factional fights and come to the negotiating
table.
SFs arrested a militant belonging
to NDFB-IKS, from Balapara in Chirang District.
The BSF troopers have caught 243
Bangladeshis between 2008 and 2011 along the border of Cachar
and Karimganj Districts in the State.
A senior Police official said
that the involvement of militants in rhino poaching had been confirmed
with the interception of messages between the KPLT militants and
poachers. "KPLT militants have been supplying arms to the poachers,"
the official said in the meeting of top officials from Golaghat,
Nagaon, Karbi Anglong and Sonitpur Districts in Kaziranga. The
civil administration and the home and forest departments have
decided to join hands to strike hard at rhino poachers who have
been on the rampage in the wilds of Assam.
A report submitted by the parliamentary
standing committee on Home Affairs in the Rajya Sabha (Upper House)
states that Northeastern region witnessed an overall increase
in violence with Assam and Manipur accounted for the bulk of incidents.
The report also finds the level of violence in Meghalaya and Nagaland
higher than the previous year while Tripura, Mizoram and Sikkim
remained large peaceful. The report shows that the incidence of
violence has risen from 627 in 2011 to 1,025 in 2012 which was
773 in 2010 and 1,297 incidents in 2009.The report further states
that 3,562 militants were either arrested or killed or surrendered
in the region.
The parliamentary panel has contended
that socio-economic development may be the key solution to the
ills of the region.
April 26
Police arrested a CPI-Maoist 'central
committee member' Aklanta Rabha (41) alias Maheshji and
Siraj Rabha (35) alias Bijoy Rabha, a Jharkhand-based central
training instructor from Jorabat area in Kamrup District. IGP-CWR,
LR Bishnoi said that according to a recent State Police task force
report, the strength of the CPI-Maoists in the State was 181 including
23 woman cadres but "that is likely to have increased now." LR
Bishnoi further said that Aklanta and Siraj were on their way
to Meghalaya for mobilising support in Khasi villages.
The Police later arrested Aklanta's
wife, Rekha Rani, from Goalpara District for allegedly helping
her husband to procure mobile phone SIM cards under fictitious
names. A .22 pistol, six rounds of ammunition and seven mobile
phone SIM cards were recovered from Aklanta, while 240 rounds
of ammunition were found on Siraj. According to the Police the
Maoist duo was trying to establish a Maoist sanctuary in the region
to help senior rebel leaders hide when security forces turned
up the heat against them in the rest of the country.
SFs recovered a .303 rifle along
with a silencer from a poacher, Borsing Tisso, in Ketoterang village
in Karbi Anglong District. The poacher has further confessed that
the rifle and the silencer were given to him by the militant group
KPLT, he has not yet revealed when and who gave him the weapon.
April 27
SFs arrested three women from
the Bhalukdubi area of Goalpara District for helping the CPI-Maoist
duo of Aklanta Rabha and Siraj Rabha. The CPI-Maoist duo was,
earlier, arrested on April 26.
IGP-CWR said CPI (Maoist) leaders
are now propagating their ideology in the rural areas along the
Assam-Meghalaya border. "Both the leaders have confessed that
they were heading to Khasi Hills in Meghalaya to organize underground
meetings with local communities there. Already, five to six such
meetings have been conducted between the Khasis and Maoist leaders,"
said L R Bishnoi, IGP-CWR.
CM Tarun Gogoi said the presence
of CPI-Maoist in the State is growing."It is a fact that Maoists
activities are growing in the state and we have been updating
the Centre on this. Here, there is a very thin line between Maoists
and other militant outfits. Almost all of them seem to be working
in cooperation," said, CM Gogoi.
The State Human Rights Commission
has issued notice to the Police on the April 19 shootout between
ULFA-ATF cadres and SFs in which four people were killed in Tinsukia
District, an official said. The commission has sought a report
within 45 days of an incident, in which two ULFA-ATF militants,
one civilian and a Policeman were killed.
The CPI-Maoist is eyeing aggrieved
Khasi people from grossly underdeveloped Assam-Meghalaya inter-state
boundary areas to facilitate outfits entry into Meghalaya. Earlier,
two senior Maoist leaders, Aklanta Rabha alias Maheshji
and Siraj Rabha were arrested by SFs on April 26 near Assam-Meghalaya
border.
The DC of Kokrajhar clamped prohibitory
orders under section 144 CrPC in the Duramari area of Kokrajhar
District following tension between Muslims and Bodos over a plot
of Government land. DC, Jayant Narlikar said that there was a
dispute between Muslims and Bodos over occupying a plot of land
at Thalitbari village in the Duramari area. He added that some
people from the minority community have been trying to construct
temporary sheds on the disputed land while the Bodos of nearby
areas opposed the move. He added the situation is tense and there
is every possibility of breach of a communal clash between the
two communities over the disputed land. The District administration
also sent security personnel to thwart any violence.
April 28
The MHA has set a 2014 deadline
to complete fencing along the India-Bangladesh border. This was
revealed in a report tabled by a parliamentary panel attached
to MHA during the current session of Parliament. The report said
Union home secretary R.K. Singh had given the panel an assurance
in this regard in the last week of March 2013. The report said
the home secretary had admitted that illegal influx, trans-border
smuggling and movement of insurgents were major security threats
to the country that needed to be curbed by plugging gaps in the
border fence. He said these gaps had been classified and those
that could be fenced but did not have Government sanction were
being put up for sanction, adding that the Bangladesh Government's
permission would have to be taken for fencing gaps less 150 yards
from the Zero Line. The Union Home Secretary said there were,
however, places where fencing was not feasible. He said intruder
detection technology would have to be used in these places to
plug gaps and curb infiltration. He said though floodlights were
in place; availability of power was an issue. "We have requested
the ministry of power to give us direct allocation from the central
pool, "said Singh.
One civilian was killed while
another sustained bullet injuries when unidentified armed assailants
opened fire at them at Banderchara under Salakati outpost in Kokrajhar
District. The deceased was identified as Chatan Debnath (16).
Following the incident, the Bodoland Territorial Council Bengali
Youth Students' Federation (BYSF) threatened an indefinite BTC bandh (shut
down) if the culprits are not arrested by April 30 (today). The
union also demanded INR 1 million for the deceased's family.
April 29
Two persons were killed and 10
others injured in the Moilapathar area near Raikhashini Pahar
under Goalpara Police Station in Goalpara District when Police
allegedly fired on a frenzied mob that went out of control following
recovery of a body in the early hours. Those killed in police
firing were identified as Gulzar Hussein (55) of Mariam Nagar
and Shahidul Islam (25) of Baladmari Char area No. 2. One charred
body, yet to be identified, was also recovered from the incident
site. The violence started after the recovery of the body of Taher
Ali (52), a cowherd who went missing since April 28.
An ULFA-ATF militant, Jagat Bhuyan alias Madan,
surrendered along with arms and ammunition in Jorhat District.
The Myanmar-trained militant deposited an M-20 rifle, seven rounds
of ammunition and two Chinese-bottle grenades.
Altogether 28 organisations warned
the State Government of a serious consequence if the non-Mising
villages and people are made to live under the MAC.
Several second rung leaders of
the KPLT escaped unhurt after a long gun-battle with a SFs in
Tikoklangso village in Karbi Anglong. According to Police, based
on a tipoff, a counter insurgency force of army and Police entered
the village where a group of about six KPLT armed cadres with
sophisticated weapons were camping for extorting money from the
area.
April 30
One more dead body was recovered
from near the jungle of Moilaputa in Goalpara District, taking
the death toll to five. The body was identified as that of one
Jayanta Rabha of Dohikata under the Matia revenue circle in Goalpara.
However, the charred body recovered on April 29 could not be identified.
An indefinite BTAD bandh (shut
down strike) called by the BTC Bengali Youth Students Federation,
which began at 6 am on April 30 in protest against the firing
at Bandanchara in Kokrajhar District on April 28 paralysed life
in the region. Mritunjay Debnath, who was injured in the firing,
died of his injuries in a private nursing home in Bongaigaon on
April 30. Mritunjay and Satan Debnath were injured when unidentified
gunmen fired at them.
The CPI-Maoist in Assam received
training in handling of weapons in Jharkhand and jungles of Arunachal
Pradesh and efforts are on by the rebels to spread their bases
to other parts of the North East region. Highly placed sources
in the MHA told that though the threat to the security of
the North East region by the Maoist rebels cannot be considered
very serious, the threat should not be overlooked as setting up
of armed wing proved that the Maoists have reasonably strong bases
in the State.
Sources revealed that according
to information available with the security agencies, the total
number of armed cadres of the Maoists in Assam should be around
40. Sources said that the total number of overground activists
of the Maoists in Assam is estimated to be around 150 and they
work in different capacities to earn their livelihood and work
for the Maoists. They have been given the responsibility of working
among the people to address issues like anti mega dam movement,
problems of the ethnic groups and tea tribes, problems of the
people displaced by floods and erosion etc, to strengthen their
base among the people. The efforts of the Maoists to increase
bases in the North East region is now looked after by Prashant
Bose, who is the second in command of the Maoist rebels and in
charge of the Eastern region.
Sources further said that there
is every possibility of declaration of two Districts of Assam
as LWE Affected Districts so that the Districts are eligible to
receive special development funds from the Government of India.
A NEFR employee, Biswajit Debnath
(32), was abducted, on duty, by unidentified armed persons from
Cachar District. The abductors later demanded a ransom of INR
10 million.
ULFA-ATF led by Paresh Baruah
has changed its name and now the outfit will be known as the ULFA-Independent
(ULFA-I). In a release e-mailed to the media, the ‘chairman’ Abhijit
Asom said that the central executive committee meeting of the
organization was held from April 2 to 5 and the decision to rename
the organization as ULFA-I was taken in the meeting to maintain
the distinct identity of the organization. The release said that
the ULFA-I would remain a revolutionary organization fighting
for the Independence of Assam. On the issue of talks with the
Government for political solution of the issues, the ULFA-I chairman
said that talks on the issue of sovereignty of Assam can be held
in a “third country” in presence of representatives of the United
Nations.
The group also announced that
its “military chief” Paresh Barua would now also be the organisation’s
vice-president. Barua was earlier appointed acting vice-president
of the group, apart from being head of its armed wing. Jibon Asom,
who was the acting finance secretary of the group, has been given
charge permanently while Montu Asom has been newly appointed as
assistant secretary. Montu had earlier acted as assistant organising
secretary of the group.
May 1
Unidentified assailant killed
a man, Rabiram Rabha, & injured his wife at Dariduri Tilapara
area under Baguan Police Station in Goalpara District, taking
the toll in the trouble-torn District to six.
ULFA-ATF also known as (ULFA-Independent)
blamed State Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi for inviting dubious chit
fund companies who duped investors and demanded that he ensures
that they are paid back their dues. "The chief minister himself
has claimed that a chit fund company had donated Rs 20 lakh to
his relief fund," ULFA-I's ‘assistant information and publicity
secretary’ Arunodoy Asom said in a statement e-mailed to PTI.
May 2
A division bench of the AHRC issued
a notice to State Chief Secretary N.K. Das, seeking a probe into
the violence at Goalpara and submit a report in 45 days.
May 3
SFs arrested fifteen cadres belonging
to NDFB-IKS from Namtola, on the Assam-Nagaland border in Sivasagar
District. The arrested militants were identified as Robin Narzary
(20), Subhash Basumatary (23), Chandan Narzary (23), Swmgwm Narzary
(20), Ronjoy Basumatary (18), Khagen Basumatary (24), Subung Ser
Brahma (20), Ankang Brahma (20), Arjun Narzary (20), Basiram Bodo,
(19), Sanjay Hazary (18), Sankar Brahma (32), Samjit Basumatary
(19), Eyo Musahari (18), and Prahlad Narzary (19). A senior police
official said the Songbijit faction has been sending recruits
to Myanmar for training. “They use the route from Kohima to Mon
town via Sivasagar district. The cadres are kept in Kohima before
being sent to Myanmar. They are first taken to Chenmyo camp of
the NSCN-K [Khaplang faction of Nationalist Socialist Council
of Nagaland] on the Nagaland-Myanmar border and then sent to the
NDFB (Songbijit) camp at Taka in Myanmar,” he added.
SFs arrested three suspected GNLA
militants and recovered a 7.6 pistol with two live cartridges
under Dudhnoi Police Station in Goalpara District. The apprehended
GNLA cadres are Krispal Sangma, Bitram G Marak and Dharkham Marak.
The cadres were arrested when they came to collect the extortion
money from a businessman of Daranggiri area.
Residents of Margherita town in
Tinsukia District nabbed a suspected NSCN-IM militant, Sumit Mech,
with an AK-47 rifle and a foreign-made semi- automatic rifle and
handed him over to Police.
May 4
Eight organisations have called
a 12-hour Goalpara District bandh (strike) to
protest against the killing of two persons at Moilaputa near Goalpara
town on April 29 and the subsequent police inaction. The bandh
has been jointly called by the Goalpara District Students’ Union,
Hajong Students’ Union, Sutradhar Students’ Union, Bodo Students’
Union, Bengali Youth Students’ Federation, Koch Rajbongshi Sudents’
Union, Nath Jogi Yuva Sanmiloni and the Goalpara Rabha Students’
Union to demand immediate arrest of the culprits.
SFs recovered two powerful IEDs
from an abandoned house at Bhetagaon village in Chirang District.
The arrest of 15 new male recruits
of the NDFB-IKS in Sivasagar District, on May 3, while they were
on their way to Myanmar for training has taken intelligence agencies
by surprise, for the outfit's Myanmar-based leadership had asked
for only female recruits. "There are intercepts about
the group's top leader issuing instructions to its point man,
Udla, who is currently located in Kohima, to send in female recruits
as the number of male recruits undergoing training in Myanmar
is disproportionately higher. Probably, these 15 boys were the
last batch of males being sent to the neighbouring country before
the female recruits are sent," a source associated with counter-insurgency
operations said.
May 5
SFs arrested a NDFB linkman, Dibakar
Deka, from NH 31 under Rangiya Police Station in Kamrup (rural)
District. SFs recovered a 7.62 revolver, four rounds of live cartridges,
a mobile set and some SIM cards from his possession.
The ABBYSF met State Home Secretary,
Gyanandra Tripathi and submitted a memorandum, describing him
of the problems faced by Hindu Bengalis living in the BTAD. In
the memorandum, ABBYSF expressed concern over rise in extortion,
abduction and killing of Hindu Bengalis in the BTAD by militant
groups, including KLO, an Adivasi militant outfit. Each and every
Hindu Bengali in the Bodo belt is compelled to pay around seven
militant groups, failing which they are threatened with dire consequences,
the memorandum says. “The memorandum says the militant groups
carry arms in broad daylight under the very nose of police. There
are also allegations that a percentage of extortion amount goes
to the police,” federation president Mantu Dey said.
May 6
Interrogation of arrested CPI-Maoist
militant, Aklanta Rabha alias Maheshji, has revealed that Maoist
have succeeded in making inroads into Barak valley in Assam. CPI-Maoist
'central committee member', Maheshji, along with a central training
instructor in Jharkhand, Siraj Rabha, was arrested by Police recently
in Kamrup District. Barak Valley, comprising the three districts
of Cachar, Karimganj and Hailakandi, shares inter-state borders
with Manipur, Tripura, Meghalaya and Mizoram and an international
border with Bangladesh.
"Maheshji has revealed the names
of at least five persons who joined the group four to five years
ago and are currently working at the village level in Barak Valley
to strengthen their base. For the first time, we have got information
about how Maoists are making inroads in the region," an official
told the newspaper on May 6. The strategic location of the Districts,
according to the officer, has come as an advantage for the Maoists.
One of the five names Maheshji revealed is that of Shalik Singkhai
alias Romeo, a youth of the Khamti community from Lohit
District of Arunachal Pradesh, who was working to strengthen the
Maoist base in Cachar District before his arrest recently. "Romeo
was among the first to have started working at the grassroots
among the tea community in Barak Valley but he could not continue
because of language problems. "We cannot disclose the other four
names in the interest of the investigation. The four were working
under Maheshji and also visited West Bengal and lower Assam districts,"
the officer said.
The revelation assumes significance
after the task force constituted by the State government in 2012
could not find "significant evidence" of Maoist presence in the
area. "The task force report only talked about possible Maoists
activities in Barak Valley but Maheshji's interrogation revealed
they had made inroads about five years ago and are working systematically
to spread their network," the officer said.
The plan of CPI-Maoist to form
a women's group in Assam has been hit after Police succeeded to
arrest top CPI-Maoist leader Aklanta Rabha's wife Rekha Rani Raha
alias Sonpahi in Goalpara on April 27. "Rekha revealed
that she was acting as an overground member of CPI (Maoist). She
had formed an organization called Nari Mukti Sangha to fight against
social discrepancy towards backward classes and was propagating
the Maoist ideology among women in particular. She confessed that
she had managed to recruit at least seven to eight women Maoist
cadres in Goalpara and Kamrup districts," said a Policeman. Aklanta
Rabha was arrested on April 26 in the State.
The newly elected president of
Ex United Peoples Democratic Society, Kangjang Terang, on May
6 volunteered his service to mediate between the KPLT and MHA
if needed. He has appealed to the KPLT to come over ground and
negotiate their grievances.
May 7
SFs in an encounter killed a militant,
Tenkhenlo Rengma (27), belonging to the NRHPF, formed in 2012,
at Kaham Rengso hill under Chowkihola Police Station in Karbi
Anglong District. The SFs recovered one .9mm pistol, one AK-47
rifle, two hand grenades and huge cache of assorted ammunition
besides 112 rounds of 303 bolt action rifle, 61 rounds of self
loading rifle, 59 rounds of AK-56 rifle and 14 rounds of .9mm
weapon and a solar operated set for charging communication devices
from the camp. SFs raided the camp initially thought that the
cadres belonged to KPLT. The NRHPF seeks a regional council for
the Rengma tribes living in eastern Bokajan subdivision of the
District. The outfit's identity was established from some documents
found in the camp.
NBSS blocked NH-52 in Sonitpur
District for three hours, demanding exclusion of 19 villages dominated
by non-Bodos from Udalguri District in the BTAD. The Samiti said
the 19 villages fall under Borcholla Assembly constituency of
Sonitpur District and were included in the BTAD. NBSS, 'president',
Gulam Mustafa Ahmed said people were not safe in the BTAD area
of Udalguri. He further alleged that there was a plan to include
several villages from Pachnoi in Sonitpur District to Jonai in
Dhemaji District in the proposed Bodoland, which would do considerable
harm to the non-Bodo people.
Two Guwahati based TV channels,
NE TV and News Time Assam, identified Mukul Hazarika, an Assamese
physician based in London, as Abhijeet Asom, the 'chairman ' of
the ULFA-ATF/ULFA-Independent. ADGP-SB Khagen Sarma said, "It's
known to us that Hazarika was in close contact with ULFA hardliners
for a long time. But it's difficult to say that whether he is
Abhijit Asom."
May 8
State Police claimed to have picked
up veteran 'central committee' member of CPI-Maoist Anukul Chandra
Naskar alias Pareshda (65) from Cachar District. He had
joined the organisation in 1967 and became a member of its central
committee in 1985. He was made a Politburo member in 2004. He
looked after the outfit's eastern wing, comprising West Bengal,
Assam, Jharkhand, Tripura and Arunachal Pradesh. The development
comes close on the heels of the arrest of CPI (Maoist) 'central
committee' member Aklanta Rabha and another Maoist leader Siraj
Rabha alias Dipesh on April 26
The SC directed the Centre to
finalize the modalities for updating the NRC in the state by July
16. The RGI recently gave its nod to update the document in seven
Districts, but no schedule has been announced yet. While hearing
a writ petition filed by an NGO, APW, Justices Ranjan Gogoi and
HL Gokhale also directed the Central Government to submit the
modalities along with forms before the court on July 16. The court
said that it will monitor the whole process.
The Central Government told the
SC that it had decided to fix January 1, 1966, as the cut-off
date for inclusion of citizens' names in the NRC to prevent illegal
migrants from staying on in Assam.
Chief Minister, Tarun Gogoi requested
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to help expedite the NRC update
process to fulfil the consensus arrived at in the May 2005 tripartite
meeting involving the AASU.
The NESO met Prime Minister Manmohan
Singh and pressed for updating the NRC across the state in a single
phase instead of three phases as proposed by the government..
May 9
Police arrested six extortionists
including a ULFA-PTF member Manoj Rajbongshi alias Anupam, for
demanding money from a Government official in Guwahati in Kamrup
(metro). He joined the ULFA-PTF a few years ago and masterminded
the extortion racket, said city SSP A P Tiwari. The other five
members have been identified as Bhaskar Singha of Noonmati sector
one, Sanjib Das of Sonapur in Nalbari district, Sunil Das of Sualkuchi,
Krishna Barman of Banekuchi in Nalbari District and Hemen Deka
of Noonmati area were known as bad elements.
DGP, JN Choudhury observed that
maintaining law and order in the state should be a national issue
as any disturbance in the State affects communication to the entire
North East region. He further said that with the implementation
of the Look East policy of the Government of India, the importance
of Assam would increase further. Centre should provide help to
the Government of Assam to increase the number of police stations,
Choudhury added. The DGP revealed that at present, the strength
of the Police in Assam is much less than what is required and
the State has 330 police stations to cover 80,000 square kilometre
area, while, ideally there should be one police station to cover
an area of 150 to 200 square kilometre and one in 100 square kilometre
in the sixth schedule areas. This will increase the presence of
civil police on the ground and it will be of great help in dealing
with problems like ethnic tensions, he said.
Suspected KLO militants fired
at adjoining labour camps in Assam -West Bengal border Districts
of Dhubri-Cooch Behar injuring two labourers . Later, one of the
labourers, Monowar Hussain (22), succumbed to his injuries on
May 10 the other one identified as Dadhimohan Roy is undergoing
treatment in Dhubri.
Police sources and eyewitnesses
said four militants, armed with sophisticated weapons, came on
two motorbikes without number plates around 8.30pm and opened
fire on a labour camp at Bouserkuti under Golokganj police station
in Dhubri District of Assam and then on a camp at Mansai in Cooch
Behar District of West Bengal. The labourers were hired by Guwahati-based
construction, Hi-Tech Company, to construct a bridge over the
Raidak River, which flows along the inter-state border.
An intelligence source said the
KLO had demanded a huge amount of money from Hi-Tech but the company
reportedly did not cough it up, leading to the attack.
The house of Dima Hasao District
Congress party President, Mohendra Kemprai, was attacked in an
autonomous council poll related violence injuring three persons
in the District. The incident occurred in Hamri constituency of
DHAC, elections for which are to be held on May 20. Police is
investigating the incident and search operation has been launched
for the attackers. Kemprai had filed an FIR against five persons,
three senior leaders of the DHD-J / BW and two junior members.
In the same constituency earlier on May 8, assailants had damaged
a vehicle of Independent candidate Debolal Gorlosa who has lodged
an FIR with the police regarding the incident.
Arrested ULFA-PTF member Manoj
Rajbongshi alias Anupam confessed that he along with three others,
had triggered a crude bomb explosion in Chandmari area of Guwahati
city on April 29 to create a fear psychosis. The ULFA-PTF member
was arrested on charges of extortion May 9.
SFs arrested a person, John Haokip,
who was about to launch a Kuki militant group on the behest of
NSCN-IM, in Karbi Anglong District.
May 10
Based on Haokip's revelation,
SFs on May 10 recovered two SLR s.
May 11
SFs arrested one of Haokip associate,
Pradip Das (30), from Amrajan near Sukanjan under Bokajan police
station of Karbi Anglong."We have reports that Haokip attended
the Dimapur meeting [with NSCN-IM] and was entrusted with the
task of floating a new Kuki rebel outfit. Pradip is reportedly
a close associate of Haokip and is assisting him in the mission,"
the Police Source said. According to the source, work on floating
the Kuki group was in the preliminary stage and the youths had
only been provided some weapons to start the groundwork. The outfit
was yet to get a name, he added.
SFs arrested a youth, Sanjib Hasnu,
from Pub Gajalipar area, on the charge of extortion of money in
the name of KPLT from different businessmen in the District.
Meghalaya Governor R.S. Mooshahary
has admitted that Maoists are trying to establish themselves in
India's northeastern States, even as he said situation in the
Northeast has largely improved. "The Assam government had received
few indications that Maoists are trying to establish a foothold.
The plain areas along the Meghalaya-Assam border could be vulnerable
to Maoists," Mooshahary said. The Assam government, which had
also formed a Task Force to combat the Maoists, had found that
there are 181 Maoist cadres in the state. It includes women cadres.
Stating that the situation in
the Northeast has largely improved, Mooshahary, who was also the
former chief of the Border Security Force, said, "The region,
barring Manipur have improved a lot in the law and order front,
and the current trend in the region is towards peace." Mooshahary,
however, urged the State government in the region to improve governance
and fight against corruption, eradicate poverty and provide employment
avenues.
Unidentified militants abducted
a supervisor, Kalyan Kundu (45) of a Kolkata-based private company,
UC Consultation, from Bengtol in Chirang District.
May 12
ULFA-ATF / ULFA-Independent, in
an email statement, said some people were collecting money in
their name in the Districts of Tinsukia and Dibrugarh without
their knowledge.
The GNC, one of organizations
representing the Garo tribe in the State, stated that an autonomous
council should be created by including Garo-dominated villages
of the State, which at present fall under the RHAC. GNC 'working
president' Tharman Momin claimed that there are 359 Garo-dominated
villages in the Kamrup (rural) and Goalpara Districts that are
included in the RHAC."Along with the 359 Garo-dominated villages,
we also want to include 24 Khasi-dominated villages in the two
districts in the exclusive autonomous council for the Garos of
Assam. GNC has been asking for an autonomous council for the Garos
for a long time, and the state government should consider our
demand seriously," Momin said. GNC has vehemently opposed the
demand of GHSMC, a Meghalaya based organisation, of including
a few villages of Kamrup (rural) and Goalpara in their proposed
'Garoland'.
DGP, JN Choudhury stated that
though the level of violence involving the militant groups has
come down, growing ethnic tension in different parts of Assam
has become a matter of serious concern. Meanwhile, over 60,000
cases are pending in different Police Stations of the State, which
is another major area of concern for the Assam Police.
DGP, Choudhary, said that with
majority of the militant groups having come forward for talks
with the Government, the level of violence has come down and only
the anti-talk faction of the ULFA-ATF, NDFB-IKS, KPLT etc are
active in the State now. However, these groups do not have all
Assam footprints. But extortions by the NDFB-RD/ NDFB-IKS remain
an area of concern, the DGP said.
Choudhury admitted that the growing
ethnic tensions are a matter of concern as in recent times, the
Kokrajhar and Goalpara areas of the State witnessed serious ethnic
disturbances and long-term strategies would have to be taken to
deal with the problem. He said that efforts are on to increase
the number of Police Stations to improve civil policing and the
State Government has already sought financial assistance from
the Centre for setting up of new police stations.
The DGP pointed out that of late,
the mobs have become more and more aggressive and dealing with
such mobs is a major problem as the Supreme Court also gave clear-cut
guidelines on the use of force.
May 12-13
Police arrested five youths on
charges of impersonating as cadres of ULFA-ATF and trying to extort
over phone, in Bongaigaon District. The arrested persons were
identified as Bikram Pradhan [arrested on May 12], Sukumar Barman,
Shankar Boro, Mohendra Roy and Krishna Kanta Bhaumik [rest arrested
on May 13].
May 13
One Lalit Hatibaruah was arrested
at Margherita in Tinsukia District for attempting to extort money
from a businessman Ranjit Singh of the area posing as an ULFA-ATF.
May 14
ULFA-ATF/ ULFA-Independent criticized
the Assam Government for conferring the Srimanta Sankardev
Award for the year 2008 on to veteran film personality Sharmila
Tagore. In an email statement issued by Arunodoi Asom, 'publicity
secretary' of (ULFA-ATF/ ULFA-I) said, "Selecting Bollywood actor
Sharmila Tagore alias Begum Ayesha Sultana for the prestigious
award is an insult to the Vaishnavite saint in whose honour the
award was constituted. The actor has made no contribution to spreading
the aura and ideologies of the saint. How could Chief Minister
Tarun Gogoi select her for the award?"
AASA of Assam staged a rally at
the Industrial Training Institute field in Bongaigaon District.
AASA said if the Adivasis did not get ST status before the 2014
Lok Sabha election, the community would boycott the polls.
AAMSU staged a demonstration in
front of the Dhubri and Goalpara Deputy Commissioners' offices
demanding a judicial inquiry into the Police firing at Rakhasini
in Goalpara and Baghmari in Biswanath Chariali on April 29-30.
AAMSU also demanded the rehabilitation of people displaced in
the BTAD violence in 2012.
Supreme council of the UPLF has
called for a 36-hour Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao Districts strike
beginning from 5 am of May 17. UPLF is demanding immediate creation
of separate state comprising the Karbi and Dimasa areas of India
under the provision of Article 244(A) of Indian constitution.
UPLF come into existence on January 4, with an aim to create a
separate Dimasa Karbi-Anchal State comprising the Hill Districts
of Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao.
May 15
UKDA has claimed that they are
dismayed over the Government's backtrack attitude on the peace
proposal of Kuki community of Karbi Anglong District. UKDA 'general
secretary', Alex Kuki said the government had assured that the
cadres will be provided the necessary needs during their stay
inside the designated camp, but in reality Government has done
"little". According to UKDA 'defence secretary ', Martin Kuki
Government assistance of INR 300,000 to 150 cadres hardly solved
the problems of the defenceless Kuki youths inside the designated
camp. UKDA demanded police protection and humanitarian aid.
ASM, ITPF and NDFB-PTF have asked
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to instruct the State government
to identify and detect foreigners before updating the NRC.
SFs arrested a 'district committee'
member of CPI-Maoist, Kavita Rabha (31), was arrested from Odalbakra
area in Kamrup District. SFs recovered two desktops, one hard
disc, three pen drives, 15 Compact Disks, two cell phones and
some incriminating documents including Maoist literature from
her rented house. IGP-CWR Dr LR Bishnoi stated that Kavita was
entrusted with the job of printing Maoist literature and circulating
them, besides maintaining of accounts. Kavita Rabha is the wife
of Anukul Naskar alias Paresh, a senior CPI-Maoist leader, who
was arrested from Cachar District by Assam Police on May 7, 2013.
Based on Kavita Rabha's revelations,
Ranchi (Jharkhand) Police arrested Prasanna alias Pranab,
who is the elder brother of Kavita and a hardcore Maoist. Later
in the day, Kavita Rabha's younger brother Rajiv Rabha was also
detained from Hajo in Kamrup District.
Thousands of students lead by
KSU came on street demanding stern action against KPLT for serving
extortion notice to a cleric of a Christian missionary school
in Dokmoka in Karbi Anglong District. According to Police, the
KPLT served two extortion notices on May 7 and 11 May to Bronson
Sangma, principal of Church of Christ English School.
The KRA-A has registered its opposition
to the proposed formation of a new Kuki underground group in the
State by vested Kukis in collusion with some Rengma Nagas of Karbi
Anglong recently. A statement issued by the 'information secretary'
of KRA-A, Chungngam Lhangum alias Rex cautioned all concerned
never to be misled by one Letjang Thangeo and his comrades while
also urging the people not to associate with them. KRA-A pledged
that it would never allow Letjang Thangeo and his comrades to
carry out the evil design while also warning him of facing dire
consequence if he continues to spread rumours, confusion, etc.
May 16
Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi assured
the AASU that the exercise of updating the NRC throughout the
State would be done at the earliest. AASU raised the demand of
conducting the NRC exercise throughout state at 'one go' before
2014 Lok Sabha (Lower House of Parliament) Election.
May 17
Gauhati High Court acquitted the
former ULFA leader, Arup Konwar, by a trial court for killing
Assam minister Nagen Neog and eight others in Golaghat District
of Assam in 1996. Konwar alias Tutu alias Amar Singh
- a 'sergeant major' of ULFA - was convicted and sentenced to
life imprisonment by the District and sessions court, Kamrup,
on October 12, 2007. The CBI, which had investigated the case,
will now appeal in the Supreme Court against the order. The high
court acquitted Konwar on grounds of lack of sufficient evidence.
May 18
A militant belonging to ULFA-I
militant , identified as Rajib Moran alias Rohim Asom , surrendered
to Police in Tinsukia District. The rebel deposited two Chinese
grenades.
Two NSCN-K militants, 'lance corporal'
Thothung Hakhun and 'sergeant major' Dapnong Tonglim, surrendered
at the 25 sector Assam Rifles (AR) headquarters at Lekhapani in
the same District. The duo deposited two 7.65 mm pistols and ammunition.
ADGP-SB, Khagen Sarma, said that
the Adivasis of Assam, who constitute the tea labourer community,
have so far remained out of the influence of CPI-Maoist. The Maoist,
instead, has recruited youths, who have been either member of
some militant outfits in the past or belong to indigenous tribal
communities of the State.
A rally jointly organised BNC
and BPF was held at Santipur in Chirang district on May 19 to
protest against extortions and frequent abductions. Various organisations
and Gaonbura (village headmen) from the neighbourhood supported
the rally in which over a thousand people took part with placards,
banners and festoons demanding an end to extortion drives by various
militant groups and outfits. "The activities are expected to rise
because of the growth of saboteur groups or organisations in the
region," said BPPF president and BTC member, Rabiram Narzary.
He urged the administration to take stringent measures to stop
the crimes.
May 19
KPLT militants shot dead, Joysing
Senar (35), at Lang Tor Tor village under Dokmoka Police Station
in Karbi Anglong District. According to sources, the slain person
had run an extortion racket in the area in the name of KPLT. The
sources also told that he was the former member of now ceasefire
group Karbi Longri and KLNLF, but later switched to KPLT. He was
later expelled from the organization on the ground of gross indiscipline
and impropriety.
KPLT's 'Chairman', Bidisar Tungjang,
forewarned any duplicate members to take heed from the lesson
taught to Joysing Senar. He said that any person caught in maligning
the organization's name would meet with similar kind of fate.
He also reiterated that people should not quickly jump into conclusion
or slam them before corroborating the fact; such reckless condemnation
will not be taken by them lightly.
May 20
CPI-Maoist has managed to create
a base in six Districts of the State with at least 150 fresh followers.
"The char areas of Dhubri District bordering West Bengal and forest
areas are the new targets of Red rebels [CPI-Maoist]. The Maoists
are also spreading tentacles in Goalpara, Bongaigaon, Silchar
(Cachar), Karimganj and Kamrup (rural) Districts too. They have
created a fresh support base of at least 150 cadres in these districts,"
said Inspector-General of Police-Central Western Range (IGP-CWR)
L R Bishnoi. "Naskar and Kabita [recently arrested from the State]
have already succeeded in forming district committees in these
districts. Once the support base is created, they were planning
to send some of them to Jharkhand for further training under the
guidance of Chandrashekhar Das, a veteran Maoist leader," added
an official of State Police.
May 21
SFs arrested a militant belonging
to the NDFB-IKS, Mandish Daimary, from Mainaguli in Sonitpur District.
BPPF urged the Central Government
to hold peace talks with all the factions of the NDFB on the issue
of their long standing demand for creation of separate state of
Bodoland by creating a congenial atmosphere in the region. BPPF
expressed concern over the rise in incidents of extortion and
threats to people by militant groups along the India-Bhutan border
areas in Kokrajhar and Chirang Districts. "People are even asked
to leave the area if they are unable to pay the extortion amount.
It is a matter of great concern. The government should take appropriate
steps against the militant groups," he said.
SFs arrested two suspected NDFB
militants, Bailo Basumatary (32) and Anil Boro (30), from a guesthouse
at Jatia in Kamrup (metro) District. Police said two .9mm pistols
and 12 rounds of live ammunition were recovered from them. A case
has been registered in Dispur Police Station and an investigation
was on.
May 22
SFs revealed that arrested militant
of the NDFB-IKS, Mandish Daimary is a key accused in the Adilur
Rahman murder case. NDFB-IKS militant, Mandish Daimary was arrested
on May 21, 2013, when he went to collect INR 25,000 as extortion
money from a businessman. According to the Police, he acted as
the NDFB-IKS's 'collection in-charge' in Sonitpur District. Sonitpur
SP, Arabinda Kalita, said this was the first time a cadre of the
Songbijit faction had been arrested in the District. Adilur Rehman,
a tea planter, was killed by NDFB-IKS militants on November 13,
2012.
Police investigating CPI-Maoist
activities in the State have claimed that Siraj Rabha, the arrested
'training instructor' of CPI-Maoist, is a landmine expert who
is wanted by Police in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. "We had information
that landmine expert Dipesh was in Assam, but initially Siraj
did not admit that he is Dipesh. But when intelligence branch
sleuths from Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand came up
with his photograph, he confessed that he is the landmine expert
Dipesh," a source said. Rabha was arrested on April 26, 2013.
May 23
The 12-hour Goalpara District
bandh (general shut down), called by the MSP in protest
against killing of five coal miners at Nangalbibra in Meghalaya's
South Garo Hills, passed off peacefully. The strike was reported
to be total, with commercial establishments, government offices
and educational institutions remaining closed.
Suspected UALA cadres had shot
daed the five labourers, all residents of Goalpara District, on
May 20 allegedly in retaliation to the mine's owner refusal to
pay them extortion money.
The 'central committee' of the
CPI-Maoist militants has been pumping in funds to the North East
region for some time to expand their bases in this part of the
country. Sources revealed that the security agencies have come
to know that the 'central committee' of the Maoists has been pumping
in funds to the region every month through Aklanta Rabha, a 'central
committee' member arrested on April 26, 2013, to expand the bases
of the Maoists in this region and also to recruit members for
the outfit.
A State security agency document
revealed that the leader of the ULFA-I, Paresh Baruah, had to
obey Islamic radicals and convert to Islam along with his family
members in return for a safe haven in Bangladesh. A source associated
with the compilation of the document said that Baruah, a Hindu
by birth, after converting to Islam, changed his name to Kamruj
Zaman Khan, while his wife Bobby Dutta is now known as Sofian
Zaman. The Baruahs converted to Islam when they took refuge in
Bangladesh in 2000. "His family still lives in Bangladesh under
the patronage of the influential radicals and this is one reason
why Baruah cannot afford to question Bangladeshi migrants back
in Assam. He now lives in hiding, off the money extorted from
people in Assam," the source said. Paresh Baruah now leads ULFA-I
from Myanmar.
May 24
Security Forces arrested a ULFA-I
militant Jyoti Baruah (25). Jyoti was allegedly involved in a
grenade blast case in Sivasagar in 2012.
May 25
AAGSU blocked the National Highway-52
in Sonitpur District, for two hours, to protest against extortion
notices given by NDFB to Gorkha residents of BTAD and parts of
Sonitpur District. AAGSU 'Sonitpur District committee secretary'
Gopal Chetry said the NDFB threatened the people living in the
Nepali dominated villages to provide INR 50,000 or else leave
the BTAD Districts. Chetry also claimed that the more than 200,000
Gorkha population at Charduar, Balijuri, Tinikhuti, Vimajuli,
Gohpur and Biswanath Chariali subdivisions were not feeling safe
due to the extortion drive of the insurgent group.
May 26
SFs arrested two militants of
the MULTA, identified as Abdul Hussain and Abdul Khalak, at Rowmari
area in Darrang District. SFs recovered a .303 rifle, one pistol
and three rounds ammunition from them.
SFs arrested a ULFA linkman, Matiyur
Rahman, from village Barajol in Nalbari District. SFs recovered
one 7.65mm US made pistol and 2 live rounds were from his possession.
ULFA-I 'criticized' the State
Government's failure to prevent killing of one-horned rhinoceros
in the KNP despite its 'tall claim' over enhanced deployment of
forces armed with sophisticated weapons. The ULFA-I in an e-mailed
statement to the media called upon the people of Assam to demand
withdrawal of all forces from KNP for their failure to protect
the rhino and demanded that the responsibility of protection of
Kaziranga resources should be handed over to fringe area villagers.
The ULFA-I further stated that it would cooperate with villagers
in protecting the rhino and other resources of the Park.
May 27
The Assam Government requested
the Central Government to declare nine Districts of the State
as LWE affected.
Sources revealed that as per the
proposal, the State Government said that the Districts of Tinsukia,
Dibrugarh, Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Golaghat, Sivasagar, Goalpara,
Cachar and Karimganj should be declared as LWE affected Districts.
The proposal said that 35 Police Station areas of the nine Districts
are affected by CPI-Maoist activities. Those include eight Police
Station areas in Tinsukia, five in Dibrugarh, four in Golaghat,
four in Dhemaji, one in Sivasagar, one in Lakhimpur, three in
Goalpara, five in Cachar and four in Karimganj District. These
nine districts have altogether 103 Police Stations.
replying to a question on the
prevailing law and order situation in BTC and rampant extortions
in the BTC, UHS, Anil Goswami said the District administration
and the police forces in support with the para military forces
will tackle the situation. UHS also held meeting with the District
and Police administration at Kokrajhar Circuit House over the
prevailing law and order situation in the region. The meeting
was attended by the Lower Assam Commissioner, Sabir Hussain, BTC-IGP,
GP Singh and others
May 28
The BPF, Kokrajhar District committee
brought a bike rally in Kokrajhar against the rampant extortions
in the BTC region by militant organizations and urged Central
Government to take strict action against extortion & all other
forms of unlawful activities. President of the Youth-BPF, Mono
Kumar Brahma, speaking to the reporters said the rally was brought
out in Kokrajhar against the extortion drive carried out by the
militant organizations, particularly the NDFB-IKS in Northern
Part of the region.
MLA Pramila Rani Brahma while
talking to reporters said the extortionists have been serving
notice for paying huge amount of money ranging from INR 1 million
to INR 2 million in Ultapani and Saralpara area in the District
and created a reign of terror in the region. She said the militant
organizations, particularly the NDFB-IKS' ongoing extortion drive
in the Northern part of the region and should be stopped by any
means and the Government should act accordingly against them.
May 29
According to intelligence sources,
the CPI-Maoist have recruited at least eight to 10 persons from
Cachar District's Borkhola and Karimganj District's Patherkandi
blocks during the past three months. The sources said the recruiters
were primarily focussing on tea tribe youths and other poor sections,
including the Kaibarta community.
the BTC Regional Committee of
the AGS demanded the State government to safeguard and protection
of lives and properties of Gorkha people living within BTC region.
They also demanded round the clock vigilance and Police pickets
in certain places where the Gorkha have threat perception. 'President'
of the AGS, Laksmi Sedai, said that extortion notices in the name
of the NDFB were served to the innocent Gorkha villagers living
in Indo-Bhutan border areas. He said the villages like Ultapani,
Saralpara, Jharbari, Khalasi, Patgaon and Athiabari in Kokrajhar
District, Shantipur, Runikhata, Malivita, Patabari, Amteka, Kaila-Maila,
and Nijilaguri in Chirang District have been facing the brunt
of anti-social elements.
May 29
Unidentified gunmen killed a businessman,
Sudha Roy (34) at Mahur market in Dima Hasao District.
an extortion drive by KPLT in
areas near the Nagaon-Karbi Anglong boundary has forced villagers
to flee in panic,. According to reports, around 20 families of
Jargaon village under Jakhalabandha Police Station in Koliabar
sub-division of Nagaon District fled to the nearby Sakmutia tea
estate recently, seeking safety. The villagers said KPLT cadres
had recently come to their village and demanded an "annual tax"
from the residents. "We were asked to pay INR 1,000 as annual
tax. It varied in case of well-to-do families and those who owned
commercial and private vehicles," a villager said.
May 30
RGOK/ KRA has categorically announced
through media that it no longer prefer violence. Announcing this
at a press conference at Diphu, 'general secretary 'of RGOK and
KRA, Karbi Anglong, Lalsei Gangte said "we want peace and a peaceful
settlement of the decade old Kuki Problems of Karbi Anglong".
two cadres of the NDFB-IKS were
arrested by the army's Red Horn Division in the Kahibari Chowk
area of the Udalguri District bordering Bhutan. The army said
the duo, identified as B Hadwad alias Hakim Basumatry and B Birgrang
alias Binju Lis were involved in large-scale extortion in the
District. Two pistols and ammunition were found on the duo.
Army officials said that there
has been a spurt in the activities of the Songbijit faction in
the District after it broke away recently from the faction headed
by Ranjan Daimary, who is currently in jail and evinced interest
for talks.
A college teacher from Chirang
District in the BTAD, who went missing three months ago, is "suspected"
to have joined the NDFB-IKS. Ranjit Basumatary (40) was teaching
history at Bengtol College since 2004. Chirang District superintendent
of Police Kumar Sanjit Krishna said, "The college teacher has
been missing since the past three months. We suspect that he has
joined the NDFB (Songbijit) faction." A close colleague of the
missing lecturer confirmed the development saying, "Ranjit has
completed his basic training with the outfit. Currently, he is
the general secretary of the outfit. He had told me this over
phone," the colleague said.
June 1-2
Two suspected CPI-Maoist cadres,
Pradip Dhan and Bijoy Bawri, who are also members of the ATF,
were arrested at Tengakhat in Dibrugarh District. Dhan, who was
arrested on June 1, revealed Bawri's whereabouts who was later
arrested on June 2.
June 2
former Governor of Assam, Lieutenant
General (retired) SK Sinha has attributed prevalence of militancy
and lack of development and influx in the Northeast states as
a result of bad governance. Stating that bad governance has brought
upon itself troubles from various sectors, Sinha said that the
growth and development of the north eastern region is hampered
by bad governance, the ill effects of which is militancy and influx.
Sihna observed, "Bureaucracy has
collapsed, judiciary is collapsing, police has collapsed and the
army is not doing too well in particular with cases of scam and
extra judiciary killings, some of which even landed in the Supreme
Court." Highlighting on the solutions to these problems, Sinha
drew his attention to the Assam stating that since Assam is the
gateway to the north east, it is the key solution to many problems
like influx and Assam should be taken as a lesson for the north
east. "Key to the solution is how we handle Assam as its population
is twice the population of the north east state put together and
strategically it is the heart of northeast," he added.
June 2
Former State Minister for the
Welfare of plain tribes and backward classes, Rajen Mushahary
was arrested along with three alleged cadres of the NDFB-IKS by
Security Forces from his Habrubil residence in Gossaigaon subdivision
of Kokrajhar district on June 2. Mushahary was minister during
the AGP government in the state. The arrested militants were identified
as Nusar Basumatary (30), Anthony Hazoary alias H. Abita (31),
and Nal Narzary (29).
Director General of Assam Police,
JN Choudhury, observed that the ULFA-I no longer has quality and
committed manpower and the outfit has lost its mass base. The
DGP said that the main persons in the outfit either left it or
were arrested in recent times and the new recruits are not as
committed as the old guards.
The DGP admitted that the ULFA-I
does not have shortage of weapons as it is now easy to procure
weapons if one has the money. He said there was no direct evidence
of the Chinese Government directly providing weapons to the militants,
but it is a fact that the militants are getting weapons from China.
The DGP also said that the ULFA-I
has lost its sanctuaries in Bangladesh and Bhutan, which weakened
the outfit to a large extent, but it still has some bases in Myanmar.
He, however, admitted that the situation may change a bit if a
change of guard takes place in Bangladesh in the elections scheduled
later this year as the ULFA-I and other militant outfits of the
North East were given a free run by the previous regime in the
neighbouring country.
June 3
Unidentified militants from Nagaland
on June 3 killed a tea garden worker, Sanjoy Bhumij (25), while
he was ploughing a paddy field on the southern fringes of the
Naginijan tea estate along Mariani in the Assam-Nagaland border
area.
Former Governor of Assam and Jammu
and Kashmir, Lieutenant General (Retd) SK Sinha, said that vote
bank politics resulted in deterioration of the situation in Assam
and there is every possibility of worsening of the situation if
the problem of infiltration of foreigners is not dealt with.
Commenting on the fact that 14
Districts of the State recorded abnormal growth of population
as per the 2011 census, the report of which was released recently,
the former Governor said, "it is a self inflicted wound. Over
the years, no Government tried to deal with the problem of infiltration
of foreigners and the abnormal growth of population is a result
of the vote bank politics."
On the militant-politician links,
Lieutenant General SK Sinha said, "there is no reason for any
controversy. I only said that there is a former ULFA man in the
present Cabinet. I need not mention the name of the person as
everyone is aware of the fact. I also said that during my tenure
as the Governor of Assam, the then state government headed by
the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) fully cooperated with me to deal
with militants with strong hands." Earlier, Lt Gen Sinha, on May
31 had labelled the same allegation in reaction to Congress Vice-president
Rahul Gandhi's alleged remark in 2006 saying that the leaders
of, AGP, were insurgents. On May 30, State Chief Minister Tarun
Gogoi said that Rahul was 100 per cent correct in his assessment.
June 5
AR troopers arrested four cadres
of a militant group, who were running an extortion racket, in
Dima Hasao District. AR recovered one.22 pistol with magazine
and three .22 ammunition from them.
A senior Police official claimed
that NSCN-IM was involved in the killing a farmer in Naginijan
area along the disputed Assam-Nagaland border on June 3. "We have
inputs, NSCN (IM) fired at him," said SN Singh, Inspector General
of Police (IGP, Law and Order), after taking stock of the current
situation in the entire bordering area in Mariani. The rebels
are now hiding in the jungles of Mokokchung District in Nagaland,
he said. Police also denied existence of any rebel outfit called
the ATTLV, which, according to the Nagaland Government, had started
the trouble on June 3 by firing first at Naga farmers near the
border behind the garden.
Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi in
his speech at a conference on internal security in New Delhi cautioned
that if the next Bangladesh Government changes its anti-terror
policy, militancy will be on a revival path in the State. He also
requested that the Central Government to closely monitor Bhutan,
where efforts are on by outfits to reopen their camps.
The CM also pushed for upgrade
of IR battalions in Assam to a special force for effective anti-
CPI-Maoist operations as approved for other CPI-Maoist-affected
states. Gogoi is worried about the vulnerability of riverine islands
of the State, which are located in remote areas and have barely
any communication.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh,
described the security situation in the Northeast as "complex"
since insurgency, extortion and agitations continue to exist in
the region. "The security situation in the northeast continues
to be complex, with insurgency, extortion and agitations being
the main disruptive elements in the hands of the insurgents,"
he said in his address at the conference of Chief Ministers on
internal security in New Delhi.
Singh, however, said there has
been considerable progress in dialogue with several insurgent
and ethnic separatist groups in the northeastern region. "A memorandum
of understanding has been signed with both factions of DHD of
Dima Hasao in Assam. Three Metei insurgent groups have signed
a memorandum of understanding in February 2013. Talks with the
NSCN are continuing," he said. The Prime Minister said the central
government was committed to undertaking and bringing to a satisfactory
conclusion dialogue with all groups and organisations which are
willing to give up violence to seek solutions within the framework
of our Constitution. "We are equally firm in our determination
to continue assisting the states of the northeast to enhance their
law and order enforcement capabilities, so that the people of
the northeast enjoy the normal fruits of democracy and development,"
he said.
Union Minister for Home Affairs
Sushilkumar Shinde in his address said that SoO Agreements have
been entered with various insurgent groups in the Northeast and
these groups have shown willingness to give up violence and seek
solutions for their problems peacefully within the Constitution.
"Our government is ready to talk with any group or outfit which
is willing to abjure violence and lay down arms like KNO and UPF
in Manipur. Further, Metei groups like URF, KCP and KYKL along
with their factions, signed MoS in February, 2013 paving way for
surrender of their cadres," he said. Shinde said peace talks are
also being held with a number of outfits like ULFA, NDFB-P and
NDFB-RD. These strategies have resulted in steady reduction in
the level of violence. "Moreover, the aforesaid strategy of the
government has also encouraged surrender by militants belonging
to various groups and their participation in the political process.
The central government is continuously assisting the northeastern
states by the deployment of central paramilitary forces to assist
the state police in counter-insurgency operations and upgrading
their skill level", he added.
June 6
Suspected militants belonging
to KPLT abducted three persons from the Geleki area, near the
boundary of Kaziranga National Park, in Karbi Anglong District.
The abducted persons were identified as Bijoy Barma, Paresh Saikia
and Binud Kalita. However, Binud managed to escape. All the three
were engaged as daily wage earners in the construction work of
the National Highway.
Former DHD-J 'chairman' Jewel
Garlosa and 'commander-in-chief' Niranjan Hojai prayed before
the Gauhati High Court for the extension of their interim bail,
which ended on June 4. However, the High Court division bench
reserved their view on the matter. The matter will be discussed
again in a different division bench, which will include the Chief
Justice of the High Court. The State Government has not opposed
the appeal by the duo for absolute bail.
The AASTGA demanded compensation
from the State government for the destruction of tea plantations
at Geleky in Sivasagar District by villagers from Nagaland.
June 7
State Government will equip Assam
police personnel manning inter-state boundaries with more sophisticated
weapons and modernise border checkposts. While rejecting a proposal
for a specialised force to deal with problems on the border, the
Assam home department said vigorous patrolling along borders by
police and CRPF personnel would be initiated. The proposal was
submitted by minister of state for border area development Siddique
Ahmed in the aftermath of the June 3 border flare-up between Assam
and Nagaland near Mariani in Jorhat District.
Further, Nagaland Government asked
its border villagers to exercise "maximum restraint" to allow
peace to return. The 'central committee' of the AAASA, withdrew
the economic blockade imposed on Nagaland along the National Highway
(NH) 39 at Bokajan and NH 36 at Dokmoka in Karbi Anglong District.
The economic blockade was imposed on June 6.
MHA has refused to tag the State
as Maoist-hit despite the repeated pleas of the state government
for assistance to check the spread of Maoists. Chief Minister
(CM), Tarun Gogoi has warned the Centre that state has a history
of armed struggle and, so, it is vulnerable to the Maoists. The
menace should be dealt with right now, added Gogoi. "The Centre
thinks Maoists are not yet a problem in the state but my argument
is that why can't we nip it in the bud so that we don't have to
toil hard later to curb the menace," the CM said.
June 8
The ULFA-I 'condemned' the tea
tribe for the murder of an Assamese youth in Sonitpur District
on June 7. ULFA-I' 'publicity secretary' Arunodoy 'Asom' said
on June 8 said the tea tribe has often killed indigenous people
from other communities. "The tea tribe is an integral part of
the greater Assamese society, but it should not act inhumanely
and kill people from other indigenous Assamese communities," Arunodoy
'Asom' said.
The CPI-Maoist have started adopting
a very unusual method in their attempts to win over the hearts
of the tea garden workers of Assam, that is distribution of CDs
of a film based on Maoism. As a part of the Maoist's attempts
to win over the hearts of the tea workers, CDs of Chakraveyuh,
a popular Hindi film, are being distributed among the tea workers
and on a few occasions, screening of the film was also arranged.
Highly placed security sources told newspaper that in recent time,
the CPI-Maoist have started targeting the tea garden workers.
Haflong Police recovered a live
grenade from a flower pot at the residence of one Peter Sumer,
Forest range Officer, located near Ram Krishna Mission, in the
same District.
June 9
Police in the detained 66 suspected
CPI-Maoist recruits from Tinsukia railway station as they were
about to board the Chennai Express. Deputy Inspector-General of
Police (eastern range) Satyen Gogoi told that the Police
had “some specific information” about a large number of youths
trying to leave Assam through the District with the intention
of joining the Maoists. The drive was carried out at the railway
station based on this information. He said the police detained
persons found “doubtful” during the checking carried out on the
train. These youths could not give proper answers when questioned
by the police to verify the information on the documents produced
by them. Most of the youths hailed from places like Sadiya, Tangana,
Dhola in Tinsukia District, Rajgarh and Tingkhong (both in Dibrugarh
District) and Namsai in Lohit District of Arunachal Pradesh, which
are deemed sensitive in terms of insurgency and Left-wing extremism.
June 10
A 'platoon commander' of the NDFB-IKS,
identified as B Rafwt alias Risto Brahma (23),
was shot dead by a joint team of the army and the Police near
Balanga Bazar under Dotma Police Station in Kokrajhar District.
Police said the joint team, on specific information, cordoned
off the area where the militant was hiding. The Security Forces
recovered one 9mm pistol, a grenade and a mobile handset from
his possession. Brahma, who was the ‘platoon commander' of the
NDFB-IKS in Dhubri and Kokrajhar Districts, was from the 33rd batch
of the outfit and was trained in Bangladesh.
Rengma Nagas settled in KAAC region
have been allegedly served a one-month ultimatum by the KPLT to
either accept the identity of the Karbi or leave the place. NRHPF
‘chairman’ Keyhang Rengma said that a meeting of Rengma village
Gaon Buras (Village headman), leaders, pastors and elders was
forcibly arranged by KPLT at one Karbi village, Tisso village.
At the meeting, KPLT allegedly told the Rengma Nagas to decide
their fate within one month i.e. on or before July 9 next. Maintaining
how Rengma Nagas could become Karbis, NRHPF chairman Keyhang appealed
to all the Nagas to intervene and help seek justice. In January
2013, members of Rengma tribe demanding the creation of NRHAC
in KAAC formed CNRH with an armed wing called NRHPF.
June 11
Two prisoners, who were arrested
DNLF militant, of Haflong Sub-Jail managed to flee from the jail
located in Dima Hasao District June 11,2013.They were identified
as ‘commander-in-chief’ David Kemprai alias Action
Dimasa and Bongirsoum Khelma. Kemprai was arrested in 2007 while
Khelma was arrested in 2012.
Sources told Assam Tribune that
in the recent clash in the Naginijan area of Jorhat District along
Nagaland border, the involvement of militants belonging to the
NSCN-IM was confirmed. According to information gathered by the
security agencies, a group of around 20 members of the militant
group was camping in the area for some time and they first opened
fire from Nagaland with shot guns, in which one farmer was killed.
As the NSCN-IM is under cease-fire agreement with the Government
of India, the matter was taken up with the Centre by the State
Government and the militants later retreated back from that area.
SAGMDP an organisation representing
indigenous Assamese Muslims, demanded that they be identified
by their ethnicity and not by their religion. The Group further
said that the identity of indigenous Muslims in the state is at
stake. He said there are around 25 lakh indigenous Muslims in
the state and their population in the four BTAD Districts is over
300,000.
The SAGMDP said non-indigenous
Muslims are getting all the benefits, including the benefits meant
for the religious minority people. “Outsiders are getting all
the benefits. The government has not taken any steps for the welfare
of the indigenous minority.”
The SAGMDP also slammed the demand
for a Muslim autonomous council in the state, saying it is the
indigenous people who need a council to safeguard their identity.
A council cannot be formed on religious grounds. “We totally disagree
and oppose to such demands for a Muslim council,” he said.
The SAGMDP ‘president’, Sahiruddin
Ali Ahmed also said that 2012 violence in Kokrajhar, Dhubri and
Chirang was not a Bodo-Muslim clash. “It is not correct to dub
the violence clashes between Bodos and Muslims because indigenous
Muslims were not involved in it,” he said.
June 12
The ABSU, which observed the 26th Bodoland
Martyrs’ Day at Kalaigaon in Udalguri District of Assam, said
it was determined to continue its struggle for a separate state
of Bodoland. ABSU urged the Central Government to take an inclusive
policy decision on creation of smaller states and warned of a
rigorous movement if New Delhi took an isolated decision on Telangana
(Andhra Pradesh).
Addressing the gathering, ABSU
‘president’, Promod Boro said, “The struggle for Bodoland is still
on. There is no question of stopping our fight for Bodoland till
it is achieved. We have every right to get a separate state. Bodoland
will be a reality. The government is trying to crush the Bodos’
fight for separate state through various means but ABSU is determined
and we will continue with our struggle come what may.”
David Kemprai alias Action
Dimasa had escaped from Haflong jail on June 12 along with his
associate Bongirachan Khelma.
June 13
Guwahati City Police arrested
three arms carriers and recovered a cache of arms and ammunition
from the ISBT. The arrested trio was identified as Jonir Marak,
Arbit Sangma and Mohammad Jahid Hussain. SFs recovered one AK
56 rifle with a magazine, 375 rounds of ammunition, a short barrel
factory-made gun, one RPG launcher, seven RPG cells, four cell
phones and rupees 50 thousand in cash. "Jonir and Arbit are
linkmen of the GNLA, while Hussain is a local agent. They brought
the consignment through courier from Dimapur and were going to
take it to Meghalaya," L R Bishnoi, IGP-CWR of Assam Police
said.
NDFB denied that Probin Boro of
Bihapara under Tamulpur Police Station in Baksa District, who
was arrested by Security Forces on June 11, as its member. ‘Information
and Publicity Secretary’ of the NDFB, B Naijab demanded early
release of Probin Boro and further threatened action.
The State Government urged Nagaland
to arrest the culprits involved in killing an Assamese villager
in the Naginijan area along the Assam-Nagaland border in Jorhat
district on June 3. A meeting to discuss the matter was held between
the border magistrates of Assam's Jorhat and Nagaland's Mukokchung
Districts at Chutaphola Gate along the inter-state border in Jorhat
District.
Police are keeping a “close watch”
on the disputed Assam-Nagaland border in Golaghat District since
recently arrested Maoist sympathiser Manjit Bora corroborated
intelligence reports of a Maoist plan to expand base there. A
top Police source said intelligence reports indicate that Maoists
have been eyeing the disputed area belt (DAB) along the inter-state
border in the District since a couple of years. Cadres from Naxal-hit
areas have been visiting the area from time to time to recruit
youths to exploit the sentiments of people in the backward areas
and to convince them to join or support Maoist activities.
June 15
KLNLF 'chairman' P. Dilli, currently
under ceasefire with Government, appealed to all communities to
prevent misunderstanding and uphold the age-old relation between
the communities. P. Dilli said he was apprehensive on the presence
of "third force" which was making attempts to gain mileage from
infighting between the communities.
June 16
The recommendations of the Task
Force formed by the State Government to study the problem of Maoism
in Assam suggested the need for looking into both security and
development fronts to deal with the growth of CPI-Maoist militancy.
The task force also recommended that commando battalion of the
Assam Police should be converted into a well-knit offensive unit
called the Assam Police Commando Organization.
The Task Force, headed by ADGP,
BJ Mahanta, said that the Assam Police Commando Organization should
have strength of two battalions and the battalion should include
the Black Panthers [jungle warfare], Assam Police rangers for
operations by small teams and Beerangana [the woman commando unit].
All these three units will require specialized training which
will have to be conducted in the Commando organization location
itself. The Black Panthers will have to be groomed strictly in
the line of the Greyhounds of Andhra Pradesh.
The Task Force suggested that
the structure of the Police Stations, Police outposts and BOPS
should be constructed as per Andhra Pradesh model with eight feet
high wall, double-story building and sentry posts at the top and
in front of the buildings.
The report pointed out that the
Maoists in Assam are not banned under any Act of the Government
and that this problem could be countered with independent State
legislations.
June 17
A 12-hour rail blockade by the
Biswajit Roy faction of the AKRSU paralysed train services in
lower Assam. AKRSU activists stranded the Rajdhani Express and
Bangalore Express at New Bongaigaon railway station, the Intercity
Express at Chautara near Gossaigaon in Kokrajhar district and
the BG passenger train at Fakiragram. They also blocked movement
of various trains at Nalbari, Barpeta and Bijni. A source in the
railway's Rangiya division said the blockades disrupted train
services for over seven hours.
The protesters demanded a separate
Kamtapur state and ST status for the Koch Rajbongshi community.
Karbi militant formation, KPLT
declared blanket ban on the sale and exploitation of forest products
of Karbi Anglong from June 25. This was contained in a press communiqué
issued by 'information and publicity secretary' of KPLT, P. Ajang.
P. Ajang categorically mentioned that bamboo, coal, timber and
any other kind of forest product will not be allowed to be taken
out from any part of Karbi Anglong. He further asserted that KPLT
has banned hunting and poaching of wildlife in the District. The
outfit in the statement has also wanted of strict action against
those violators. "Anyone who dares to violate the command of KPLT
will be dealt firmly, and that for any harsh action KPLT will
not remain responsible", the statement stated.
Following mass appeals by several
civil society organizations, KPLT has urged the displaced Western
Rengmas in the District to "return home under full assurance of
peaceful coexistence." KPLT leaders in a press note has also denied
allegation levelled against the organization by "certain Rengma
leaders" and said it upheld the "age-old cultural and social relation
between the Karbi and Rengma communities" who have domiciled in
Karbi Anglong since the 18th century. KPLT, however, cautioned
the Rengmas not to fall prey to any outside force for settling
their own issues.
RVCCF has appealed KPLT to settle
the issue arising out of its ultimatum served on the Rengmas of
Karbi Anglong before the situation went out of hand.
Situation in Rengma inhabited
areas and in Chokihola locality in the District where people from
village Borlangso Jamre Basti, Khirang Basti and Socheng Longri
have taken shelter remained peaceful on June 17. "All the displaced
people will return home tomorrow (June 18) under Police security
and adequate security arrangement will be made in the troubled
area to thwart any evil design by any ultra outfit" Deputy Commissioner
of Karbi Anglong, P Buragohain assured Rengma villagers, during
his visit to the affected area.
Hundreds of Rengma Nagas from
over 200 households, on June 14-17 fled from their villages following
an ultimatum served by the KLPT to Rengma village headman, on
June 9, to hand over all cadres of the NRHPF along with arms and
ammunition and surrender to it, on or before July 9; failing which
KLPT would kill all Rengmas in Karbi Anglong.
21 Bangladeshi nationals, who
were illegally staying in India, were pushed back to Bangladesh
from Cachar District over the last three years. The process is
on to push back five more persons to the neighbouring country
this year.
A senior Assam Police (border)
official said while nine Bangladeshi nationals were pushed back
in 2010, the number was seven in 2011 and five more persons were
pushed back on 2012. Seven more foreign nationals were detained
in the detention camp at Silchar Central Jail here, the official
said. According to sources, while the FT in Cachar, in its verdict,
had identified 12 persons as foreign nationals in 2010, the number
was eight in 2011 and 15 in 2012.The official said the number
of cases registered in the foreigners' tribunal in this district
near the Bangladesh border was 672 in 2010. In 2011, the figure
was 215 and in 2012, it was 518. The number till May this year
is 188.
June 18
A TADA court and an Additional
sessions judge's court in Guwahati granted bail to jailed NDFB-RD
'chairman' Ranjan Daimary in five cases. While the TADA court
granted him an interim bail for a period of six months, the session's
court gave him an absolute one. "He was granted conditional bail
in the TADA cases for six months on two surety bonds of INR 500,000
in each case," said, Daimary's lawyer, Manas Sarania.
Tinsukia Police are preparing
a standard operating procedure to check CPI-Maoist design to expand
in the District, especially in the tea belt and along the Assam-Arunachal
Pradesh border. District Superintendent of Police, (SP), P.P.
Singh elaborated that each tea garden would collect information
on persons going out of (say in search of jobs in or outside Assam
or for any other purpose) or returning to the gardens. The tea
garden belt has been divided into six zones, each of which will
be under the charge of a gazetted officer (of the rank of Inspector
and above) to supervise implementation of the standard operating
procedure. All the 17 Police Stations in these zones and the outposts
under them would gather information from the gardens. Police officers
will meet managers, labour sardars (leaders) and line chowkidars
(watchman) on a fortnightly basis. The information collected from
the tea estates will be submitted in a format being prepared by
the police department. It will be centrally stored in a data bank
at the district police headquarters and analysed by the CPI-Maoist
cell of the District Police.SP, Singh said gradually the plan
would be extended to villages where gaon burahs (village
headmen) and gram panchayat (village level self-governing body)
members would be involved in collecting information.
All displaced Rengma Naga villagers
sheltering in a church in Chokihola of Karbi Anglong District
after abandoning their villages due to the threat from KPLT militants,
were safely escorted to their homes under police protection. This
was declared by a Joint Committee of eleven civil societies of
Karbi Anglong on June 19 which coordinated to resolve the crisis.
Senior officials of MHA visited
Merapani along the Assam-Nagaland inter-state border in Golaghat
District to take stock of the border situation. The OSD of the
MHA, Anil Goswami, was accompanied by Under Secretary, S. Sahai
and a senior official of the State Home Department.
Unidentified persons killed a
militant of APA, identified as Silva Tirki (23), at Devinagar
no. 2 village in Baksa District.
Suspected militants evening abducted
a trader, Taposh Debnath (35), from Lower Haflong locality in
Dima Hasao District. Sources said the suspected abductors demanded
INR 1 million for Taposh's release.
June 19
Two SULFA men, identified as Ramesh
Dutta alias Dhon and Monaj Somani, were arrested for allegedly
threatening two tea planters at gunpoint in Jorhat District.
The BNC urged the NDFB factions
to stand united for the Bodo cause. BNC 'chief convener' and BTC
deputy chief, Kampa Borgoyary said the outfit had everything to
gain if it raised a united voice. The statement came after NDFB-RD
'chairman' Ranjan Daimary was granted bail in five cases on June
19, clearing the way for his release. Daimary, who is currently
in jail, is likely to be released this week after all related
formalities are completed.
A mid- level Police officer was
found to be giving advice to the ULFA-Independent on ways to improve
the image of the outfit and the security agencies have already
reported the matter to the Government. Security agencies recently
intercepted some conversations between the police officer and
ULFA-I 'commander-in-chief', Paresh Baruah. Sources said that
the Police Officer told Baruah that the outfit should stop collection
of funds from the Assamese owned- small tea gardens.
Former Dimasa rebels, who were
elected to the 11th Dima DHAC in the election, have submitted
their application to the Congress leadership to join the party.
DHAC elected members Amendu Hojai, Thaisodao Thaosen and Biswajit
Daulagupu of Dima Hasao Dal, formed by the members of now-disbanded
DHD-N outfit, have shown interest to join Congress. Other former
rebels who wished to join Congress are Devojit Bathari, Subratha
Thaosen, Mihir Gorlosa, Niranjan Hojai and Daniel Dimasa of DHD-J.
June 21
ULFA 'general secretary' Anup
Chetia, who is currently in a jail in Bangladesh, may return home
by next month after his request for repatriation to India, reports.
A senior MHA official said Chetia had given two applications in
a Dhaka court - one withdrawal of his petition seeking asylum
in Bangladesh and second request for repatriation to India. The
Bangladeshi court is expected to take a view on his applications
within the next fortnight and following which he is likely to
be back in India. "Hopefully, he will be back in India by next
month," the official said.
Asked whether Chetia would have
to face various cases registered against him in Assam, the MHA
official said, "Naturally, the normal judicial process will follow."
Chetia was wanted by the Assam Police for various cases including
killing, kidnapping and extortion. Chetia also sought repatriation
of two other fellow detained ULFA leaders - Laxmiprasad Goswami
and Babul Sharma - who are lodged in separate prisons in Bangladesh.
KPLT denied issuing ultimatum
to Rengma to leave Karbi Anglong District if they could not persuade
the Rengma militant to surrender before them by July 9. The KPLT
'Chairman', Bidisar Tungjang, claimed that a meeting was held
at Borlangso, & said, "the meeting was peaceful and cordial, and
there was no sign of enmity between the two sides." He went on
to say that, Rengmas and Karbis have been living together since
time immemorial. Rengmas living in Karbi Anglong have been living
like a Karbi, their contribution towards the progress of Karbi
Anglong cannot be denied. The Rengmas of Karbi Anglong are peace
loving and friendly, therefore how can a diktat of such kind be
made against them, he said.
KRA urged the State Government
"to stop encouraging and abating the so called KRA (Assam) for
the greater interest of permanent peace and harmony in the region
in general and the Kukigam (Kuki inhabited areas) of Karbi Anglong".KRA
also alleged that a group KRA (Assam) with financial help from
the Government are carrying out armed operation in some Kuki villages.
Rabha Hasong organisations have
welcomed the fresh deadline of September 2 set by Gauhati High
Court on June 20 to hold the RHAC poll. However, Rabha organistaion
expressed their apprehension regarding the sincerity of the State
Government to adhere to the deadline.
Security Forces on June 21 rescued
an abducted trader, identified as Taposh Debnath (35), from Michidue
village in Dima Hasao District. Debnath was abducted on June 18
from Lower Haflong area in the District.
June 22
Central Government has sanctioned
64 more FTs for the State to reduce the increasing burden on the
existing FT. There are currently 36 FTs in the State and majority
of these FTs are now grappling with increasing number of pending
cases.
June 23
State DGP, JN Choudhury, said
that extortion has become a matter of serious concern, particularly
in the BTAD areas. He said that the NDFB-IKS and other active
militant groups are also trying to launch extortion drive to boost
their coffers. DGP Choudhury revealed that the KLO and Bongaigaon,
some Adivasi groups have started it in Biswanath Chariali area,
while, the other militant groups are also trying the same. The
ULFA-I is trying to extort money in upper Assam, while, some criminals
are also trying to take advantage of the situation to collect
money in the name of the ULFA.
On the activities of the CPI-Maoist
groups, the DGP Choudhury said that though the Maoists are not
launching armed movement in the State, there is need for checking
the growth of the rebels in the State.
BPF organised a public meeting
at Saralpara along Indo-Bhutan border in Kokrajhar District against
the rampant extortions in the area by the militant organizations.
BTC 'Chairman' Hagrama Mohilary said the extortion from the common
people was rampant in bordering areas with Bhutan since the couple
of months. He said the NDFB has been being blamed in the extortion
of money from the people especially in the border areas. He urged
upon the NDFB to stop the rampant extortions from the common people.
Mohilary said the demand of money from the people went beyond
limit since the past two months.
Gaonbura (village Headman)
of Saralpara village (Kokrajhar District), Monorath Sarmah, said
before media persons that the Nepali people those who have been
living in bordering areas with Bhutan have been paying tax ranging
from INR 50,000 per annum to the NDFB since the past 19 years
at a tune of INR 400 per family. He said the outfit has been demanding
INR 200,000 per annum from the villagers instead of INR 50,000
a year and this demand has been made from Saralpara and Ultapani
(Kokrajhar District). Besides, the NDFB has served similar demand
from Jharbari in the District, he added.
NDFB's founder 'chairman' Ranjan
Daimary, was released on bail from the Guwahati Central Jail.
Following his release, Daimari said that he will take part in
the proposed peace talks. Daimary also urged splinter groups to
unite and engage in peaceful negotiations with the Indian government.
Daimary had obtained bail in all the 14 cases in which he is an
accused. Ranjan Daimary was handed over to the Indian authorities
by their Bangladeshi counterparts on May 1, 2010.
Ranjan Daimari said the problems
faced by the Bodos could be solved only by democratic means, through
talks with the Government. Daimary would stay at a make-shift
designated camp at his village Borigami Kasibari in Udalguri District
along with some senior NDFB members reported the same newspaper
on June 22.
Daimary's release has not gone
down well with certain sections especially the families of those
affected by terrorist activities in the State.
June 24
Labourers of Naginijan Tea Estate
in Jorhat District stopped work claiming that militants from Nagaland
had fired at the garden on June 23rd night. AATTSA leader Dipak
Tanti alleged that a group of about 12 militants from Nagaland
opened fire in spite of an Assam police battalion being deployed
there. Following the incidence, Police has tightened security
in the areas bordering Assam and Nagaland.
Security Forces arrested a UDLA,
Suranjoy Reang, at Nandagram in the Cachar District.
A recruitment drive by CPI-Maoist
in Barak valley’s poverty-stricken tea garden areas has become
a cause for concern for security agencies. Talking to The
Telegraph over phone from Guwahati, Inspector-General of Police
–Law and order (IG-LW) S.N. Singh said both State and Central
intelligence had revealed that at least 18 youths were recruited
by the rebels from the backward garden areas. Barak Valley consists
of the Cachar, Karimganj and Hailakandi Districts of Southern
Assam.
NDFB-IKS is carrying out its subversive
activities and extortion in Sonitpur District from their camps
in deep forests in Arunachal Pradesh border along the District.
SP, Arabinda Kalita said correspondent that the Songbijit faction
of the militant group was sending text messages to demand extortion
to traders and other individuals in the district. Three top leaders
of the Songbijit faction [NDFB-IKS] are carrying out their subversive
activities in the three areas of the District— Lifang at Dhekiajuli,
Fangjara at Bhalukpong and Bikrai at Balisang, adds SP, Kalita.
June 25
A committee comprising personnel
from the BSF, SSB, RBI and different branches of the Assam Police,
has been formed to deal with the problem of FICN rackets. Initiating
the discussion on June 25, the Director General of Assam Police,
J.N. Choudhury said that all the concerned agencies should work
together to bust the gangs involved in the FICN racket. He called
upon the officials of the RBI to issue samples of FICN so that
the police and security forces can identify it.
The Senior Superintendent of Police,
Criminal Investigation Department, Debraj Upadhya gave a presentation
on the FICN seizures in different parts of the State. He said
that in Dhubri District so far this year, 205 pieces of FICN of
INR 1000 denomination were recovered, while, 419 pieces of notes
of INR 500 denomination were seized. In Guwahati city, 258 pieces
of INR 1000 denomination, 235 pieces of INR 500 denomination and
174 pieces of INR 100 denomination were recovered and six persons
were arrested.
Central Government and the ULFA-PTF
will take part in what is being described as a crucial round of
dialogue on June 26. The 27 member ULFA–PTF delegation led by
‘Chairman’, Arabinda Rajkhowa, is holding preliminary discussions
since June 24 with Centre’s interlocutor, P C Haldar.
Sources in the MHA have, however,
said that a number of rounds of talks may still be needed before
a draft MoU is finalised.
SFs arrested a militant belonging
to the KLO, Sanjit Ray at Chitila, under Fakiragram Police Station
in Kokrajhar District. SFs recovered one HK assault rifle with
three magazines and 60 live ammunition from his possession.
The Central Government is all
set to launch peace talks with Ranjan Daimary, founder ‘Chairman’
of the NDFB. Daimary was released from jail on June 23, after
a six-month interim bail was granted to facilitate his participation
in the peace process. The Centre's interlocutor for peace talks
with NDFB-RD, PC Haldar, said, "We will soon start the process
(talks) with him now that he has been granted bail by the court."
The AAMSU called for a blockade
of National Highway-51 from Paikan [Goalpara District] to Tura
[West Garo Hills District in Meghalaya] on June 28, seeking arrest
of those involved in the Nangalbibra killings. Appealing to all
sections of people in Garo hills in Meghalaya to maintain peace
and amity, AAMSU ‘state general secretary’ Rezaul Karim Sarkar
warned that if Assam and Meghalaya fail to stop the attacks on
non-indigenous labourers, the union would be compelled to put
up economic blockade on all the national highways connecting Meghalaya.
He claimed as many as 16 non-indigenous workers had been killed
in Meghalaya since May 23.
11 transport and workers’ unions
of three Assam Districts of Goalpara, Dhubri and Bongaigaon have
decided at a meeting held at the office of the Goalpara Truck
Workers’ Association to indefinitely stop plying their vehicles
to Garo hills in Meghalaya, demanding adequate security. The organisations
ply over 3,000 vehicles daily to Garo hills. The three Districts
are also the main suppliers of labour for the coal mines of Garo
hills. Eight migrant workers who were killed in Nangalbibra in
South Garo Hills on June 23 were from Dhubri and Goalpara District
of Assam.
KLO militants opened fires at
a NRL petrol pump in Halakura located in Dhubri District. According
to the Intelligence Bureau report, KLO militants are trying to
establish their base in as many as four lower Assam Districts
that include Kokrajhar, Bongaigaon, Dhubri and Goalpara.KLO has
started regrouping after formation of its new central committee,
headed by “commander–in–chief” Nityananda Sarkar, who hails from
Dhubri.
SFs recovered explosive
from a passenger bus which includes 35 gelatin stick, 72 fuses
and 10 metre wires in Karbi Anglong District.
June 26
After meeting 26-member delegation
of the ULFA-PTF by Arabinda Rajkhowa in New Delhi, for an hour,
Union Home Secretary R.K. Singh indicated that the Government
and the ULFA-PTF had moved closer to a political solution, as
the banned group had abandoned its key demand of “sovereignty.
RK Singh ruled out the possibility of holding talks with any splinter
group of ULFA. If anyone wants to hold talks with Government of
India they can join the ongoing peace process, he said, referring
to the ULFA-Independent led by ‘commander-in-chief’, Paresh Baruah.
After the meeting, Shambhu Singh,
JS-Northeast in the MHA, said, “We have reached a point almost
close to finalising a working draft. Certain things are still
under discussion but we hope the working draft to be ready very
soon.” He said the government has understood the concerns and
demands of ULFA-PTF and was trying to reach an amicable solution
to the three issues on which there was no agreement yet.
Sources said the government was
ready to amend the Constitution to grant safeguards for the identity
of people in Assam. ULFA-PTF is also demanding Scheduled Tribe
status for some tribes like the Morans and Muttocks of Upper Assam.
June 28
SFs arrested four militants of
a newly floated militant organization - BPAF - from Nayekgaon
under Kokrajhar Police Station in Kokrajhar District. The arrested
youths have been identified as Swmkhwr Brahma (19), Phungkha Brahma
(20), Ambrit Goyari (19) and Ringkhang Brahma (16).
SFs arrested two persons belonging
to NDFB Theophilus Leo Basumatary (28) (cadre) and (linkman)
Nur Bahadur Tamang, at Dolebagan area under Mathurapur Police
Station in Sivasagar District.
Meghalaya delegation comprising
of Garo MLAs and Government officials from North Garo Hills District
held a meeting with Assam officials and the AAMSU to try and get
normalcy restored at the earliest and prevent any possible threat
of economic blockade as warned by the neighbouring state's student
body.
The AAMSU delegation during the
meeting demanded a judicial probe into all killings of workers
of Assam in Garo Hills in the recent past and sought an increase
in ex-gratia payment to the families of the deceased and the injured.
As a goodwill gesture the AAMSU has put on hold their proposed
economic blockade of NH-51 through Paikan and NH-62 through Damra
which brings in supplies into the five districts of Garo Hills.
Assam's principle opposition party,
AIUDF, has asked the State Government to ensure safety of labourers
working in coal mines in Meghalaya's Garo Hills Districts. AIUDF
said that as majority of these migrant workers are from Assam,
the State government should work seriously with its Meghalaya
counterpart to ensure that the people are not "frequently harassed
and attacked by armed gangs."
June 29
Members of various militant formations
are stealing expensive motorcycles from Guwahati City to make
easy money. According to Police militants belonging to NDFB-RD
stole a bike worth INR 400,000 from the city's Rupnagar area in
May this year. The bike was later recovered at West Kameng District
in Arunachal Pradesh.
June 30
Twelve terrorists, nine from RVA
and three from ULFA-Independent , surrendered before Security
Forces at the office of the Goalpara Superintendent of Police
in Goalpara District. The militants deposited seven pistols, five
rifles, live ammunition rounds, hand grenades, explosives and
IED fabrication materials.
RNPC and RNSU, urged the law enforcing
authority and the Karbi Anglong District administration to setup
two Police outposts in Rengma areas and develop modern infrastructure
in view of the prevailing political situation after the recent
threat issued by KPLT to Rengmas residing in Chokihola area of
Bokajan subdivision in the District.
July 1
SFs arrested a UPLF cadre, Rolin
Jidung, from Upper Mohendijua under the Manja Police Station in
Karbi Anglong District. The SFs also recovered one 7.65 pistol
from his possession.
July 2
A 300-hour economic blockade called
by AKRSU paralysed traffic movement on National Highways 31 and
31(C) in the lower Assam Districts. The blockade, called by AKRSU
for creation of a separate 'Kamtapur State' and ST status to the
Rajbongshi community, left hundreds of trucks stranded on both
sides of Chagolia Assam-Bengal inter-state checkgate in Dhubri.
AKRSU 'President', Biswajit Roy, asked the Assam Government that
it should shift its offices from "Kamtapur state", adding that
Dispur has no right to run its administration from Kamtapur. He
further warned that, "If the government is willing to shift the
offices from Kamtapur then it is alright but if it does not do
so, we will be compelled to put up signboards of Kamtapur and
lock up all the Assam government offices in the next phase of
our agitation."
Reports said that ULFA founder
'general secretary' Anup Chetia (56) alias Golap Baruah
will face trial in India after his deportation from Bangladesh.
Besides cases like being a member of an outlawed outfit, Chetia,
is also wanted in a case charging him with ordering, abetting
and instigating the murder of the wife, driver and personal security
officer of former Dibrugarh Superintendent of Police, A K Mallick
in 1989.
July 3
According to sources in the Bangladesh
High Commission, there is a strong possibility of ULFA 'general
secretary' Anup Chetia being handed over after the visit of Bangladeshi
Foreign Minister, Dipu Moni on July 25.
AAMSU has warned of an economic
blockade of Garo Hills from July 8 and reportedly demanded that
the Meghalaya Government raise the ex gratia given to the families
of nine victims who were killed in two separate incidents in South
and West Garo Hills on June 23. AAMSU has threatened to block
supply of all essential food items flowing into the Garo hills
from Assam's Singimari region of Dhubri District. AAMSU also demanded
that the two migrant workers currently under the custody of Meghalaya
be released unconditionally. They were assaulted along with another
labourer at Wadanang locality of Tura for allegedly attempting
to molest a girl.
The GoM formed by the State Government
has accepted the demand of the AASU that the NRC update process
should start in all Districts of the State simultaneously instead
of only eight Districts in the first phase, as earlier, decided
by the Government. The GoM stated that it would forward the AASU's
demand in writing to the Central Government.
July 4
SFs arrested a NSLA militant,
identified as Tala Baska alias Sidha Baska (22), from Haraphuta
village of Gossaigaon subdivision in Kokrajhar District. SFs recovered
a 7.65 mm (USA made) pistol, 20 live rounds of bullets and 2 magazines
from the militant.
July 5
SFs arrested one ULFA militant,
Arpan Joti Lahaon, from Lakhijuri- Jamuguri locality of Golaghat
District. SFs seized one 9mm China made pistol and 8 live bullets,
150 grams TNT powder, time explosive device appended with a clock
and electronic detonators from his possession. Police also recovered
three demand notes and four mobile handsets and ten SIM cards.
The MHA has agreed to ULFA-PTF
demand to grant ST status to five communities with the greater
objective of keeping illegally settled Bangladeshi immigrants
at bay.
Although the tripartite agreement
is yet to be formally inked, the decision to grant ST status to
the five tribes-Moran, Motok, Chutia, Koch-Rajbongshi and Tai-Ahom-was
finalised during a meeting between representatives of the Centre,
the Assam government and the ULFA-PTF led by the its 'chairman'
Arabinda Rajkhowa in New Delhi recently. According to sources,
ST status will ensure land rights for the tribes, prevent alienation
of land and there will be greater number of reserved seats for
them in the State assembly.
July 6
ULFA 'general secretary' Anup
Chetia, who is currently in a jail in Bangladesh, is likely to
be extradited to India on July 16. Bangladesh has indicated that
Chetia will be sent back to India a day or two before the Home
Secretary level talks between the two countries scheduled to be
held here on July 18-19. He will be brought to New Delhi and ULFA-PTF
'chairman' Arabinda Rajkhowa, who is holding peace dialogue with
the government, has been asked to come to the national capital
for a meeting with him, officials said. A team of Assam Police
will also come to New Delhi to take custody of Chetia as various
cases, including murder, abduction and extortion, are registered
against him in Assam. The ULFA leader had given two applications
in a Dhaka court -- one of withdrawal of his petition seeking
asylum in Bangladesh and second of a request for repatriation
to India.
July 7
A dead body, identified as that
of Mahasin Akram (19), who hailed from No.2 Pubergaon village
under Mancachar Police Station in Dhubri District, was recovered
on the Assam-Meghalaya inter-state border at Mirzumla in same
District. Official sources said the victim was the son of a Gram
panchayat (Village level governing body) head. Following the discovery
of the dead body, a mob set ablaze the vehicle of South Salmara-
Mancachar SDPO & two constables, Chittaranjan Hasong and Mufazzal
Haque, were injured in the mob violence. Police and paramilitary
forces later dispersed the mob but situation was still tense in
the area, an official source in Hatsinghimari said. In view of
the deteriorating law and order situation an indefinite curfew
from 6pm on July 7 in three Gram Panchayats under Mancachar Police
Station.
The AAMSU and the LU have called
for an economic blockade of Garo Hills of Meghalaya from July
8,. The main demands of AAMSU and LU are a payment of INR 1 million
to the victims, security for the minority community, and punishment
for culprits of the violence against minority in the Garo Hills.
July 8
In a memorandum submitted to Assam
Governor JB Patnaik, the BTC Birodhi Gana Aikya Moncha placed
the demand for exclusion of non-Bodo villages from the BTC area
so that there could be no conflict between Bodos and non-Bodos.
''We want to reiterate that the
BTAD (Bodoland Territorial Autonomous District) under the Sixth
Schedule of the Constitution will not solve the problems (in the
BTAD). Rather, it will create more and more problems which will
bring about destructive consequences to the interests of all the
ethnicities living there... Hundreds of non-Bodo villages have
been knocking the doors of the Gauhati High Court, praying for
their exclusion from the BTC area... The High Court also accepted
their objection and directed the Government of Assam for their
redress. Subsequently, the Chief Secretary stated to the High
Court explaining that the Governor was entitled to deal with the
problems of non-Bodos in the BTAD who constitute around 75 per
cent of the total population of the region,'' the memorandum stated.
The memorandum requested the Governor
to review the BTC Accord and to call a round-table conference
of all the ethnic representatives ''to find out the problems of
ethnic autonomy''. The memorandum has also asked for a white paper
on the ''Bodo movement for autonomy'' and the government's policy
in handling the ''Bodo problems since 1990''.
Sadhu Debnath of Runikhata in
Chirang district was abducted on July 8 by suspected NDFB cadres
belonging to the Songbijit faction. According to sources, Debnath,
who runs a tailoring-cum-clothes store at Runikhata market, had
gone to Dorogaon in Chirang District after receiving a telephone
call from where he is said have gone missing.
July 9
While the MHA has agreed in principle
to one of the primary demands of the ULFA-PTF for granting of
tribal status to six communities of the state, the ULFA-PTF leadership
is not ready to take the Government word for it till the approval
is spelt out in the peace settlement. Deputy 'commander-in-chief'
Raju Baruah alias Hitesh Kalita, who is the top leader
of the military wing of the pro-talks group, said, "All statements
made so far are speculative. We have discussed the problems of
the State with the Government, including the problems surrounding
indigenous communities. It is too early to come to conclude whether
tribal status will be granted to the six communities. First, let
it be incorporated in the peace agreement."
Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said
a few days ago that he too supports the ULFA-PTF's demand.
Union minister of state for tribal
welfare Ranee Narah said that the MHA is waiting for the RGI's
clearance to the proposal.
The ULFA-PTF replaced its three-decade-old
demand of sovereignty with the demand for constitutional safeguards
for the indigenous people by granting tribal status to the tea
tribe, Koch-Rajbongshi, Moran, Motok, Tai Ahom and Chutia communities.
India and Myanmar have agreed
to cooperate to prevent cross border movement of armed groups,
share information on seizure of arms and check arms smuggling/drug
trafficking, said UHM Sushilkumar Shinde. Shinde said the agreement
was reached during the 20th Sectoral Level (Joint Working Group)
Meeting between Myanmar and India held in Bagan, Myanmar, from
June 19-20. He said the Indian side raised its concerns about
the camps available to the Indian Insurgent Groups (IIGs) in Myanmar
and are responsible for sustaining insurgency in North East. Myanmar
side was requested not to allow operations by insurgent groups
along the Indo-Myanmar border. Both sides agreed to cooperate
to prevent cross border movement of armed groups, share information
on seizure of arms and check arms smuggling/drug trafficking.
The Home Minister also said that
on June 26 a tripartite meeting comprising the representatives
of Government of Assam, ULFA and Government of India was held
under the Chairmanship of Union Home Secretary at New Delhi to
review the progress made in talks with ULFA and also to discuss
their demands. The ULFA delegation was led by its Chairman, Arabinda
Rajkhowa. The ULFA leaders wanted that additional measures need
to be taken for effective guarding of Indo-Bangladesh Border to
check illegal infiltration from across the border. They were assured
that Union Government is committed to take all possible measures
to control the illegal influx and measures already taken along
international border have helped in curbing illegal infiltration
from across the border.
July 10
Uncertainty over extradition of
ULFA 'general secretary' Anup Chetia continues, with UHM Sushil
Kumar Shinde clarifying that he is unaware about the latest development
in the case. UHM's statement comes close on the heels of news
reports in Bangladesh, where the country's Home Ministry has dismissed
reports of his immediate extradition as 'baseless'.
July 11
Police arrested seven militants
of the KRA from Saijan area under Dilai Police Station in Karbi
Anglong District.
The 36-hour Assam bandh
call given by the AKRSU led by Hiteswar Barman group demanding
separate State of Kamtapur and inclusion of Rajbongshi in the
list of Scheduled Tribes passed off peacefully in Kokrajhar District
on July 10.
ASSP, a minority group from the
State, warned the Centre against attempts to term Assam as a "tribal
state". "The delegation informed the home minister that any move
to declare Assam as a tribal state will be strongly opposed,"
said a statement released by the ASSP after its members met Union
Home Minister (UHM) Sushil Kumar Shinde.
The leadership of both factions
of the dissolved DHD [DHD-Nunisa &Black Widow/ DHD-J] and representatives
of the Central and State Government attended a joint review meeting
of the MoS. "We placed before them two basic proposals - first,
the concept of a development council for all Dimasas living in
central Assam's Nagaon district, Karbi Anglong and also in three
Districts of Barak Valley. Second, rehabilitation package should
be announced at the earliest for all the 691 armed and 1,318 civil-rank
cadres," DHD-N 'chairman' Dilip Nunisa said. According to him,
proposals of some fruitful agriculture and horticulture schemes
were placed before the representative of the MHA for immediate
consideration. "According to the memorandum, there will be review
of works every six months. Unfortunately, the first sitting took
place almost after 10 months."
Two NDFB-RD militants were killed
and two security force personnel injured, in an encounter, at
Tharaibari under Chariduar Police Station near the Assam-Arunachal
Pradesh border in Sonitpur District. The police recovered two
pistols and ammunition from one of the slain militants, identified
as Gauranga Basumatari from Goalpara District. The other militant
is yet to be identified. The Police were hunting for Gauranga
who was allegedly involved in the killing of planter Adilur Rahman
on November 14, 2012. In an emailed statement, B. Najib, the 'information
and publicity secretary' of the NDFB-RD, however, claimed that
the two cadres, taking shelter at a residence in Tharaibari under
Charduar Police Station, were dragged out and shot by a team of
police commandos.
Report said that two groups of
militants, both from the NDFB-RD and NDFB-IKS have been taking
shelter in the Chariduar which lies to the north of Sonitpur District.
Recently, five cadres from NDFB-IKS, including the two killed,
joined the NDFB-RD after the NDFB leader Ranjan Daimary was released
from jail.
July 12
Two militants of ULFA-I, identified
as Pappu Baruah alias Aoikya Asom and Chittaranjan Das alias
Deep Asom, surrendered before the Security Forces at Paltanbazar
area in Dibrugarh District. The militants deposited two 7.65 mm
Italian made automatic pistols, three magazines, ten rounds of
live ammunition and a bottle grenade. ULFA-I, however, denied
any such surrender or existence of any such cadre in its rank.
The seven KRA militants arrested
on July 11 in Karbi Anglong District have now been identified
as Seikam Khongsai, Saigam Guite, Sengneo Thangeo, Hegou Khongsai,
Abraham Khangsoi, Satpo Chengsan and Manglet Chengsan. SFs recovered
one AK-47 rifle, one magazine, 26 rounds of AK ammunitions, one
hand grenade, one binocular, identity cards issued by the authority
earlier. The KRA militants were arrested after they deserted their
ceasefire-designated camp.
ULFA 'general secretary' Anup
Chetia will most likely be deported from Bangladesh ahead of the
July 18-19 talks here between the home secretaries of the two
countries. A source told the newspaper that, "Chetia will be flown
to New Delhi first and efforts are being made to do that before
July 18." The militant leader has been in Bangladesh jails since
December 1997 after being arrested by authorities in that country.
The AAMSU attended the joint district-level
meeting at Hatsinghimari only to tell the representatives of the
Dhubri and South West Garo Hills District administration that
the economic blockade [since July 8] of Garo hills would continue
until a tripartite meeting is arranged between the Centre and
the Chief Ministers of Assam and Meghalaya.
The Assam Police has formed a
group, including officers from the BSF, the Police, and the leading
banks, to stop the circulation of FICN in the State. The DGP JN
Choudhury, said: "Eventually, the above group will also include
officers from the Department of Revenue Intelligence. Of the districts
that we have identified, the main districts suffering from fake
currency notes circulation in the State are Dhubri, Guwahati and
Karimganj. The fake currency notes are being supplied basically
by buses and trains. We shall focus on these areas." The group
formed by the Assam Police will lay a special emphasis on tackling
the circulation of fake FICN in the State and on nabbing the culprits
as fast as possible, said the DGP.
"From January 2008 till date,
FICN worth about INR 8.724 million have been seized by the Assam
Police, leading to the arrest of about 500 people in this connection.
The war against fake Indian currency notes in Assam will go on,"
said a Police source.
July 13
NDFB-PTF called on the NDFB-RD
and NDFB-IKS to join hands with it to carry forward peace talks
with the Central government in the greater interest of the Bodo
community.NDFB-PTF 'president' Dhiren Boro alias B. Sungthagra
said the NDFB had been a single entity before ideological differences
led to formation of the two other factions. Stating that the peace
talks with the government of India were proceeding smoothly, with
both sides responding positively, Boro urged the NDFB-RD and NDFB-IKS
to join the negotiations to ensure a lasting solution to the Boro
imbroglio."We can expect a good political solution to the problem
soon if we stand united while carrying forward the peace process,"
he said. "It would be a positive step."
RNLF's 24-hour bandh (shutdown)
paralysed life in the RHAC areas on July 13. A passenger vehicle
and a two-wheeler were set ablaze near Dabli in Goalpara District.
Sources in Dudhnoi Police Station, however, said the vehicle was
torched before the bandh started at 6am.No untoward incident was
reported in Kamrup District. Asking the Government to "stop dirty
politics", the RNLF's "commander-in-chief" Bhargav Rangkha threatened
in a release, "If the government does not want to turn the Rabha
Hasong movement into a violent one, they should hold democratic
election in the Rabha Hasong area. If the Government does not
pay any attention to our demand, we will be compelled to undertake
more dangerous programmes."
July 14
Tension eased along the Assam-Meghalaya
border with AAMSU lifting its economic blockade on NEC Road in
Dhubri District. The AAMSU had imposed the blockade on July 8
following June 23 killing of coal mine labourers in the Garo hills
of Meghalaya.
NDFB-PTF chose existence as a
SAR of China rather than accepting the Central Government move
to give more powers to Autonomous Councils. Resenting the fact
that Bodos and other indigenous people living within the proposed
Bodoland area were yet to get full-fledged political autonomy,
a press statement issued by the NDFB-PTF's 'publicity secretary',
S. Sanjarang, said it would be better for these communities to
be a part of a Special Administrative Region in China "if the
government of India has only decided to provide more powers to
the existing Autonomous Councils of the region".
Inspector General of Police-in
charge of BTAD, GP Singh stated that though the police and security
forces launched a massive operation to seize illegal weapons in
the BTAD, extortion still remains a major problem in the area
as a number of militant outfits are still active in the area.
Some members of the militant groups under cease-fire agreement
with the Government are also involved in forceful fund collection.
IGP, Singh told that more than 120 weapons including AK series
rifles were seized during the operation. Following the crackdown,
open display of weapons, at least in the towns, has stopped but
it is difficult to say whether such weapons are still available
with the miscreants, Singh said.
IGP-BTAD, GP Singh said that NSLA
is still active in extortion activity. Though the APA has come
overground to solve its problems through talks, one group of the
outfit is still at large and members of the group are involved
in extortion. These groups are active mostly in the Gossaigaon-North
Bengal belt and in addition to extortions are also involved in
few abduction cases.
IGP-BTAD, GP Singh said that IK
Songbijit faction of NDFB-IKS, with around 75 cadres, has bases
in Karbi Anglong and Biswanath Chariali area apart from the main
base in Myanmar. IGP further admitted that the NDFB-IKS is also
involved in extortions in different parts of the BTAD, while,
some members of the NDFB-RD, which declared unilateral ceasefire
with the Government to express its desire for talks, are also
extorting money. Further, according to reports, there have been
instances where members of both NDFB-RD &NDFB-IKS stayed together
in the interior places. Singh said that though it is difficult
to say whether the militants still have bases in Bhutan, the terrain
in the area, particularly during the rainy season makes it difficult
to launch sustained operations.
July 15
An encounter took place between
suspected militants of NDFB -IKS and the RBA in the Indo-Bhutan
border area.
Following the exchange of Fire
with RBA the militants retreated towards the forest area of Chirang
District and fired on the SSB troopers who were patrolling near
the border. In retaliation the SSB troopers fired shots and conducted
search operation in the area and at Lalai River near Sashipur
area under Amguri Police Station in the District. Later, in the
evening the SSB jawans recovered one cap used by the NDFB-IKS
militant besides four empty and one live cartridges of AK-47 rifle,
sources said. According to the sources, two NDFB-IKS cadres were
injury in the encounter. Security sources also claimed that the
NDFB-IKS leader, B Bidai was injured in the incident.
The modus operandi of the militant
was to push back the Bhutan Army from the border area so that
they can enter into the Bhutan territory, sources said. Chirang
SP, Kumar Sanjit Krishna said, "The Royal Bhutan Army chased two
youths in the border area and fired at them. When the youths were
running towards Indian side, the SSB jawans on patrol duty blank
fired on them". However, no casualty was reported from the SSB
side, the sources said.
The Kokrajhar District witnessed
a bandh (shut down) following the news of the36-hour Assam bandh
being called by NDFB-IKS was published in an Assamese daily. All
the Government offices and business establishments remained closed.
However, the NDFB -IKS, however later, clarified that they did
not call a bandh. The bandh has affected normal life in the District
along with other parts of the BTC. The shops, markets and all
business establishments as well as transport and other means of
communications were disrupted.BR Farenga, 'spokesman' of the NDFB-IKS,
in a telephonic conversation, clarified that the bandh was not
called by their organization.
State Forest Minister Rockybul
Hussain on July 15 stated in the Assembly that altogether 78 persons
were killed and 191 abducted by different insurgent outfits in
601 incidents, during the last two years, when 20 security personnel
were also killed. The ULFA-I had killed 16 persons, including
a 10-year-old girl, a four-year-old boy and girl each, while the
anti-talks faction of NDFB-ATF had killed 12 civilians including
a 10-year-old-boy, Hussain said.
The KPLT killed 12 persons, NSCN-IM/K
killed four, Meghalaya based GNLA killed three, KLO, KRA, DNRF,
HPC and Dima Halim Daogah- Jewel Garlosa (DHD-Jewel) killed one
each, besides 25 by other militant formations.
A total of 135 militants were
killed and 2,749 arrested during the period, he said. To another
question, the minister said five underground outfits are active
in Assam and they are ULFA-Liberation, NDFB, KPLT, KLO, MULTA
and HUM Assam unit.
ULFA-I has urged Bangladesh Prime
Minister Sheikh Hasina to give "an honourable and decent repatriation"
to its jailed 'general secretary' Anup Chetia.
July 16
SFs arrested two militants belonging
to NSCN-IM, identified as Ramkutlungbe Ndaime (29) and Suirang
Newme (28), from Jatinga locality in Dima Hasao District. SFs
recovered one 7.65mm pistol, two rounds of ammunition and some
NSCM-IM extortion notes from their possession.
NDFB-IKS denied hands in firing
on RBA at Lalai near Chirang District along Indo-Bhutan border.
In a press statement, the 'spokesman' of the NDFB-IKS, BR Ferenga
clarified that the outfit had no connection with the attacks.
NDFB-IKS urged the Bhutan government
to disclose the whereabouts of the NDFB's leaders who went missing
during the 2003 Operation All clear.
Two extortionists, who were posing
as CPI-Maoist linkman, were arrested from area under Bordumsa
and Doomdooma Police Station in Tinsukia District. The duo was
identified as Dhurva Saikia and Rupam Barua. According to Police
sources, a group of five suspected linkmen had served an extortion
letter and illegally demanded INR 200,000 from a Digboi based
businessman, Hanuman Prasad Agarwal, on July 1.
Central Government's effort to
bring in ULFA 'general secretary' Anup Chetia is part of a plan
to "isolate" leader of the ULFA-I, Paresh Baruah, by roping in
other leaders of the outfit to join the peace process.
Immediately after the Home Secretary
level talks (July 17-18) between India and Bangladesh, a high
level team from New Delhi will reach Dhaka to complete the last
round of formalities to bring jailed ULFA 'general secretary'
Anup Chetia back to the country. The two-day-long Home Secretary
level talks between India and Bangladesh started on July 17. Sources
in the Indian Home Ministry confirmed that some final paper works
need to be done before the repatriation process.
BTC 'chairman' Hagrama Mohilary
asserted that abduction and extortion carried out by the cadres
of NDFB-RD and NDFB-IKS is detrimental for the Government's peace
process with the militant formation. Mohilary said though NDFB-IKS
is a breakaway faction of NDFB-RD but in the grass root level,
the cadres of both the outfits are indulging in similar activities,
even as the NDFB-RD 'Chairman' Ranjan Daimary has come forward
to hold talks with the Central Government.
The Supreme Court has directed
both the Centre and State Government to furnish an estimated time-frame
for updating the NRC in one single LAC.
July 17
A former militant of disbanded
Karbi militant formation, UPDS, identified as Harlongbi Engti,
was lynched by a mob in a village located in Karbi Anglong District.
July 18
Security Forces arrested two extortionists,
identified as Ramen Gogoi (27) and Thaneswar Gogoi, (55), at Sepon
in Sivasagar District for extorting money from a businessman in
the name of ULFA.
Central Government interlocutor
P.C. Haldar began formal talks with the NDFB-RD in Guwahati but
cautioned that dialogue could not be an excuse to carry on unlawful
activities like extortion. Haldar's caution follows accusations
by BTC chairman, Hagrama Mohilary that the Daimary and I.K. Songbijit
factions of the NDFB are engaging in extortion in the BTAD. Although
both sides claimed that the talks had kicked off on "a positive
note", Daimary said political issues did not come up and discussions
were limited to steps to carry the dialogue forward. "We will
meet next month for further discussions".
ADGP-SB, Khagen Sarma, who also
participated in the talks, said that they have asked Ranjan Daimary
to submit some details, including a list of the group's cadres,
required for signing the suspension of operations agreement. "They
have around 400 cadres but we have asked them to submit a list
formally. Once the suspension of operations agreement is signed,
their cadres will be sheltered in designated camps and will be
offered incentives according to the government scheme. Besides,
we will take their arms in our control," he added.
July 19
Unknown miscreants abducted two
Tata Motors agents, Sandip Bora and Madan Ghose, from East Maligaon
under Bismuri Police Outpost in Kokrajhar District.
During an interview, State DGP,
JN Choudhary said that recruiting and mobilising and trying to
build a base.DGP further said that we cannot wish them away but
it's not time yet to deploy Special Forces, like the Greyhounds
in Andhra Pradesh. We are concentrating on nipping the problem
in the bud. The government has sought assistance from the Centre
to implement development schemes in the seven Maoist-affected
Districts.
DGP, JN Choudhary said that extortion
is still a problem in BTAD. The NDFB-IKS is extorting money from
traders in Kokrajhar, Chirang, and Bongaigaon and even in Kharupetia
in Darrang District though the amounts are not big. We are not
sure whether the money reaches the organisation or is pocketed
by groups but our efforts to root out the problem are on.
July 20
SFs arrested an ULFA-I militant,
Kamal Saikia alias Ranjit Gogoi (26), at Selenghat village in
Jorhat District. After interrogating Kamal, SFs arrested six more
linkmen from the same locality. Police said they have recovered
six mobile handsets and three demand notes signed by Jiban Asom,
'finance secretary' of ULFA-I from Kamal. In each demand note,
the outfit has demanded INR 500,000 each. Assam police refused
to give the identity of the businessmen whose name were mentioned
in the demand notes.
July 21
Two NDFB cadres surrendered before
the Security Forces in Sivasagar District. They also handed over
two 9mm pistols.
CPI-Maoist is promoting opium
cultivation popular in Districts along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh
boundary. According to security sources, the CPI-Maoist is taking
the help of local rebel outfits to encourage opium farming, which,
although illegal, is a traditional practice in these areas and
is a lucrative occupation for locals. "It is a fact that the Maoists
tacitly promote opium and ganja cultivation in order to raise
funds for their activities. The cadres of the anti-talks factions
of ULFA [ULFA-Independent] and NDFB [NDFB-IK Songbijit], who are
hiding at several places in Arunachal Pradesh, are helping them
in their latest venture," said an unnamed senior intelligence
official.
"Around 200 youth are reported
to be running the poppy farming racket in the border areas of
Arunachal Pradesh. They get a monthly stipend of INR 1,500-2,500.
The local outfits, which are helping the Maoists are also paying
approximately INR 30,000 per acre to willing farmers for growing
opium," added an unnamed security source from Arunachal Pradesh.
Arunachal Pradesh chief minister
Nabam Tuki had said, "We are trying to sensitize the people and
replace the traditional poppy farming with other cash crops, rubber
plantation or flower and fruit cultivation."
SFs detected an IED planted on
a passenger vehicle in the Gambhira Ghat locality of Karimganj
District. The vehicle coming from Nivia was on its way to Gambhira
Colony. SFs arrested three persons, including the driver, the
cleaner and a passenger of the vehicle.
July 22
A bandh (general shutdown)
called by the ABBYF paralysed life in Kokrajhar and Chirang Districts.
ABBYF is demanding security for non-Bodos residing in the Bodo
belt and also the unconditional release of Naren Saha, Madan Ghosh,
Sandeep Bora, Sadan Debnath and Ratan Biswas, among others, who
were abducted by unidentified men from various places in Kokrajhar
and Chirang Districts.
The 'general secretary' of the
NDFB-PTF Govinda Basumatary said that any discussion with its
rival NDFB-RD does not arise at the moment. Basumatary also said
that he is unaware of NDFB-RD's demands, which the NDFB-RD is
going to place before the Government. He also refused to accept
March 25, 1971, as the cut-off date for identifying foreigners
in the State, saying that considering this date as the cut-off
would not safeguard the interests and rights of the indigenous
people.
The AASUS 'president' Rajkumar
Duwarah said that he felt the peace talks with the ULFA-PTF will
not proceed in the right direction in the absence of ULFA-I leader,
Paresh Baruah.
The body of NSCN-KK 'under secretary'
Akato Yeptho was recovered from Bor-Lingri area in Karbi Anglong
District. NSCN-KK sources confirmed the killing and alleged his
killed by the NSCN-K cadres.
July 23
Suspected militants of Independent
faction of ULFA-I hurled three grenades at three different places
in the North Lakhimpur Town of Lakhimpur District resulting in
injury to five civilians. The first grenade was thrown at Court
Tiniali, second at Jail Road and the third was thrown at CD Road.
While the grenades at the first two sites exploded injuring five
people, the third grenade, however, did not explode.
Two vehicles were targeted by
blockade supporters in Kokrajhar District. While one vehicle was
set ablaze near Flour Mill in the Gossaigaon area another vehicle
was damaged in the Joypur area. A 36-hour road blockade was called
by the Biswajit Roy faction of AKRSU in demand for a separate
'Kamtapur State' and Scheduled Tribe status to the community.
The blockade also paralysed traffic at Chagolia inter-state check
gate in Dhubri District.
IMF, an offshoot of the Manipur
based organisation PULF-Ghani-Bashir, militants are suspected
to be involved in the planting of the IED recovered by a patrol
unit of the Army in the Karimganj District on July 21. Sources
in Masimpur cantonment [based in Cachar District] on July 23 said
the outfit might have been planning a blast in any of the three
Barak valley Districts of Cachar, Karimganj and Hailakandi during
the run-up to Independence Day (August 15).
The All Assam Surrendered ULFA
Committee has claimed that the ongoing peace talks with the Arabinda
Rajkhowa-led ULFA-PTF would prove futile until and unless all
the surrendered militants and ULFA-I militants are taken into
confidence. The Committee also demanded withdrawal of nearly 15,000
cases pending against around 3,000 surrendered cadres in the State.
July 24
Suspected KPLT militants lobbed
a grenade at a daily market in the Bokoliaghat area of Karbi Anglong
District, killing one person and injuring 21 others.
Lakhimpur District Police sounded
a District-wide alert and intensified patrolling on roads bordering
the State of Arunachal Pradesh following the grenade attacks carried
out by the ULFA-I in North Lakhimpur. Lakhimpur SP, Prasanta Kumar
Bhuyan said the group involved in the attack was headed by ULFA-I's
'second lieutenant' Rajib Das. The triple blasts had left five
persons injured.
The ABSU appealed to the Central
Government to be 'sincere' for an ever lasting solution of the
'Bodo problem'.
July 25
The Director General of
Police, J.N. Choudhury said that ULFA-I was out to create terror
in the state at the behest of their backers in Pakistan. "Our information
is that ULFA has been asked to spread terror if it wants Pakistani
help. It is carrying out the attacks under pressure from its Pakistani
backers. We are certain about ULFA hand in the grenade attack in
Lakhimpur and suspect its involvement in the Karbi Anglong blast."
July 26
SFs recovered an IED weighing
seven kilograms from under a bridge over the Noa River at Punia
in the Darrang District.
SFs recovered an AK-56 rifle along
with 2,000 cartridges, three foreign-made pistols along with three
bullets and three mobile handsets from a vehicle at Rakhaldubi,
along the National Highway- 31C, in the Bongaigaon District. According
to Bongaigaon Superintendent of Police, Abhijit Bora, the consignment
was being ferried from Dimapur in Nagaland to be handed over to
NDFB-IKS militants somewhere in Chirang District.
SFs arrested three persons for
triggering grenade explosions in the North Lakhimpur town of Lakhimpur
District on July 23. The arrested persons were identified as Rose
Asom, a cadre of the ULFA-I, ULFA-I linkman, Gopal Bora, and a
SULFA cadre, Babu Gogoi. The SFs recovered another live grenade
from the possession of Rose Asom.
Five Adivasi militant organizations,
including ACMA, APA, BCF, STF and AANLA, set December 2013 as
the 'deadline' for New Delhi to grant Scheduled Tribe (ST) status
to Assam's 12 Adivasi communities. Leaders of the five Adivasi
militant organisations on July 26 said that they would be forced
to adopt "all possible options" to achieve their goal.
July 27
SFs arrested three militants belonging
to NDFB-IKS from Batabari village under Dotma Police Station in
Kokrajhar District. The arrested cadres were identified as Mithinga
Narzary (22), Kampa Basumatary (19) and Nikhil Muchahary (22).
ULFA-I 'chairman', Abhijit Barman
released a video cassette to commemorate the 22nd 'Sahid Divas
(Martyr's Day)' of the militant outfit. The cassette, sent through
an e-mail to the media, has been directed by Barman himself and
pays tribute to 15000 ULFA members who laid down their lives for
a "sovereign" Assam. The outfit has been observing July 27 as
'Sahid Divas' since 1991.
Bodo organizations, including
the PJACBM and NDFB-PTF, have warned the Central Government, which
is considering the creation of a separate Telangana state, of
reviving their agitation for a separate 'Bodoland State' if the
issue is sidelined.
People of the State are forced
to pay 'taxes' to militant formations, including the KPLT, & NDFB-IKS.
NDFB-IKS, KPLT along with the ULFA-I have unleashed a massive
and coordinated extortion drive in the State and have also introduced
'tax slabs'.
The ULFA-I and the NDFB-IKS are
making fresh efforts to take help of China. According to reports
available with the Government agencies, both the ULFA-I and the
NDFB-IKS recently managed to get in touch with some "Chinese elements"
in Yunan province but it is still not known whether the outfits
were promised any help.
CM Tarun Gogoi stated that the
strength of the ULFA-I militants has declined and the Security
Forces have foiled many of their attempts. CM, Gogoi further said
that insurgent groups like NDFB-IKS and KPLT had extended support
to the ULFA-I.
Unidentified militants abducted
a businessman (a utensil seller), Baisnab Banik (50), from Santipur
under Basugaon Police Outpost of Chirang District.
July 28
15 persons were injured as militants
carried out a grenade blast at Paltan Bazar in the Guwahati city
area of Kamrup (Metro) District. Although no outfit has claimed
responsibility for the attack, Police suspects involvement of
the ULFA-Independent in the incident.
Militant outfits having bases
in Myanmar, including the ULFA-I and the NDFB-IKS, have started
re-using the routes through Nagaland to enter the State. Earlier
the militants were using the routes through Tirap and Changlang
Districts of Arunachal Pradesh to come down to Assam from Myanmar.
But following domination by the Central forces and Arunachal Pradesh
Police in the area, the militants have started re-using the routes
through Nagaland, particularly through Mon District to come down
to India.
July 29
SFs in an encounter killed a NSLA
militant, identified as Mundra Hansda, in the Matiapara village
under Sapkata outpost of Kokrajhar District. Four other NSLA militants,
Lakhiram, Silo Baske, Sunil Tudu and Ramesh Baske, were arrested
while they were trying to flee.
Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi stated
that ULFA-I had carried out the July 28 grenade blast in the Guwahati
city with help from outside agencies and directed officials to
take necessary steps to prevent such incidents. He further admitted
that there must have been some security lapse, "otherwise the
blast would not have taken place".
The DGP JN Choudhury claimed
that the July 28 grenade blast was carried out by the ULFA-I under
Drishti Rajkhowa. The DGP, however, refuted the eyewitnesses'
statements that the grenade was lobbed by motorcycle-borne youths.
Additional DGP (ADGP-Law and
Order) AP Raut said that a joint operation of Army and State Police
against the ULFA-I and NDFB-IKS would be undertaken in the State
very soon.
The BPF, the ruling party of the
BTC, said the Government should take up the demand for Bodoland
State in the manner it is proceeding on the Telangana issue. President
of BPF and chairman of BTC, Hagrama Mohilary, said that they had
demanded "same-level talk" for the creation of Bodoland as for
Telangana. If the issue of Telangana is placed in Parliament,
so should Bodoland, he added. The party is organising a mass rally
in Kokrajhar District on August 4 to put pressure on the government
on Bodoland.
July 30
The UC in the State will review
the nature of its ongoing operations against ULFA-I, after ULFA
'General Secretary' Anup Chetia's repatriation to India from Bangladesh.
Also, Police stepped up pressure on ULFA-I's Drishti Rajkhowa
to join the Arabinda Rajkhowa-led ULFA-PTF.
Security experts are of the opinion
that the July 28 grenade blast in Guwahati city was triggered
to drive home the point that ULFA-I is not a spent force and can
still challenge the security apparatus of the State. "Notwithstanding
its low intensity, the place and timing of the blast are significant
and needs to be taken into account. It was a demonstration by
Paresh Baruah that his outfit has the capability to strike even
at the economic hub of the northeast," an unnamed senior security
expert said.
Chief Minister, Tarun Gogoi during
his visit to Mariani (Jorhat District) along the Assam-Nagaland
border on July 30 stated his Government has given due importance
to the development of inter-state border areas to solve disputes
among residents of the areas.
Following the announcement of
the creation of Telangana State, the ABSU has threatened to launch
a "vigorous mass movement" for creation of a separate State of
Bodoland, while the AKRSU has also demanded creation of separate
State of Kamatapur. Further, the Executive council of the BTC,
ruled by Bodo People's Front [a political party formed by former
BLT militants], has also adopted a resolution to demand for creation
of a separate State. The ABSU has called for 12-hour Railway blockade
on August 2 and 60 hours Assam bandh (shutdown) from 5am of August
5 to 5pm of August 7.
A Court has ordered forfeiture
of property of UNLF under UAPA after it was proved that the property
was bought from proceeds of extortions. The order was passed by
the Guwahati special NIA Court last week in connection with a
case registered against operatives of UNLF of Manipur. In 2010,
NIA had registered a case against the outfit under UAPA and arrested
25 members, including UNLF 'chairman' RK Meghen.
July 31
A student was killed and 13 others
were injured in the Diphu town of Karbi Anglong District when
Police opened fire to control group of protesters who attacked
the KAAC office and local Congress leaders' residences, over non-fulfilment
of the demand for a Karbi State. The protesters set ablaze six
vehicles parked and vandalised the KAAC office.
KPLT threatened indefinite bandh
in the two hill Districts of Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao from
August 12 if Lok Sabha MP, Biren Singh Engti fail to take up the
issue of statehood in the Parliament.
Biswajit Roy faction of AKRSU
has called a 36-hour Assam bandh from August 1 (today)
to press for a separate 'Kamtapur' state carved out of Assam and
West Bengal. AKRSU has threatened a fast-unto-death after August
15 if the demand for 'Kamtapur' state is not conceded.
Dima Hasao Dal 'president', Dilip
Nunisa [chairman of now disbanded Dima Halam Daogah-Nunisa faction],
fighting for a Dimasa State, alleged that both Central and State
Government had deceived the Dimasas by granting them only a territorial
council.
August 1
A victim, identified as Rajiv
Paul, injured during July 28 grenade blast near Paltan Bazar in
Guwahati city died. Paul was undergoing treatment in GMCH in Guwahati
under Kamrup (metro) District. The blast was carried out by suspected
militants belonging to Independent faction of ULFA-I.
Kamra Rongpi alias Bidikha
Putinja, chairman of the militant KPLT, was shot at by fellow
cadres in Karbi Anglong District.
Operations unit of Guwahati city
police arrested a militant of NDFB-IKS, "sergent major" Annai
Narzary alias Kangfu, from Jorabat area in the outskirts
of the City. Three mobile handsets and SIM cards were seized from
him.
Operations unit of Guwahati city
police arrested a militant of NDFB-IKS, "sergent major" Annai
Narzary alias Kangfu, from Jorabat area in the outskirts of the
City. Three mobile handsets and SIM cards were seized from him.
A person identified as, Gautam
Timung, was killed in Police firing when protester tried to remove
a portion of railway lines at a place between Doldoli and Dhansiri
on the Diphu-Dimapur line in Karbi Anglong District. Earlier,
the rail-tracks along the same stretch were repaired following
the removal of another portion. The protesters were demanding
the creation of an "autonomous state" comprising Karbi Anglong
District in Assam.
People protested against imposition
of curfew and clashed with the police near Matipung reserve forest
on Diphu town's outskirts. The people attacked on-duty cops, forcing
the latter to open blank fire. No one, however, was injured in
the skirmish. Protesters attacked and damaged the AIR station
and set ablaze two forest department offices in Diphu town. The
protesters also attacked the Axom Sahitya Sabha building, which
also houses the Diphu museum, at Lorulangso in Diphu town of Karbi
Anglong District.Further, unidentified arsonists set ablaze a
local Congress office at Phuloni and a PWD inspection bungalow
at Dengaon in Karbi Anglong District.
The disturbance also spread to
Bokajan & Hamren subdivision where mobs set ablaze three buildings,
including two inspection bungalows, a local education department
office and a timber-laden truck respectively. A Police source
said more Security Forces had reached the hill district today
to boost strength of the existing eight companies of Army and
Central Armed Police Forces.
Former 'publicity secretary' of
the now-disbanded UPDS, Wajuru Mukarang, said that people were
angry because the Centre had lied to them, saying no new state
was possible without putting in place a SRC first, reports The
Telegraph. UPDS leader, Wajuru Mukarang further said, "We were
never satisfied; that was not what we wanted. We were made to
sign the memorandum of settlement." Mukarang warned that if the
Government could betray them, they could go back to militancy
too.
HSDP, which is demanding a State
comprising Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao District, has called a
100-hour Bandh (strike) from August 5.
Intelligence agencies are worried
about a violent situation which might arise in the Koch-Rajbongshi-inhabited
areas of lower Assam as the demand for a separate state of Kamatapur
is now likely to be intensified by the militant formation,KLO.
August 2
SFs arrested a ULFA militant identified
as Basanta Bora, from the inter-state bus terminus in Jorhat (District).
train services in the State were
disrupted due the 12-hour 'Rail Roko' agitation launched by ABSU
for creation of a separate Bodoland in Kokrajhar District. ABSU
'President', Promod Bodo said that the situation would soon become
as volatile as in 1987 when the ABSU statehood movement was at
peak, if the Government fails to respond to the reality and start
talking with the Bodo tribe over their demand for a separate State.
The 36-hour bandh (Strike)
by AKRSU affected Bongaigaon and Baksa Districts for the second
day on August 2. AKSRU is demanding a separate State for Koch-Rajbongshis
(Kamtapur) in Assam and West Bengal.
The Supreme Court criticized
State and Central Government for adopting delaying tactics in
updating the NRC in the State. Meanwhile, the State Government
gave a timeline of three years and two months for completing the
updating NRC process.
Fifteen persons, including eleven
Policemen and four civilian were injured during clash between
Police and protesters at Dongkamukam in Karbi Anglong District.
Violence started at Dongkamukam in West Karbi Anglong when around
300 men and women surrounded the Dongkamukam Police Station demanding
immediate release of seven persons detained for inciting violence.
This was followed by lathi charge by Policemen and stone pelting
by protesters. Finally, Police opened fire after 11 of them sustained
injuries during stone pelting by the protesters.
A 600-metre portion of railway
line was uprooted by the protesters at Langsoliat, between the
Diphu and Borlangpher rail stations, causing temporary suspension
of rail services.
Incidents of arson were also
reported from Diphu, Sikarighat, Bakaliaghat, Taralangso, Panditghat
and Dengaon areas in the District.
Police arrested seven members
of the KSA-Engleng faction, including its 'president' Laichan
Engleng and 'finance secretary' Sander Teron. Several organizations,
like AIKNA and KSYC demanded unconditional release of the arrested
student leaders and threatened of a vigorous agitation if the
arrested student leaders are not released.
In addition, Police arrested four
persons, allegedly involved in arson, from Center Bazaar in the
District on August 1.
Shoot-at-sight orders have been
issued in the District and the Army staged flag-marches across
the Diphu town on August 2.
State parliamentary secretary
(Home), Etuwa Munda who is supervising the situation in the District,
said, "We did not apprehend the situation in Karbi Anglong would
turn this way. The government is trying its best to control the
violence and we have not failed."
The protest in the District started
after CWC gave a green signal for creation of a separate State
of Telangana.
The KAAC and DHAC have decided
to jointly press their demand for an autonomous State.
The disbanded UPDS members, which
had signed a tripartite Memorandum of Settlement for peace with
the Centre and Assam government in Delhi on November 5, 2011,
tore the MoS in Diphu claiming it no longer honoured the peace
accord. Disbanded UPDS 'general secretary', Haren Sing Bey and
'joint secretary' Wazaru Mukrang in the presence of their supporters
tore up the MoS. Both of them are now the Karbi Anglong Autonomous
District Council members after the UPDS surrendered in December
2011 following the peace accord.
August 3
A private vehicle was set ablaze
at Salbari in Baksa District by bandh (general strike)
supporters during the first day of the 36-hour state-wide bandh
called by non Bodo organisations opposing the separate Bodoland.
Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said
that his Government was willing to discuss statehood if the Bodo
agitators shunned the path of violence. Tarun Gogoi had ruled
out further division of his state saying “people there want to
live like a joint family.”
August 4
Violence in the Karbi Anglong
District continued for the fifth day over the demand for a separate
state. Government offices and properties of political leaders
were set ablaze by protesters. The protests in the District started
after Congress Working Committee gave its nod to the formation
of a separate State of Telangana on July 30. District administration
re-imposed the curfew, in effect since July 31, after relaxing
it between 8 am and 12 pm. "During the past five days, altogether
60 buildings were damaged in different parts of the district,"
a Karbi Anglong Administration source said.
CM Tarun Gogoi said that the
Government is willing to talk with those agitating for separate
states if they shun the path of violence. The CM, said, "Violence
will not solve any problem. It will rather compound matters. Only
through non-violent and democratic, peaceful means all problems
can be resolved amicably across the table. The doors for negotiations
are always open for those who abjure violence". He, however, warned,
"No one can be allowed to take law unto their hands."
The JACAS accepted an invitation
for a discussion from CM, but said it would participate only if
the discussion was tripartite and included the Central Government.
"We want a tripartite discussion and we want immediate release
of KSA president Laiseng Engleng," said a spokesperson of the
JACAS, an umbrella organization of 11 social and student groups
of the District formed on August 3 to ensure order in the movement
for a separate State.
Miscreants set ablaze a Government
vehicle at Diuongmukh locality in the Dima Hasao District during
the 36-hour Dima Hasao bandh (general shut down), which started
on August 3, demanding a separate State. The bandh was called
by the JACD and some other organizations led by now disbanded
DHD leader, Dilip Nunisa.
The HSDP, a party fighting for
a separate state constituting Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao Districts,
announced a 100-hour bandh (strike) starting August 5 in Dima
Hasao District. "Earlier, Karbi Anglong was also under the purview
of the proposed 100-hour bandh. However, given the volatile situation
the district is facing at present, it has been decided that Karbi
Anglong would not be included in the agitation programme," said
HSDP District president, Suraj Naiding on August 4. Apart from
HSDP, the DSU, DWS, KSA, are also supporting the bandh.
Although the strike will remain
within the limits of Dima Hasao, statehood protesters in Karbi
Anglong will extend full support to them, the HSDP functionary
said.
The Kamtapuri Association started
its 100-hour long national highway blockade from 6am on August
4 demanding the formation of a separate state of Kamatapur. As
for the response, most markets remained closed.
The Biswajit Roy faction of the
AKRSU began a 100-hour fast in the Hindi High School ground at
Bhakeribhita in Bongaigaon District. AKRSU's Hitesh Barman faction
has also called for a 36-hour bandh from August 5 in support of
the demand for a Kamatapur State.
thousands of protesters gathered
in Kokrajhar District for a massive rally organized by the BPF
to press for the demand of separate Bodoland.
August 5
Life has been paralyzed in Assam
various ethnic communities have started intensive statehood movements
in the wake of Centre’s decision to create Telangana State. A
spokesman of NFR informed that the railways had to cancel 13 pairs
of trains that run between Lumding-Tinsukia, Alipurduar-Kamakhya
and New Bongaigaon-Guwahati sections because of the volatile situation
and picketing on the tracks by the agitators.
The 36-hour and 60-hour Assam
bandh (general shot down) called by the AKRSU and ABSU
respectively from August 5 to press for separate states, evoked
full response in Bongaigaon and Chirang Districts with some stray
incidents of violence.
The 12–day Karbi Anglong
and Dima Hasao bandh called by the KPLT, an armed organization
operating in the hills district, paralyzed the normal life in
Karbi Anglong on the first day of the bandh. The KPLT had
called Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao Districts bandh beginning
from 5am of August 5 to 5pm of August 17, demanding two autonomous
States. Reports revealed that some incidents of violence took
place in the Dima Hasao District.
President of the Biswajit Ray
faction of AKRSU, Biswajit Ray termed the “Concept of Bodoland
is totally baseless”.
SFs arrested a DHD-A militant,
identified as John Gabriel, in Moulhoi village of Dima Hasao
District.SFs recovered 1.8 kilograms of Research and Development
Explosives (RDX) from the militant. The Police claimed that during
investigations the arrested militant told them that the outfit
was planning to sabotage the forthcoming Independence Day celebrations
(August 15) by carrying out blasts at Haflong (District Headquarters).
BSF arrested a labour contractor,
Bodrud Zaman,(37), along with FICN amounting to INR 52,500 from
Dhubri District. A BSF source said Zaman, during interrogation,
had revealed that agents are involved in the rackets that sell
FICN to owners of coal mines, bricks kilns, factories and labour
contractors. They (labour contractors) mix up small amounts of
FICN in the bundle of genuine currency notes on the days of weekly
payment. So, FICN go undetected by labourers, a source said.
August 6
Life was hit in lower Assam Districts
for the second day in three bandh (general shut down) called
to press for creation of separate State of Bodoland and Kamtapur.
A 48-hour bandh called
by ABSU, a 1500-hour bandh by UPDF [both for creation of
Bodoland State] and a 31-hour bandh by Hitesh Barman faction
of AKRSU [for creation of Kamtapur State] brought life to a standstill
in lower Assam Districts of Kokrajhar, Bongaigaon, Chirang, Baksa,
Dhubri and Goalpara, official sources said.
UPDF has, however, suspended its
1500 hour bandh from August 7, while AKRSU reduced the
duration of its bandh from 36 to 31 hours and ABSU from
60 to 48 hours in view of the coming Id-ul-Fitr (August 9). UPDF,
‘president’ Pradeep Kumar Daimary said that the ongoing bandh
was suspended in view of the assurance of the MHA to invite the
NDFB-PTF for dialogue within a short period.
The impact of the 12-day long
Karbi Anglong bandh called by KPLT was partial on its second day
today, with district headquarters Diphu, Bokajan and Hamren hardly
affected. The KPLT had called the bandh from 5am on August
5 in support of a separate State. Karbi Anglong Superintendent
of Police (SP), M.J. Mahanta said a Karbi youth reportedly involved
in the recent incidents of violence was arrested from Hauraghat
this morning (August 6), taking the number of arrested persons
to 77.“The situation is gradually improving. Curfew was relaxed
in Diphu town for nine hours since 8am today,” SP, Mahanta said.
UTDC, which is spearheading the
Barak Land (a UT comprising three Districts of Barak Valley) demand,
has renewed its stir and chalked out a series of agitation programmes.
According to UTDC leader Sams Uddin Barlaskar, at present, they
are conducting street meetings in the three Districts of Cachar,
Karimganj and Hailakandi to mobilize the masses in their agitation.
If the Government doesn't respond to their demand, the UTDC will
start organizing rallies, rail blockades and bandhs.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
has appealed to a delegation from Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao
Districts to maintain peace.“Our government will look into your
grievances,” the Prime Minister told the representatives from
the Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao Autonomous Councils on August
6.
Chief Minister, Tarun Gogoi has
invited AKRSU, ABSU and BNC for talks in his residence on August
7.
The agitation for creation of
separate State of Bodoland and Kamtapur has intensified following
the approval for creation of a separate State of Telangana was
given by Congress Working Committee on July 30.
Security Forces in the night arrested
three persons, Abajit Moran, Paranjit Moran and Bitupan Moran,
of upper Mamoroni village in the Tinsukia District, who used to
pose as ULFA members and carry out extortion drives from Jorhat
(Jorhat District).
‘president’ of the Sadou Assam
Koch-Rajbongshi Sanmiloni, Debakanta Saikia, demanded that
the separate Bodoland issue should be settled through collective
discussion, taking into confidence all sections of the people
living in the proposed Bodoland area, irrespective of caste, creed
and religion. The solution should not be based on the wishes of
the Bodos alone, he asserted.
Aboro Surakshya Samiti (Non-Bodo
Protection Committee) ‘advisor’, Hareswar Barman stated that the
separate Bodoland state demand is not supported by history. Hareswar
Barman further said that the area sought to be included in the
Bodoland state belonged to Kamatapur Kingdom of the Koch dynasty
and majority of the Bodos living in this area recently migrated
to this area from other parts of the country and some even from
Bangladesh.
August 7
The ABSU curtailed its 60-hour
statewide bandh (general shut down) to 48 hours and the
AKRSU shortened its 36-hour bandh to 31 hours in view of
Eid (August 9). The UPDF suspended its 1500-hour bandh
on assurance of Central Government- NDFB-PTF leader’s peace talks.
These bandhs, demanding separate states of Bodoland and
Kamtapur, were called in Lower Assam Districts of Kokrajhar, Bongaigaon,
Chirang, Baksa, Dhubri and Goalpara since August 5. They ended
at 6am on August 7.
The 100-hour Dima Hasao bandh
was called off temporarily from 5pm on August 7 following
a verbal assurance from the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, disclosed
the Hill State Demand Party- Dima Hasao Committee at a press meet.
With no fresh incident reported,
curfew was relaxed in violence-hit Karbi Anglong District.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
assured the BPF that a high-level political dialogue may be convened
to discuss their demand of separate State of Bodoland, even as
he called for maintenance of a peaceful atmosphere in the State.
The CM Tarun Gogoi held back-to-back
meetings with Biswajit Ray faction of AKRSU, ABSU and the BNC.
According to CM’s press adviser, Bharat Chandra Narah, “The chief
minister will go to New Delhi and convey the demands of the Bodos,
Karbis, Koch-Rajbongshis and Dimasas to the Prime Minister because
it is the Centre which will take a call on these issues. The chief
minister will play the role of a facilitator.” Narah further said
that all three meetings were held in a “very cordial” atmosphere.
The Hiteshwar Barman faction of the AKRSU, however, termed the
meeting a political game aimed at garnering votes.
The RBI will impart training to
BSF personnel to detect high-quality FICN smuggled through the
porous India-Bangladesh border. IG-Guwahati frontier, S.K. Srivastava,
said that personnel deployed in border areas in the three sectors,
Dhubri (Assam), Falakata (West Bengal) and Cooch Behar (West Bengal),
will be trained by RBI officials on how to detect FICN.
KPLT militants on August 7-8 carried
out two attacks in Karbi Anglong District during the 300-hour
Karbi Anglong bandh (General Shut Down) called by the outfit.
The first firing incident
took place when a group of KPLT militants armed with sophisticated
weapons, attacked the Uttarborbil Police Outpost under Howraghat
Police Station at around 8.46pm on August 7. The militants fired
indiscriminately and lobbed grenades at the police outpost with
the help of rocket propelled guns (RPG). The police retaliated
and the exchange of fire continued for about 10 minutes. Later,
the militants fled from the spot under the cover of darkness.
No casualty was reported.
A vehicle carrying chickens was
attacked by suspected KPLT militants at Deopani under Sarupathar
Police Station in Bokajan Sub-Division of the District. The occupants
of the vehicle escaped unhurt, even as the vehicle suffered minor
damage.
SFs arrested two NSCN-IM militants
from a forest near Lodhi village in Dima Hasao District. The SFs
recovered one 7.65mm pistol along with magazine, two live rounds,
20 gelatin sticks, 10 detonators and eight tax collection receipts
of NSCN-IM from their possession.
A 20-member delegation comprising
leaders of seven opposition political parties of the state on
August 7 submitted a memorandum to Governor Janaki Ballav Patnaik
at Raj Bhavan in Dispur opposing further division of the State,
reports Times of India. Leaders of AGP, CPI, CPI-M, NCP,
CPI-ML, SP and Hind Mazdoor Sabha expressed their views on the
present law and order scenario in the state in view of the growing
demands for separate states for Karbis, Koch-Rajbongshis, Dimasas
and Bodos.
CNRH/ NRHPF served an ultimatum
on the State Government to accede to the demand for creation of
the RHADC on or before August 15, 2013.
August 8
ABSU asked the State Government
till August 13 next to announce a date for holding tripartite
talks on the ABSU’s demand for a separate state for Bodo.The ABSU,
which has called off its agitation for the time being after they
were invited by CM, Tarun Gogoi for talks, said it had shown its
sincerity towards resolving the issue through dialogue by calling
off the agitation as appealed by CM so as to create a conducive
atmosphere for talks. ABSU further reiterated that creation of
Bodoland is the "only option" for safeguarding the rights
of the Bodos because the administrative arrangements under the
Sixth Schedule of the Constitution are fraught with many shortcomings.
Replying to a question on the
demand for creation of separate state of Kamatapur, the ABSU ‘president’
Promod Bodo said that they had no conflict with the organizations
demanding Kamatapur and “we should respect each other’s demands.
We have been demanding creation of separate state of Bodoland,
while, different organizations are demanding creation of Kamatapur.
It is up to the Government of India to assess the justification
of the demands,” said Bodo.
Biswajit Ray faction of AKRSU
has threatened to restart their agitation programmes from August
16 if the CM, Tarun Gogoi fails to arrange a meeting with Prime
Minister, Manmohan Singh and UPA ‘chairperson’ Sonia Gandhi. AKRSU
had suspended all its agitation programmes for the demand of separate
Kamatapur state till August 15, 2013 following assurances from
CM, Tarun Gogoi that he will discuss the issue of Kamatapur with
Prime Minister, Union Home Minister and UPA ‘chairperson’, Sonia
Gandhi.
Hitesh Barman, who leads another
faction of AKRSU, appealed to all organisations, veteran leaders,
intellectuals and legislators of the community to attend a meeting
called by the group in Guwahati on August 11 where it will announce
its next phase of agitation.
Barak Upatyaka Banga Sahitya
O Sanskriti Sammelon, the apex literary and cultural body
in Barak valley, has called for creation of an autonomous economic
development council instead of a separate State. While All Cachar
Karimganj Hailakandi Students' Association Youth Front has chalked
out agitation programme for a separate state for the Barak Valley,
the Union Territory Demand Committee is fighting for Union territory
status to "Barak Land".
CM Tarun Gogoi would visit New
Delhi on August 11 to convey the demands of the Karbi, Dimasa,
Koch-Rajbongshi and Bodo groups to the Prime Minister and also
to facilitate talks with the agitating groups. Further, according
to sources in the CMO a missive was sent to the MHA, requesting
it to increase the number of additional forces from 15 to 20 companies.
Ten companies have already arrived. The other factor for apprehension,
the sources said, is the overlapping demand for states. The area
of the proposed Kamtapur overlaps with “Bodoland” and the demand
for a separate state comprising Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao Districts
overlaps with “Dimaraji” state. “There could be problems between
the agitating groups and those for and against statehood. One
does not know what is in store. We have clearly explained our
position to the Centre,” a source said.
Accusing the Central and the State
Government of encouraging the Bodoland stir, the SJSS said that
creation of a separate state for Bodos would leave the non-Bodo
communities in the lurch. The SJSS, an umbrella body of different
non-Bodo organizations which in 2003 had launched a strong protest
against formation of the BTC under the Sixth Schedule.
Security Forces are facing a problem
of checking the activities of the ULFA-I militants as the militant
groups have started using new recruits.Highly placed security
sources told that the ULFA-I has sent at least 25 newly trained
cadres from its bases in Myanmar to launch subversive activities
in Assam in the run up to the Independence Day celebrations (August
15). Sources revealed that in most cases, the SFs know the names
of the cadres of the ULFA-I, who have sneaked into Assam, but
their faces are not known.
August 9
Two militants belonging to the
ANVC-B were lynched by locals and two others nabbed at Dorengtip
in Kacharipara area of Goalpara District. The slain militants
were identified as Nabang Marak and Watsi Marak while the arrested
duo was identified as Rupert Marak and Smart Marak. The Police
recovered one imported pistol, two live rounds and mobile phones
from the possession of the two arrested militants.
Two cadres of the NDFB-IKS ,identified
as Gwmsrang Basumatary alias B. Gwjwglai (30) and Bonojit
Basumatary alias B. Bwrlang (22), surrendered on August
8 evening at Kajalgaon in Chirang District. They deposited an
M-20 pistol, a 7.65mm pistol and two live rounds each.
SJSS has announced a series of
agitation programmes against the demands for further division
of Assam as raised by several ethnic groups ‘to suit the game
plan of Delhi rulers’. The SJSS will start its agitation programme
by holding a mass convention on August 25 in Guwahati. The ‘chief
convener’ of the SJSS, Brajen Mahanta informed that the Samiti
would undertake a 15-day awareness programme in four Districts
of BTC areas from September 1 to make people understand that there
was no justification behind the demand for a separate Bodoland
State.
The NDFB-PTF-backed PJACBM said
it will go ahead with its 100-hour highway blockade called on
August 13."We will not withdraw our 100-hour highway blockade
from August 13 till the State Government arranges tripartite talks
with Centre on the creation of Bodoland on or before August 13.
As of today, we are sticking to our blockade call," said
PJACBM convener Bhraman Baglari.
Rejecting demands to divide Assam,
Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on August 9 said that all ethnic
groups need to stay united.“I am not going to divide Assam. We
all need to live together. Stop bandh culture and go for
work culture,” Gogoi exhorted.
12 KPLT militants attacked and
injured two civilians, Khorsing Lekthe and Godapani Bora, residents
of village Mansing Lakethe in the in Karbi Anglong District.
August 10
KPLT militants killed a village
headman, Oil Hanse, of remote Sadailangso village under Bokoliaghat
Police Station in Karbi Anglong District. The KPLT has been engaged
in various incidents of attacks and assaults during its ongoing
300-hours bandh (General shutdown), called in support of
autonomous state comprising Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao Districts.
A KPLT ‘spokesperson’ was quoted by local television channels
as stating that the group will continue with its activities till
the autonomous state demand was met.
The NDFB-PTF, in an e-mail, claimed
that the ruling parties of the State have always been the main
hindrance towards the creation of a separate tribal State.
A NDFB-PTF leader stated that
his group is ready for a compromise if a Union Territory is granted
instead of a Bodoland State. “Give us a Union Territory, we will
be satisfied. Between Sixth Schedule (status) and statehood, there
is no other path to give us political power. So Union Territory
status is acceptable to us if the government of India cannot give
us a state” NDFB-PTF ‘general secretary’, Gobinda Basumatary said
on August 10.
The State Government is planning
to ask for additional forces from the Government of India to deal
with the situation arising out of the agitations launched by different
organisations demanding separate states. Meanwhile, rising incidents
of extortion and kidnapping in the BTAD have become a major cause
of concern, and efforts are on to nab the group involved in such
illegal activities, said DGP, JN Choudhury. DGP further said that
the Centre has already sent 25 companies of forces since the agitations
for separate states began and the State is planning to seek more
forces to deal with the situation.
August 11
SFs killed a KPLT militant, identified
as Sar-Im Teron. SFs recovered one AK-56 rifle and 74 rounds of
live ammunition and other household belongings from the slain
cadre. The incident occurred at Bokajan in Karbi Anglong District.
A meeting of the 11 organisations
convened by the Hitesh Barman-led group of AKRSU formed a Jatiya
Mahasabha. The meeting formed a 21-member convener committee
to unite all the groups for a joint movement. However, the influential
Biswajit Ray faction of the AKRSU stayed away from the meeting.
Biswajit Ray also claimed that ULFA-I leader Paresh Baruah had
called him and appealed to him not to secede from Assam. Ray stated
that the appeal would make no difference to their movement.
11 militant outfits based in India’s
Northeast, six from Manipur, three from Assam and one each from
Meghalaya and Tripura, have jointly called for a boycott of Independence
Day (August 15). The outfits include KCP, KYKL, PREPAK, PREPAK-PRO,
RPF and UNLF of Manipur, which operate from one platform called
CorCom, HNLC of Meghalaya, KLO, NDFB, ULFA-I of Assam and NLFT
of Tripura. These groups now describe northeast as “Western South
East Asia (WESEA) region”.
August 12
The Unified Command strategy group
met on August 12 to review the state's security preparedness following
reports that the State could face attacks from ULFA-I, NDFB-IKS
and KPLT ahead of Independence Day (August 15).
Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said
that he was "open" to appointment of a second SRC. He, however,
added, "We want to live together." He also said protagonists of
Gorkhaland and Bodoland joining hands is a "matter of concern".
normal life in other parts of
Karbi Anglong continues to be hit due to the 300-hour bandh
(general strike) imposed by the KPLT.
The JFA has appealed to the people
of the north eastern region to defy the militants' diktat and
celebrate Independence Day (August 15) in a befitting manner.
Members of the ASS staged sit-in
demonstrations at the sub-divisional and district headquarters
of the BTAD areas voicing their opposition to the demand for creation
of separate Bodoland state. The ASS members also demanded Scheduled
Tribe status for the Koch-Rajbongshis and the Adivasis living
in Assam, Barman said.
August 13
Police sounded a high alert at
all the refineries in the state after receiving intelligence inputs
that the ULFA-I may target these installations ahead the Independence
Day celebrations.
Inspecting the security measures
at the parade ground at Khanapara in Guwahati, DGP J N Choudhury
said that both ULFA-I and the NDFB-IKS are trying subversive activities
in the state. "While the ULFA hardliners [ULFA-I] may try to attack
some areas in upper Assam, the Songbijit faction [NDFB-IKS] may
try to carry out strike in lower Assam's Kokrajhar, Bongaigaon,
Gossaigaon, Kajalgaon and Chirang areas. They may target oil installations,
mostly pipelines. We have alerted our forces already," said Choudhury.
Sources said that cadres of the two militant outfits have sneaked
into various parts of the state. "Earlier, the cadres used to
sneak in groups, but this time they are trying to come in one
by one, making it slightly difficult for us to track them," said
an Intelligence Officer. Sources added that the Police Stations,
'naka' checking points and security forces are also on the militants'
radar.
CM, Tarun Gogoi met Congress president
Sonia Gandhi and Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram to apprise
them of the prevailing situation in Assam following the decision
of the Centre to create Telangana.CM, Tarun Gogoi also sounded
the alarm that the Maoists and insurgent groups might take advantage
of the situation to create trouble in the State. He further pointed
that all the trouble spots had either national or international
borders. The BTAD area has borders with Bhutan, while Karbi Anglong
and Dimasa Hasao areas border Nagaland, where insurgent groups
have strong bases, he added. Replying to questions, the CM declined
to divulge what transpired at the meeting. "I can confirm that
I have requested the Home Ministry officials to immediately convene
tripartite meetings with the agitators," Tarun Gogoi said. "I
am hopeful of the Centre convening the meetings," he added.
The Central Government will table
a bill for the creation of a Legislative Council (Upper House)
in Assam during the winter session of Parliament. This was conveyed
to CM Tarun Gogoi by Union Law Minister Kapil Sibal during their
interaction in New Delhi on August 13.
August 14
NDFB-IKS militants lobbed two
grenades at two different places in Chirang District ahead of
Independence Day. The militants lobbed a grenade at Chapaguri
Police point under Dhaligaon Police Station along National Highway
31(C). In another incident, a grenade exploded at Domgaon under
Bengtol Police Post. However, no one was hurt in the explosions.
The NDFB-IKS militants lobbed
a grenade near a gas agency at Batabori near Bijni town in the
Chirang District. No casualty was reported in the incident.
The AKRSU said it would hold a
12-hour railway blockade on August 16,a 12-hour strike in all
Government and non-Government offices on August 17 and a 12-hour
road blockade on August 18 to press for a Kamtapur State.
ABSU and AKRSU while announcing
the agitation plans alleged that CM Tarun Gogoi had failed to
adhere to his promise on tripartite talks. When it was pointed
out that the Central Government had announced talks, both Promod
Boro [ABSU 'president] and Biswajit Ray [AKRSU] said they had
not received any communication from CM Tarun Gogoi so far. Tarun
Gogoi said it is wrong to give deadlines as the Government needs
time to finalize dates for meetings on such important issues.
The ABSU also criticized the O-Boro
Suraksha Samiti for criticising the Bodo community. "If they have
anything to say or demand, say it to the government. But they
are working against the Bodos and other indigenous communities,
which is a violation of human rights and atrocities against the
tribal people," Promod Boro said.
Former 'Chairman' of disbanded
DHD-N, Dilip Nunisa, warned that the Government should not underestimate
the people of "Dimaraji" as the Dimasas would not hesitate to
launch a violent agitation.
non-Karbis, including people of
other tribal groups like Adivasis, Garo, Kukis, Rengma Nagas,
Rabhas, Nepalis and Bodos, under the banner of BDDC urged the
State Government to make Bokajan [presently under Karbi Anglong
District] a separate District to protect their constitutional
rights.
August 15
One person was injured as militants
triggered four explosions. Suspected NDFB-IKS militants simultaneously
exploded two grenades at the G D Road mini bus stand and near
the Bodoland Territorial Council office in Kokrajhar town [Kokrajhar
District], both close to the venue of the Independence-Day celebrations,
the Police said. Bipul Brahma (45) was injured in the explosion
at the bus stand, while no one was injured in the other blast
near the BTC office. The bomb disposal squad recovered later another
unexploded bomb from there.
Suspected militants lobbed a grenade
at the AMSU office at Bagorgaon village under Bijni Police Station
in Chirang District. No casualty was reported in the incident.
The local people caught hold of the two motorcycle-borne militants
hurling the grenade, assaulted them and handed them over to the
police.
The PJACBM would resume its Highway
Blockade from August 16 . PJACBM had earlier decided to relax
its ongoing 100-hour highway blockade for Independence Day (August
15). The PJACBM called a 100-hour highway blockade from August
14, demanding creation of a separate state of Bodoland by carving
out 25,000 square kilometers area from Assam on the northern bank
of Brahmaputra. The PJACBM is a conglomeration of 55 organizations
backed by the NDFB-PTF.
The ABSU on August 15 announced
a mass gathering on August 20, an indefinite hunger strike on
August 22, a 24-hour national highway blockade on August 28 and
a 24-hour railway blockade on September 10 in support of its demand
for a separate state for the Bodos.
A 14-member team from the two
hill District Autonomous Councils of Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao
will move the UMHA on August 20, seeking immediate talks on their
demand for a separate State.
August 16
Two people were killed in a gun-fight
between cadres of the KPLT and RNHPF at Ridongi village within
Chokihola development block area of Bokajan sub-division in the
Karbi Anglong District. The identity of the victims could not
be ascertained.
Security Forces, during an encounter,
killed a militant belonging to the NDFB-IKS in the Guabari Nepali
Basti area of Jharbari in Kokrajhar District.
The UMHA sent invitations for
tripartite talks to all the groups in Assam seeking separate states.
The move came a day after the groups separately announced fresh
and further intensified agitations from August 16 to mount pressure
on the Centre to concede to their demands. "The home ministry
is yet to fix the dates for the talks that will be held separately
with each group," a source said.
Several Bodo groups and the AKRSU
temporarily suspended their agitation for separate states to be
carved out of Assam following a formal assurance of tripartite
talks from the Central and State Government. The Bodo groups,
however, warned that they would resume their agitation if the
government does not hold talks by the end of this month. The Bodo
groups included the PJACBM, the ruling BPF, the BNC and the NDFB-PTF.
However, the ABSU, which has announced a series of agitations
from August 20, has not given any statement on whether it will
go ahead with its stir.
August 17
SFs killed a NSCN-K militant at
No. 2 Molung hill under Ledo Police Station in Tinsukia District.
SFs later recovered one hand grenade, one AK 56 rifle and a sizeable
number of live ammunition from the slain militant's possession.
The slain militant's identity is yet to be established.
The ABSU demanded a formal invitation
from the Centre for tripartite talks on a separate Bodoland state.
ABSU's president, Promod Boro, said, "We want a formal invitation
from the government. There is no question of withdrawing our agitation
till then." He added that they would continue demonstrations and
rallies for another 10 days.
Karbi Anglong based JACAS, 'conveyer'
Laurence Teron said that MHA had asked them to submit details
of the team members who would be taking part in the talks. JACAS
has put the preparation for an 'intense movement' for the achieving
statehood in abeyance.
The CNRH / RNHPF said it had "no
choice but to retaliate" against KPLT. Earlier, a clash was reported
between KPLT and RNHPF militants on August 16, in Ridongi village
within Chokihola Development Block in Bokajan Sub-Division of
Karbi Anglong District.
August 18
NDFB-PTF said it wanted statehood
and was not willing to settle for anything less, like a Union
Territory. In a statement issued to the media, NDFB-PTF 'general
secretary' Gobinda Basumatary said, "We are sticking to the demand
for Bodoland. We have been demanding creation of the state in
accordance with the provisions of Articles 2 & 3 of the Constitution
for the past seven years during our dialogue with the government
of India." Basumatary also criticized a section of the press for
making a "deliberate attempt to spread misgivings among people
about NDFB-PTF's stand by stating that he had scaled down the
demand for statehood to that for a Union Territory. In an interview
to the same newspaper published on August 12, NDFB-PTF Basumatary
had 'dared' the Centre to grant Union Territory status to Bodoland.
August 19
Arsonists attacked
and set ablaze houses of some non-Bodo leaders for extending support
to the BPF [ruling party of Bodoland Territorial Council] on "Bodoland"
State issue. Biswajit Ray faction of AKRSU activists attacked
the house of Niren Roy, 'president' of All BTC Koch Rajbongshi
Sanmilani and a BPF leader, at Kajalgaon in Chirang District.
Activists of ABMSU
attacked and set ablaze the houses of two RMC leaders, 'Kokrajhar
district secretary', Ashraf Ali, and headman of Masjid Para village
in Salakati, Jainal Abedin, at Salakati in Kokrajhar. The two
leaders on August 18, during the BNC convention, allegedly extended
support to the Bodoland movement.
the ABSS, an umbrella
organisation of 46 non-Bodo groups, urged the government to consult
all political parties and other groups before holding talks with
groups agitating for "Bodoland" state. ABSS, which was formed
in 2011, has been opposing division of the state and has decided
to start an agitation to register its protest against the Bodoland
movement.
the ABSS, an umbrella
organisation of 46 non-Bodo groups, urged the government to consult
all political parties and other groups before holding talks with
groups agitating for "Bodoland" state. ABSS, which was formed
in 2011, has been opposing division of the state and has decided
to start an agitation to register its protest against the Bodoland
movement.
Voicing its opposition
to the demands for dividing Assam into more states, AASU advisor,
Dr Samujjal Bhattacharya said that 'full powers' should be vested
on the existing autonomous councils, including fiscal powers.
The BPPF accused
the State government of playing a "dirty game" and urged the Centre
to formulate a clear-cut policy on tripartite talks for a permanent
solution to the Bodo problem.
The AAGS alleged
that the NDFB-IKS is indulging in massive extortion and abduction
in the BTAD area and Darrang and Sonitpur Districts. Further,
the AAGS demanded security from the State government for the affected
people.
The Central Government
is likely to convene tripartite talks on the Telangana issue with
all the agitating groups from Assam by the end of this month.
"Most likely we (New Delhi, Dispur) will sit with all the agitating
groups, spearheading the movement for a separate State by the
end of August," said an unnamed Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
The ABSU said it
would intensify its movement for separate Bodoland state.
the KSU of Barak
Valley has demanded a separate development council for the Khasi
and Jayantiya people. Barak valley consists of Cachar, Karimganj
& Hailakandi Districts of South Assam.
August 20
A 36-hour bandh
(general shut down) called by the RJMB, a newly formed insurgent
group, in the RHAC areas of Goalpara and parts of Kamrup (rural)
Districts crippled life on its first day. The RJMB has called
the bandh in protest against the government's 'failure' to invite
Rabha organizations to discuss their demand to incorporate RHAC
areas in Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
BPPF stated that
it will support ABSU in carrying out the Bodoland statehood movement.
BPPF 'president', Rabiram Narzary said every democratic organization
should come under the fold of ABSU, which is the right forum for
a united movement. He demanded the Centre to invite ABSU for tripartite
talks on the Bodoland issue. Narzary added that the Centre has
not yet sent any formal invitation to the agitating groups.
Armed militants came
to the house of one Sarif Uddin Barbhuiya (37), an assistant teacher
of a school, and abducted him from his residence in the Katlicherra
block under Hailakandi District.
The Assam State branch
of the IMA expressed concerns over the recent attack on Dr Suresh
Deka, a medical officer in the remote Nagrijuli Tea Estate (Baksa
District) along the Indo-Bhutan border by suspected militants.
Accusing the ruling
Congress for toying with the issue of statehood for Karbi Anglong
and Dima Hasao, youth Congress president of Karbi Anglong, Bijoy
Teron has resigned from the post of border development board of
Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council.
August 21
A Calcutta-based
Central Bureau of Investigation team and Jorhat Police arrested
a senior NSCN-IM leader, 'brigadier' Hormi Muivah, from the outskirts
of Jorhat town in Jorhat District. Hormi, said to be a close associate
of the NSCN-IM's 'general secretary' Thuingaleng Muivah, was wanted
in the murder of Wangcha Rajkumar, a former Congress Member of
Parliament in the Lok Sabha from Arunachal Pradesh. Rajkumar was
shot dead at Deomali indoor stadium in Tirap District of Arunachal
Pradesh on December 23, 2007.
A Calcutta-based
Central Bureau of Investigation team and Jorhat Police arrested
a senior NSCN-IM leader, 'brigadier' Hormi Muivah, from the outskirts
of Jorhat town in Jorhat District. Hormi, said to be a close associate
of the NSCN-IM's 'general secretary' Thuingaleng Muivah, was wanted
in the murder of Wangcha Rajkumar, a former Congress Member of
Parliament in the Lok Sabha from Arunachal Pradesh. Rajkumar was
shot dead at Deomali indoor stadium in Tirap District of Arunachal
Pradesh on December 23, 2007.
A Calcutta-based
Central Bureau of Investigation team and Jorhat Police arrested
a senior NSCN-IM leader, 'brigadier' Hormi Muivah, from the outskirts
of Jorhat town in Jorhat District. Hormi, said to be a close associate
of the NSCN-IM's 'general secretary' Thuingaleng Muivah, was wanted
in the murder of Wangcha Rajkumar, a former Congress Member of
Parliament in the Lok Sabha from Arunachal Pradesh. Rajkumar was
shot dead at Deomali indoor stadium in Tirap District of Arunachal
Pradesh on December 23, 2007.
the "commander-in-chief"
of the RNLF, Bhargav Rangkho, in a press release, threatened,
"If the government does not want the Rabha Hasong movement to
take a violent turn, they should hold democratic elections in
the Rabha Hasong area. If the area turns into a death valley,
the Assam government will be responsible for that. For the last
few years we have been observing the government's role on the
Rabha Hasong issue".
Assamese Sikhs urged
the communities fighting for separate States to eschew their demand
and remain a part of the greater Assamese society.
AMDC has given its
support to the demand for a separate Barakland. The council has
decided to launch a movement for a separate Barakland soon throughout
the Barak Valley. In a statement, the council's president Dilwar
Hussain Borbhuiyan disclosed that if necessary they would commence
a vigorous mass movement like the Karbi Anglong and Bodoland movements.
after convincing
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to hold talks with the different
groups from the state seeking separate states, Chief Minister
Tarun Gogoi is now pushing the Centre to announce the dates for
dialogue as the agitators are readying themselves for a fresh
bout of blockades and bandhs (general shut downs) from August
25.
Chairman of NDFB-IKS,
IK Songbijit, has stated that they are fighting for liberation
of 'Independent Bodoland'. Songbijit said they have been continuing
their struggle for 'Independent Bodoland' and they have no relation
with those armed guerrilla organizations who do not have similarity
with the principle and ideology of the NDFB. When asked whether
they are interested for peace talk with the government of India
what Ranjan Daimary, the founder 'Chairman' of the NDFB is doing,
Songbijit questioned what could be the basis of peace talk. He
said if the government of India is willing to grant 'Independent
Bodoland' through internationally monitored referendum, then it
would be possible for them to join the peace talks.
On the question of
massive extortions, kidnapping and killing by the NDFB-IKS in
BTC region, Songbijit claimed that not a single 'innocent' people
have been killed by the NDFB cadres. He, however, said 'paying
tax' for the 'cause' of Bodoland is a 'patriotic duty' of the
people of Bodoland.
August 22
A suspected militant
hurled a Chinese grenade inside the Mangaldai Police Station complex
in Darrang District causing injury to a media person, two Police
constables, one Home guard and a minor girl. The injured persons
were identified as Dulal Deka who represents UB Photos and Prag
Channel, constables, Gauri Kanta Sarma and Prabodh Nath of the
Traffic wing, Home Guard jawan(soldier), Pabitra Deka and Bobina
Yasmin (10). The critically injured Pabitra Deka has been referred
to Gauhati Medical College Hospital. Though no militant outfit
has owned up to the attack, Police suspect that the Independent
faction of ULFA-I may be behind the attack.
A Myanmar-trained
ULFA-I militant, 'lance corporal' Suraj Gogoi (26) alias
Subhanga Gogoi alias Khemkhang Mene, surrendered before the Sivasagar
Superintendent of Police (SP) Bijoy Kuli Gam.
The poaching scenario
in the State has turned complex due to the involvement of armed
militants in rhino killings, which is posing a tough challenge
for the Forest Department. According to wildlife crime experts,
over the last one year, militants from the neighbouring Karbi
Anglong District were involved in most of poaching cases in KNP.
Militants are suspected to be involved in killing of two rhinos
in Burapahar forest range of KNP on August 21.
ABSU started indefinite
hunger strike at Kokrajhar (Kokrajhar Distrait) to press for their
demand for a separate State,. ABSU hunger strike comes even as
Assam State Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi is pushing the Centre to
announce dates for holding dialogue with the ethnic groups that
are agitating for separate states out of present geographical
boundary in Assam. 'Chairman' of KSDC Hejen Haokip and 'general
secretary' K Gangte were also present. In his speech, Gangte said
the KSDC supported the Bodoland stir. He added that the Kukis
were also deprived due to negligence of the Government. NDFB-PTF
'president' Dhiren Boro, who said the Bodos have their own language,
culture, identity but were suppressed by successive Governments.
HSDP has announced
that on August 25 evening mass candle lighting programme in private
households and public places would take place throughout the Karbi
Anglong District to reawaken the demand for separate state for
the two hill Districts (Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao) of Assam.
The Union Tribal
Affairs Ministry declared that the six communities of the State
demanding ST status could not fulfil the five criteria for identification
as STs. Tribal Affairs Minister V Kishore Chandra Deo stated that
the Government of Assam had recommended ST status for the Koch-Rajbongshi,
Tai Ahom, Moran, Mattak and tea tribe on various occasions. "But
these communities could not fulfil the criteria".
SFs seized a huge
quantity of arms and ammunition in the jungles of Lower Lodi village
in Dima Hasao District. SFs recovered 13 gelatine sticks, 17 detonators,
163 rounds of ammunition of AK-47 rifle and a country-made rifle.
SFs suspect small groups of Dimasa and non-Dimasa militants, who
are still active in the District, may have procured the arms.
August 23
A 24-hour statewide
bandh (general strike) called by the AMACDC evoked a mixed
response in lower Assam areas. All business establishments remained
closed and vehicles stayed off the roads in Goalpara and Barpeta
Districts. However, the bandh had little impact in Dhubri District.
Bandh supporters, however, burnt tyres on the road to block traffic
at Lakhiganj in Dhubri District.
SFs arrested a cadre,
identified as Daphlang Mushahari (19), of the NDFB-IKS from Parbatipur
village of Chirang District. A 7.65mm pistol and two rounds of
ammunition were recovered from the cadre.
SFs arrested one
Hiren Deka of village Balipota under Mangaldai Police Station
who later reportedly confessed his involvement in the explosion
(August 22) in the same Police Station complex. Deka said that
he carried out the act as per the instruction of hardcore ULFA
cadre Rajen Deka. The explosion had left five person injured.
The All Assam Koch
Rajbongshi Sanmilani slammed the Union Minister for Tribal Affairs,
V Kishore Chandra Deo saying that the comment made by Deo would
have far reaching consequences in Assam,. The Tribal Affairs Minister
recently declared that the six Assam-based indigenous communities
demanding ST status have failed to fulfill the five criteria for
identification as ST. The Koch-Rajbongshis, Tai Ahoms, Chutia,
Morans, Mattaks and tea tribe are the six communities demanding
ST status. Several organisations representing the six communities,
including Muttock Yuva Chatra Sanmilan, All Assam Moran Students
Union, All Tai Ahom Students Union and the Chutia Yuva Sanmilan
reacted strongly to Deo's response by protesting in several parts
of the State.
The SC asked State
and Central Government to issue the gazette notification for updating
the NRC by October 18. The apex court has also asked both the
State and Central governments to finalise the financial expenditure
required for the entire process on the same date. The SC also
recorded an undertaking from the Centre that it will complete
the process of finalising the modalities relating to upgrade of
the NRC with the State Government within eight months. The SC
was hearing two PILs which mainly sought quashing of Section 6A
of the Citizenship Act, to prevent entry of illegal migrants into
the state and the country. The petition, filed by Assam Sanmilita
Mahasangha and another NGO, complained that the impugned provision
was discriminatory and unconstitutional in that it permitted entry
of foreigners into Assam till March 25, 1971.
Welcoming the direction
given by the apex court, the AASU said that they are happy with
the development. "Both the State government and Centre had agreed
to update the NRC on the basis of what was finalised with the
AASU," said AASU 'advisor 'Samujjal Bhattacharya.
Government sources
said tripartite talks with various groups demanding new states
will start from September 2. The first to hold talks will be the
All Bodo Students Union (ABSU), whose 'president', Pramod Boro
has been on hunger strike since August 21. The union has been
very strident and is taken very seriously by the Centre along
with the NDFB-PTF. Negotiations will be held separately with the
different Bodo groups, NDFB, BNC, ABSU and AKRSU. AKRSU has demanded
a separate Kamtapur State. Karbi and Dimasa groups may be invited
to come for negotiations together, as there is a demand for a
united state of the two tribes by the HSDP.
Leaders from BNC
visited the activists of ABSU and other groups on indefinite hunger
strike Kokrajhar (Kokrajhar District) from August 22 to demand
"Bodoland" and expressed solidarity with their cause. BNC 'convener',
Anjali Daimari told reporters that the BNC has decided to hold
talks with various pressure groups on a united movement for Bodoland.
The SJSS has warned
of a vigorous mass movement if the Central government fails to
invite for talks the organisations opposed to further division
of Assam, on the separate state demand issue. The Asomiya Oikya
Mancha has called for 300 hours of bandh of all government offices
besides rail and road blockades in the BTAD starting on September
2 to pressurise State and the Central Government against further
division of the State.
Life in Dima Hasao
District came to a standstill on the first day of the 100-hour
bandh (general Strike) called by surrendered cadres of
the disbanded DHD-N militant outfit. The former DHD-N cadres have
called for the bandh demanding release of Dilip Nunisa, the former
chairman of the DHD-N and chief of Dima Hasao Dal. Nunisa is currently
under 14-day Police custody in connection with a case against
him for his alleged role in burning a vehicle belonging to a State
Government officer on August 3, 2013, at Dehangi, when a bandh
for a separate state was on.
August 24
The Aboro Suraksha
Somittee stepped up their protest, opposing further division of
Assam, with 3,000 of their members staging a demonstration at
Rangiya in Kamrup (rural) District on August 24. They demanded
the exclusion of non-Bodo villages from areas under the BTC. The
Somittee also criticised the Centre's decision to call the All
Bodo Students' Union for tripartite talks.
ABSU called off its
three-day-old hunger strike and the AKRSU suspended its statehood
movement till September 10 after receiving formal talks invitation
from Central Government. The JACAS, which is demanding a state
comprising Dima Hasao and Karbi Anglong, also received an invite
on August 24.
August 25
Five militants of
the ULFA-I and an NDFB militant surrendered before senior Army
and Police officials at the army camp in the Ranghar Chariali
area of Sivasagar District and deposited a huge cache of ammunition.
ULFA-I said it had
adopted the "independent" tag to distance itself from the name
associated with erstwhile leaders who surrendered to the "enemy"
and are currently engaged in talks with it. In an editorial in
its mouthpiece, Swadhinata, the outfit termed ULFA as "the
past of the united fight for Assam's liberation" and ULFA-I as
the present and future of the movement. The mouthpiece further
stated that ULFA was not divided; the "uncompromising members"
had just begun a new journey to attain its original objective.
"We have described the recent developments within our organisation
as a tactful surrender of a bunch of fake fighters," it said.
With movements for
separate states in Assam and West Bengal gaining ground, the CPI-Maoist
planned to expand their bases in these areas, which has become
a major cause of concern for the security agencies. Sources in
the MHA told that recently the CPI-Maoist supported the UPA decision
to create a separate state of Telangana and said that though the
decision was taken by the 'ruling class', it should be supported.
At the same time, the central committee of the Maoists has decided
to support other separate state movements, including the movements
for creation of Gorkhaland and Bodoland.
A national convention
was organised by SJSS, which is opposing the demand for separate
state, on August 25. The convention also demanded for decentralisation
of power, which will ensure 'real federalism' in the state and
will put a check on the 'exploitation' meted on various communities
of the State.
August 26
Two goods carrier
vehicles were torched in Goalpara district during the 12-hour
Bandh (general strike) called by the BCC in Goalpara and
Kamrup (rural) Districts. The first vehicle was set ablaze at
Nabang under Krishnai police station in Goalpara District, on
its way to Meghalaya. The second truck was set ablaze at Khardang
in the same District. The Bodo Coordination Committee called the
strike demanding reservation for Scheduled Tribes in the RHAC.
Chief Minister Tarun
Gogoi said that the State Government would again take up the matter
of granting ST status to the six agitating ethnic communities
of Assam with the Centre, even though the latter had recently
clarified that the communities did not qualify to be STs. CM's
assurances have come after the six communities, i.e., Tai-Ahom,
Chutia, Koch-Rajbongshi, Moran, Muttock and tea tribes, warned
of an intense agitation in support of their demand following the
Centre's rejection of the same.
Governor J B Patnaik
opposed further division of Assam. Governor said, "I have already
conveyed to the Centre that there should not be any further division
of the State. Assam is a small State in comparison to what it
was 50 years ago. Now we cannot divide Assam by creating more
States."
The All AKRSU and
the Greater Cooch Behar Peoples Association submitted documents,
including a map, relating to their demand for Kamtapur state to
officials in New Delhi.
The number of SFs
killed in extremist-related violence in Assam has drastically
come down in the last three years as most of the militant groups
are now in ceasefire with the government. According to figures
available with the State Home Department, the number of SFs killed
by militants has gone down from 14 in 2011 to four in 2012 to
only two this year (till June).The number of incidents of militancy-spawned
violence has also plummeted in the state this year compared to
previous two years. The number of incidents of militant violence
in Assam has decreased to 124 this year (up to June) compared
to 213 in 2011 and 264 in 2012. The SFs attribute it to some major
militant groups, including the ULFA-PTF led by Arabinda Rajkhowa
and the Ranjan Daimary faction of the NDFB-RD coming to the negotiating
table."As a result of this, the number of deaths of civilians
killed by extremists has also declined. The number of civilians
killed in the state in militancy up to June this year is 10 compared
to 29 in 2011 and 39 in 2012," an official source said. He said
that though militant violence has come down in the state, there
has been no let-up in extortion in the state. The source said
that extortion is being carried out by militants as well as a
section of former militants and criminals. "A large number of
extortion cases were being reported from the BTAD. The NDFB-IKS
is involved in large scale extortions in the BTAD and adjoining
areas," the source said.
August 27
The Guwahati (Chandmari)
Police arrested two fake NDFB cadres, Ananta Rajbongshi and Prabin
Kumar, on charges of making extortion calls to a Chandmari area
based businessman in Kamrup (metro) District.
The Centre has yet
again rejected the demand for creation of a separate State of
Bodoland, reports Assam Tribune. In reply to a question by SK
Bwiswmuthiary, Minister of State for Home Affairs, RPN Singh in
Lok Sabha (lower House of Indian Parliament) said in a statement
that the Central Government has no proposal to create more States.
"There are no such proposals under consideration of the Government
of India at the moment."
Also, both State
election commission and Government have once again revived efforts
to hold the much-delayed RHAC polls by October this year. Minister
for welfare of plains tribes and backward classes Rajiv Lochan
Pegu told that a meeting has been convened on August 29 with organisations
from the council area to discuss and clear apprehensions over
the polls."We are committed to holding the polls in September
by getting all stakeholders on board," Pegu said, adding that
75 per cent of work related to the polls has been completed.
The NRCF staged
a protest rally demanding exclusion of non-tribal villages from
the proposed council area, reports The Telegraph. "The election
department of Assam has arbitrarily proceeded to conduct the council
elections. Therefore, we demand a halt to it because non-ST people
in 91 villages shall severely be affected," Shahjahan Ali, president
of the forum, said.
The AKRSU has prepared
a charter of demands to be presented to the Government of India
during the tripartite talks to be held on September 3, reports
The Assam Tribune. The organisation has also requested Chief Minister
Tarun Gogoi to arrange meetings with the Prime Minister, the Union
Home Minister and the UPA chairperson so that they can be apprised
of the demands of the Koch Rajbongshi people. AKRSU 'president'
Biswajit Roy on August 27 said that a delegation of the AKRSU
and Greater Cooch Behar People's Association on August 26 met
officials of the MHA for preliminary discussions on their demands
and submitted a map and other documents relating to the proposed
Kamatapur. Roy said that along with the demand for creation of
a separate state of Kamatapur, granting of status of Scheduled
Tribes to the Koch Rajbongshi people would be the main demand
of the AKRSU during the tripartite talks. He said that the charter
of demands would also include demands like setting up of a medical
college in the lines of the AIIMS, an engineering college and
other technical institutions, Central University etc in the proposed
Kamatapur.
Unidentified assailants
shot dead, one Nazir Ahmed (31), a petty timber lifter and fisherman
in Jamduar jungle near Assam-West Bengal border in Kokrajhar District.
Two unidentified
armed assailants shot at a tea stall owner, Gunin Das, injuring
him in Udalguri District. Later, hundreds of people staged a rally,
protesting against the attack on him. PJACBM also condemned the
incident.
Unidentified militants
lobbed a grenade targeting a truck near Mahamaya Dham under Kachugaon
Police Station of Kokrajhar District in the evening during the
36-hour Assam bandh (general strike) call given by the undivided
Goalpara District IMYF. However, no one was injured in the incident.
The IMYF had called the bandh in protest against the killing of
NDFB (Songbijit) cadre recently at Goybari under Patgaon Police
Outpost in the District.
KLNLF, presently
under ceasefire with both Central and State Government, held a
meeting with the Central Government interlocutor, P C Halder at
North Block in New Delhi. According to sources, both KLNLF and
the Central Government envoy agreed to hold a tripartite meeting
with MHA on the issue of statehood in the first week of September.
However, the exact date of the meeting has not been scheduled.
The non-Karbis living
in Karbi Anglong District are raising the demand for a separate
Howraghat District. An organisation of 16 non-Karbi ethnic groups
has been formed under the banner of AKASM.
August 28
Suspected NDFB militants
triggered a powerful blast near Mayapuri cinema in Bongaigaon
town of Bongaigaon District. However, no casualty was reported.
Bongaigaon SP, Abhijit Bora said, "An NDFB hand is suspected in
the blast". But he did not name the faction involved.
CCSP, Assam, demanded
that the state Government invite representatives of other communities
for talks on the creation of separate states. The CCSP, which
submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said that
a crucial matter like the division of the state required participation
of more groups than only statehood seekers."Apart from the agitators
who are demanding separate states, representatives of other communities,
including Muslims of Bengal origin, tea tribes, Nepalese and Adivasis
must be invited," Hafiz Ahmed, President of CCSP, said.
CCSP, Assam, demanded
that the state Government invite representatives of other communities
for talks on the creation of separate states. The CCSP, which
submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said that
a crucial matter like the division of the state required participation
of more groups than only statehood seekers."Apart from the agitators
who are demanding separate states, representatives of other communities,
including Muslims of Bengal origin, tea tribes, Nepalese and Adivasis
must be invited," Hafiz Ahmed, President of CCSP, said.
Chief Minister Tarun
Gogoi directed the state machinery to properly assess the ground
situation and come up with appropriate measures to ensure that
the much-delayed RHAC elections are held smoothly by September,
in accordance with a Gauhati High Court ruling.
36-hour bandh
(strike) called by the NRCF in Goalpara and Kamrup (rural)
Districts will start from August 29 to protest the inclusion of
non-tribal villages under the RHAC's jurisdiction. The strike
coincides with the meeting between the Prithibi Majhi-headed GoM
and groups hailing from the council area to discuss issues related
to the polls.
SFs arrested an ULFA-I
militant, "sergeant major" Indrajit Regon, from Mera Bridge Tiniali
in Golaghat District. He was working in Golaghat under the command
of Bijoy Axom and Partha Axom.
SFs arrested an
"arms dealer" Rup Bodo from old Lahorijan locality along Assam-Nagaland
border in Karbi Anglong District. SFs recovered one .9mm pistol
from the dealer.
With the date for
tripartite discussion on an autonomous state of Karbi Anglong
and Dima Hasao Districts drawing near, non-tribal groups in the
two Districts are under fear of being isolated and neglected under
a new system of governance. The Centre and State Government are
scheduled to discuss the demand for autonomous or separate State
with JACAS representing the two Districts on September 2. The
non-tribal population in Karbi Anglong District, which include
Assamese and Bengali-speaking people, account for about 43 per
cent of population of the District, while in neighbouring Dima
Hasao District, the non-tribal population is a shade higher at
about 44 per cent. A delegation of Karbi Anglong District's Bengali-speaking
people met CM Tarun Gogoi on August 27 and urged him to take all
steps to protect their rights in the event of the District getting
upgraded from the present autonomous District set up to an autonomous
state. Another delegation of Assamese-speaking people met CM,
Gogoi on August 26 and pleaded for the same protection.
Ethnic groups seeking
separate States are now sceptical about the objective of the tripartite
talks for which they have been invited by the Centre to New Delhi
next month after the Centre informed the Lok Sabha on August 28
that it has no plans to create any more new states. The AKRSU,
which is leading the demand for a separate state of Kamatapur
for the Koch-Rajbongshi community, has threatened to call off
talks if the first round scheduled on September 3 does not turn
out to be encouraging. The ABSU, on the other hand, which is demanding
a separate state of Bodoland, has also threatened to review its
decision to suspend the 24-hour rail blockade it had called on
September 10 after the tripartite talks to be held on September
4.
August 29
Five ULFA-I militants
laid down arms in front of Darrang Deputy Commissioner Sohrab
Ali and Superintendent of Police, Jitmol Doley in Darrang District.
Two persons, suspected
to be linkmen of a militant outfit, were arrested from Auzarguri
in Chirang.
The NDFB-IKS denied
its involvement in the bomb blast at Bongaigaon District on August
28,. In a statement issued to the media through email, the outfit's
'spokesperson', B.R. Ferenga, stated: "Our organisation is not
involved in the blast. It is a propaganda of the Assam Police".
It said it was a Police ploy to create a misunderstanding between
Bodos and non-Bodos and to kill innocent Bodo people in the name
of conducting operation against the NDFB.
At least 15 non-Rabha
organisations threatened massive protests and boycott of elections
to RHAC after State Government reportedly refused to accept their
demands for exclusion of villages with more than 50 per cent non-Rabha
population in the council area.
September 1
In a suspected case
of factional killing, an NSCN-IM cadre, identified as Bokato Aye
(23), was shot dead allegedly by cadres of an unidentified rival
group in the Bor-Lengri area of Karbi Anglong District in the
night.
Six CRPF personnel
were injured as protestors turned violent during the first day
of 36-hour Dhemaji District bandh (general shot down) called by
the AJSS [loosely translated as Non-Mising People Struggle Forum],
at Khanamukh area. Police arrested eight protesters during the
bandh. The strike was called against the inclusion of the non-Mising
areas in MAC area list. AJSS consists of All Tai Ahom Students
Union (ATASU) along with 16 other ethnic tribal groups. Further,
ATASU Dhemaji unit 'president' Manoj Gogoi said, "The government
has included some non-Mishing dominated areas under the MAC. It
is our rightful demand that these areas be excluded from the council.
But, the administration is trying to foil our agitation. So, we
have decided to take up a series of protest programmes from Monday
in support of our demand. We have also called a 100-hour Dhemaji
District bandh from September 16."
Governor J B Patnaik
said that Independent faction of ULFA-I leader Paresh Baruah and
members of his group will not be "harassed" by security agencies
if they come forward for peace talks with the government for finding
a lasting solution to the insurgency in Assam, reports The Shillong
Times. "Once they decide to come to the negotiating table, then
there will be no question of taking action against them. They
would not be harassed (by security agencies)," Patnaik told PTI
in New Delhi. Expressing satisfaction over progress of peace talks,
Patnaik termed the group led by Rajkhowa [Pro-talks faction of
ULFA (ULFA-PTF)] as "real ULFA" and said there may be some significant
announcement "soon" on the outcome of the dialogue held so far.
However, he refused to divulge any details in this regard.
The ATASU, MSU, MJCS, TAMG protested
for three hours at Mohanbari airport in Dibrugarh demanding tripartite
talks on the ST status issue. The CSU protested in Dhemaji District
over the same demand. The protesters also damaged a Scorpio vehicle
coming from Arunachal Pradesh to Assam in Sisiborgaon area.
September 2
The first round of
tripartite talks among the UMHA, Assam Government and JACAS was
held, with the Centre asking the JACAS to prepare a draft of the
structure of the Autonomous State. Details of their demand are
likely to be discussed at the next round of talks in the first
week of October. The talks centered on the demand for Autonomous
State under Article 244 A of the Constitution, comprising Districts
of Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao. JACAS later said that agitation
and talks will together.
The success of the
tripartite talks with the organisations agitating for creation
of separate States would depend on the sincerity of the State
and Central Governments, said the president of the ABSU, Promod
Boro. Talks with ABSU are scheduled to be held on September 4.
Suspected militants
shot at and critically injured a civilian, Bishwajit Vaishnav
(30), in his house at Rankhal in Dullabcharra area of Karimganj
District.
NDFB-IKS warned the
'colonial rulers of India' and 'outsiders' who have been living
in tribal belts and blocks not to go against the interest of the
Bodos in the region. The NDFB-IKS claimed that the Bodos were
the aboriginal people of the Western South-East Asia, so called-NE
region. In a press statement issued by the spokesman of the NDFB-IKS,
BR Ferrenga strongly condemned the statement of AABYSF for using
harsh word 'Nefarious' against them.
Rengma Naga tribe
of Karbi Anglong District mostly settled in Chokihola development
block has placed their demand for creation of RHADC. With regard
to this, a nine point memorandum was placed before the Union Home
Minister, Sushil Kumar Shinde last week by RHADC 'president' Ashweng
J. Rengma and adviser K. Thong Rengma.
September 3
SFs, in an encounter,
killed two unidentified NDFB-IKS militants in Khagrabari area
under Runikhata Police Station of Chirang District. One 9 mm pistol
and one grenade were recovered in this operation. In a press statement,
the spokesman of the NDFB-IKS, BR Ferrenga, however, said that
the slain duo did not belong to NDFB-IKS.
SFs after a brief
exchange of fire arrested GNLA militant, identified as 'area commander
of Hahim area' Rahul Marak, from Hahim under Boko Sub-Division
in Kamrup (Rural) District. SFs recovered one pistol, magazines
and INR 50,000 from the militant.
the Central Government
held the first round of talks with two Koch-Rajbongshi groups
separately on their primary demand for a separate state of Kamatapur
and suggested that they prioritize their other demand for tribal
status above the statehood demand. Both the groups termed this
as a positive response from the government. "If we do not get
our rights through democratic means as we have tried, we will
take up arms," AKRSU 'president' Biswajit Ray warned after the
meeting with officials. "We are not willing to wait for one to
three years as the government has told us. We want a speedy settlement,"
he added.
The ABSS blocked
railway tracks and NH 31 from 6am to 2pm at Pathshala in Barpeta
District as part of their movement against the creation of a separate
State for Bodos. The NF Railway cancelled five trains in view
of the blockade and diverted five others. The ABSS also submitted
a memorandum to President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Manmohan
Singh, Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Assam governor J.B. Patnaik
and chief minister Tarun Gogoi with their demands. ABSS's 'chief
secretary', Dilwar Islam, said they would intensify their protest
if they did not receive any response from the Government.
The AAAM 3 blocked
NH-52 at Dhekiajuli and Tezpur Mission Chariali against the demand
for separate states by various groups, affecting traffic to Guwahati
via Mission Charali (Tezpur) in Sonitpur District. The organisation
had called an 84-hour highway blockade from September 2 to 5.
The protesters also burnt tyres at Dhekiajuli.
A six-hour blockade
of NH-31C was enforced by the ANCC from 8am to press their demand
for ST status for Adivasi. The ANCC is an umbrella body of several
Adivasi organisations, including All Adivasi Student's Association
of Assam, ASSA, BCF, ACMA and ASS. The committee leaders threatened
to start a mass agitation like a rail blockade on September 5
at Kokrajhar railway station if the government did not respond
to their demands.
The ATASU is planning
to move Gauhati High Court, urging it to stay elections to the
MAC and to seek proper delimitation of the council area in Dhemaji
District. The ATASU staged a daylong protest in Dhemaji, after
which it called an indefinite bandh (strike) in the District.
The Dibrugarh District
committee of the ATASU staged a demonstration in front of the
deputy commissioner's office, seeking inclusion of the community
in the ST list in accordance with Article 342 of the Constitution.
The Barak Upatyaka
Banga Sahitya O Sanskirti Sammelan has reiterated the demand for
an autonomous Economic Development Council, announcing the launch
of a 'Go to the people' campaign to mobilise public opinion on
the issue.
September 4
The ABSU described
its meeting with the Centre, concerning its demand of separate
State of Bodoland, as positive. "We are hopeful this time," ABSU
'president' Pramod Boro said after the meeting. Apart from ABSU,
there were representatives of PJACBM, Bodoland People's Progressive
Front in the meeting. 21-point charter of demands with Bodoland
as header was submitted by Bodo groups.
The Centre will hold
the meeting with the BPF & BNC on September 5.
Assam CM Tarun Gogoi's
press adviser, Bharat Narah, appealed to all non-Bodo organizations
not to be carried away by emotions.
Links between two
militant outfits, NDFB-IKS and the KLO, have been growing. The
outfits jointly abducted at least four persons in Chirang and
Baska Districts. The NDFB-IKS has provided explosives, including
TNT and IED to the KLO to strengthen the outfit. KLO, whose activities
were limited to North Bengal areas, has become more active in
Assam. It said, for the first time the KLO has started sending
its members to Myanmar for training. At least 30 boys from the
Districts of Dhubri and Bongaigaon have been recruited recently
and most of them were sent to Myanmar for training. The outfits
like the NSCN-K and KYKL of Manipur are reportedly assisting the
KLO in organizing training of the cadres in Myanmar. Sources said
that most of the operations of the KLO are now masterminded by
one Shyam Roy, who is from Assam.
September 5
Unidentified assailants
abducted one Santosh Dhimal (34) from Santipur market in Chirang
District.
SFs arrested five
cadres of the NDFB-RD from Jorabat area of Guwahati city in Kamrup
(metro) District.
A passenger train
was cancelled and rail services were disrupted for over four hours
as activists of the ANC blocked the tracks at Kokrajhar railway
station to demand Scheduled Tribe status for several ethnic communities
in the State.
the Centre and the
state government winded up the tripartite talks on the demand
for a separate state of Bodoland with a strong understated message
that suggests it's going to be only more autonomy for the Bodos
and not statehood, at least for now.
The Centre held two
separate rounds of dialogue with the Bodo BNC and the BPF. The
BPF upped the ante by demanding immediate transfer of the Home
and Finance departments to the BTAD.
September 6
The AASAA on September
6 threatened to take up arms against the government if ST status
was not accorded to six ethnic communities of the state.
The AKRSU led by
Hiteswar Barman faction cautioned the Congress led State Government
that it will give a big lesson to Congress if the State fails
to accord ST status to Rajbongshis before the parliamentary election
which would be held on 2014.
AIKNA, an apex body
of the Karbis, has decided to back "the forces" leading the statehood
demand in Karbi Anglong District. The assembly, has expressed
hope that joining of hands between the Congress party and the
main opposition party of Karbi Anglong, HSDP, who have unanimously
decided to lead the movement for separate state would end on a
positive note. The apex body has also lauded the work of JACAS
for igniting the spirit of unity among the statehood demand forces.
SFs arrested three DHD-Action
militants in 26 kilo area of Umrangso in Dima Hasao District.
Later, SFs recovered one grenade, five .9 mm ball ammunition,
two detonators, 200 grams of explosives and INR 4020 in cash.
September 7
Police recovered
a consignment of second-hand arms, suspected to belong to the
NSCN-IM and meant to be further supplied to the Meghalaya-based
militant group GNLA, in Kamrup (metro) District. They also arrested
two persons.
Based on army intelligence
inputs, a Police team intercepted a truck (AS-18C-1181) near Khetri,
on the outskirts of Guwahati, and seized three rifles, a shotgun
and 499 rounds of live ammunition. The Police initially arrested
driver Prabhu Mandal of Darbhanga in Bihar. Further, Police they
conducted an operation at Mendipathar in East Garo hills District
and arrested an arms supplier Salim Sangma, (24). They seized
an AK-47 rifle, a .303 rifle, a .22 rifle and a shotgun from him.
Tezpur police arrested
three suspected NDFB-IKS cadres at Bhomoraguri checkgate in Sonitpur
District and seized three AK-47 rifles, 120 rounds of ammunition
and three magazines from them.
UHM, Sushil Kumar
Shinde made it clear that other statehood demands would have to
wait for now. When asked about the fate of demands for states
like Gorkhaland, Vidarbha, Bodoland, etc, which had gathered pitch
after the CWC agreed to concede Telangana, UHM, Shinde said: "These
cannot be considered immediately...as and when it is needed, we
will consider them".UHM, Shinde also stated that the process of
formation of Telangana was already at its second stage, the CWC
resolution being the first one.
BTC chairman, Hagrama
Mohilary termed the ongoing statehood agitations by various groups
as political gimmick aimed at deriving benefits during the 2014
parliamentary elections. He admitted that his demand for state,
too, had a political agenda, like "the others".
Mohilary said he
had to raise his voice for a separate Bodoland as the Bodo people
wanted it. "The Bodo public wants Bodoland and as a Bodo person
and a leader of political party, I had to join the chorus like
the others parties and organisations. Otherwise, the Bodo people
will hate me, go against me," he said.
KPLT has reconstituted
its 'Central Committee' with D. Kramsa as 'chairman' and Risim
Lekthe as 'secretary'. The other office bearers are- Nongme Tunjang
as publicity secretary, Kajang Tunjang as 'auditor', Ranam Ligang
as 'finance secretary', P. Cronjang as 'Commander in Chief' [C-in-C],
S. Kathar as 'Deputy C-in-C' and Pirthe Timung as 'operation commander'.
According to sources, the new body has been reconstituted after
the death of secretary, Paklar Ajang and chairman, Ron Rongpi
who is undergoing treatment newly elected 'chairman' Risim Lekthe
has called upon the people to work united keeping aside their
personal differences for achieving Karbi statehood.
The NDFB-RD is constantly
involved in crimes like extortion and kidnapping despite it initiating
peace process with the Centre. At present, there are almost 400
cadres under Daimary who are yet to lay down arms and ammunition."The
Daimary faction is involved in a huge extortion racket. They are
taking advantage of the current situation. Though they are in
a ceasefire agreement, the cadres are still carrying their arms.
The faction is having several sophisticated weapons too," said
a senior police officer here.
The ABSU-Udalguri District and
anchalik committee have decried the alleged arsoning at Udalguri
District office of BPF.
September 8
SFs, in an encounter,
killed two cadres of the NDFB-IKS, identified as Rahul Brahma
and Anjalu Brahma, at Audang bazar in Kokrajhar District.
Two brothers, Ajay
Sahu and Prakash Sahu, were injured when five persons fired at
them at Dafalagarh in Sonitpur District. They were returning from
a weekly market when the incident took place.
Non-Mising groups
protesting against inclusion of their villages in the MAC decided
to indefinitely suspend their agitation following talks with Dispur.
ATASU 'president', Pranjal Rajkonwar said the state government
had assured them that all non-Mising villages would be excluded
from the council area after consultations with the state election
commission.
The HSDP, a regional
political party, will launch a 36-hour hunger strike in Dima Hasao
District from 10am on September 9, seeking an autonomous state
comprising the hill Districts of Dima Hasao and Karbi Anglong.
The Silchar-Lumding
Broad Gauge Implementation Action Committee has called a 12-hour
Barak Valley bandh on September 24 seeking immediate completion
of the 201-kilometre broad gauge.
KSU of Karbi Anglong and its women
organization All Nongtung Khyrwang Women Association have demanded
representation of at least one member of Autonomous Council (MAC)
in the KAAC.
The RHJAC, an umbrella organisation
of 34 groups, have threatened to ban meetings by political parties
if the Assam government failed to announce the date of elections
to the RHAC by September 30. The committee condemned the State
Government's move to postpone elections to the autonomous council
till November 4, 2013.
September 9
HSDP and two other Karbi organizations
- KSA and KNCA - have called for a 36-hour Karbi Anglong strike
beginning from 5.00am on September 11 demanding the creation of
a separate state comprising Dima Hasao and Karbi Anglong autonomous
Districts.
September 10
JACAS's 'chief convenor' Bijoy
Teron has described the recently held tripartite discussion in
New Delhi as positive. Teron said the MHA have asked JACAS to
furnish structure and modalities to shape the ground for autonomous
state as incorporated in the constitution on their next meeting.
He however emphasized that JACAS will not give up till Centre
agrees to create an autonomous State consisting Dima Hasao and
Karbi Anglong Districts.
Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said
the State Government would move the Centre with a proposal requesting
it to give asylum to citizens of Bangladesh who were compelled
to migrate to India because of religious persecution or other
harassment. The CM also said the next rounds of talks with the
NDFB-PTF would be held in Delhi on September 12. On the ongoing
controversy over inclusion of villages in the Autonomous Council
areas, he said there is bound to be conflict of interests but
it should be resolved amicably. He said the Centre should provide
funds to the development councils in the state since the state
government has been unable to provide adequate funds to these
councils because of financial constraints.
BSS has decided to withdraw its
support to BNC after September 15 if the BNC does not continue
its movement for a separate State Bodoland. BSS expressed concern
over the speech of BNC President, Hagrama Mohilary who said the
separate state of Bodoland is a politically motivated and the
same is not possible to become reality.
An 'area commander' of KRA, identified
as Shingtom Khamsi, was caught by public while he was collecting
money from the drivers of trucks at Bokajan in Karbi Anglong District.
Later, he was handed over to the Bokajan Police.
Bokajan Police managed to apprehend
one KPLT linkman, identified as Rajen Rongpi, from Bokajan in
Karbi Anglong District.
SFs have arrested two persons,
Birsa Toppo (43) and Jased Basumatari (27), and seized arms and
ammunition from their possession in Tezpur town of Sonitpur District.
SFs recovered three AK-56 rifles, six magazines and 120 cartridges.
"Both the apprehended persons said the weapons were given to them
by a person in Dimapur in Nagaland and they were paid to deliver
these weapons in Udalguri District of Assam, allegedly for use
by Anti-talks faction of the NDFB (IK Songbijit faction of National
Democratic Front of Bodoland) group," the SSB said in a statement.
The 36-hour BTC area bandh
(general Strike) call given by the UGDIMYF in protest against
the killing of two NDFB-IKS cadres on September 8 at Audang Bazar
in Kokrajhar District passed off peacefully on the first day (September
10).
CPI-Maoists are planning to target
youths from backward areas of Upper Assam area, especially tea
gardens, by showing them propaganda films on Maoist ideology."Intelligence
inputs suggest they will screen short films and distribute CDs
to influence the youth," a Police source said.
September 11
Joint Secretary (North East) at
MHA, Shambhu Singh said that ULFA's founding 'general secretary'
Anup Chetia will be extradited to India from Bangladesh by mid-December
this year.
The NDFB-RD is likely to sign
a SoO agreement with the Government by the end of September. An
official source said that September 30 has been fixed as the tentative
date for signing of the agreement, barring last-minute changes.
"It was decided at a meeting held here yesterday between leaders
of the outfit and government officials," he said. "The NDFB [NDFB-RD]
leaders were asked to submit a list of their arms, which they
will have to deposit before signing the agreement. The outfit
has already submitted a list of their cadres and we have asked
them to submit their photographs also," the source said.
AIUDF, main opposition party in
the State, making it clear that it would not allow division of
Assam blamed the state government for not taking political parties
into confidence before arranging tripartite talks with organizations
demanding separate states.
A top ULFA cadre, identified as
'Lance Corporal' Partha Pratim Das alias Rakta Asom, was arrested
from ISBT in Guwahati city (Guwahati District), in a joint operation
carried out by Security Forces. During interrogation, Das has
confessed that around 15 ULFA cadres have entered the city under
his leadership. One 9mm pistol, one magazine, five 9mm live round
bullets and one mobile phone with SIM card was also recovered
from the militant.
September 12
Union Joint Secretary (Northeast)
of the MHA, Shambhu Singh has expressed hope that 'general secretary'
of the ULFA, Anup Chetia will be handed over to India by the end
of December, 2013.
The NDFB-IKS strongly reacted
on the statement of the Joint Secretary, MHA, Shambhu Singh who
threatened the NDFB that bullets will be the answer. The outfit
said the attempt of the GoI to give answer with bullet instead
of solution and to suppress with iron hand is very shameful to
India
The AASU, rejected chief minister
Tarun Gogoi's proposal to provide asylum to Bangladesh nationals
who have migrated to Assam because of religious and social persecution.
The AASU said all illegal migrants from Bangladesh who have come
to Assam after March 24, 1971, will have to be deported according
to the provisions of the Assam Accord. It alleged that Gogoi mooted
the proposal because of vote-bank politics.
The ruling Congress, iterated
its opposition to bifurcation of the state by stressing the need
for a "united and inclusive" Assam. Referring to the recent conflicts
between different communities for and against creation of separate
states in the state, APCC chief spokesperson Mehdi Alom Bora said
while focussing on welfare of indigenous communities, they cannot
neglect welfare of others.
The 36 hours Karbi Anglong bandh
(shut down strike) called by the HSDP in support of separate State
has passed off peacefully.
Save Assam, a voluntary
organisation, opposed the further division of the State. 'President'
of Save Assam Bishsheswar Deka said, "The Karbis, Dimasas, Bodos,
Koch Rajbongshis all have been demanding for separate states and
if separate statehood is granted to them, then the rest of the
indigenous people residing within these states will lose their
importance and will also lose both social and political rights."
September 13
Suspected cadres belonging to
the NDFB-RD abducted a small tea grower, Bhadreswar Nath, from
his garden under Itakhola Police station in Sonitpur District.
Superintendent of Police Arabinda Kalita said that Nath was abducted
for ransom but no demand has been made till now. He added that
rebel Ram Singh from the faction was involved in the case. The
outfit has been extorting money in the district bordering Arunachal
Pradesh for some time now.
Tinsukia District Police launched
operations to catch a group of CPI-Maoist cadres along the Assam-Arunachal
Pradesh border following intelligence inputs that a group of about
five persons, including three CPI-Maoist cadres, was moving along
the Tinsukia-Changlang District border. Police said operations
were under way in different areas along the inter-state border.
The three cadres are suspected to be Bibek Moran, Baba Mech and
Sanjib, all of whom are listed cadres.
Tinsukia District Police launched
operations to catch a group of CPI-Maoist cadres along the Assam-Arunachal
Pradesh border following intelligence inputs that a group of about
five persons, including three CPI-Maoist cadres, was moving along
the Tinsukia-Changlang District border. Police said operations
were under way in different areas along the inter-state border.
The three cadres are suspected to be Bibek Moran, Baba Mech and
Sanjib, all of whom are listed cadres.
Assam Governor J B Patnaik ruled
out any division of the State and said the autonomous councils
were capable of taking care of development in the districts. "Assam
will not be divided. There is no necessity for separate states
as all the ethnic groups can be represented in the Autonomous
Councils which can take care of the development activities", Patnaik
said when asked about various ethnic groups' demand for separate
states carved out of Assam.
Suspected Bru (Reang) militants
abducted a bamboo trader from Baidyartuk village in Hailakandi
District near the Assam-Mizoram border.
Guwahati City Police intensified
their operations along the Assam-Meghalaya border after intelligence
inputs hinted that a group of 20 NDFB militants are trying to
create a base in these areas. "There are Bodo youths residing
in these areas. These youths have come from Baksa, Rangiya, Chirang
and Kokrajhar districts and work in various coal factories and
other industrial plants in these border areas. The NDFB ultras
are taking advantage of this and are shielding themselves by acting
as locals. However, we have some leads and are on a manhunt,"
said a senior official of the city police's operations wing.
The United Nations DESA report
has termed the exodus of Bangladeshis into India as "the single
largest bilateral stock of international migrants". The UN report
revealed that in 2013, India was home to 3.2 million Bangladeshi
residents who had migrated into the country.
AGP working president Atul Bora
said his party is not ready to support the proposal of Chief Minister
Tarun Gogoi to seek refugee status for people, most of them Hindus,
who migrated to India from neighbouring Bangladesh. The AGP leader
said the proposal of the chief minister is in complete violation
of the provisions of Assam Accord.
September 14
SFs killed a militant of the ULFA-I,
identified as Monaj Rabha alias Sunami Asom, at Hatigaon-
Suarmari village under Agia Police Station in Goalpara District.
SFs recovered a pistol, a hand grenade, some detonators and cartridges
from the militant.
NDFB-PTF in commemoration with
the observation of martyrs' day asserted that the 'martyrdom'
for the cause of the Bodos will help the society to exist as a
strong nationality in the world. 'Information and Publicity Secretary'
of the NDFB-PTF, S Sanjarang said that since the beginning of
their struggle, more than 2,000 lives which include cadres and
many devout sympathizers who led the society during its 28 years
of struggle have lost.
Intelligence sources said that
groups of militants, including CPI-Maoist and ULFA-I, were camping
along inter-state border of Assam and Indo-Myanmar boundary for
subversive activities to be carried out during Durga Puja and
Diwali. Cadres of CPI-Maoist, ULFA-I, NSCN, ULCA and TALTFA were
moving along the three border states, serving extortion notes
since the last couple of weeks. TALTFA was formed on June 16 and
ULCA on September 3. Besides Assam border, the militants were
staying along the international border of Arunachal Pradesh and
Nagaland.
Increased vigil by the BSF has
led to increase in seizure of FICN along the India-Bangladesh
border in lower Assam and north Bengal. An official source said
the value of fake notes seized by BSF troops deployed under the
Guwahati frontier has gone up to INR 595,000 in 2013 from INR
368,000 in 2011. In 2012, the value of seized FICN was INR 431,000.
The India-Bangladesh border in three sectors, Dhubri in Assam
and Falakata and Cooch Behar in Bengal, come under the jurisdiction
of the BSF's Guwahati frontier.
Nineteen Members of Autonomous
Council, including nominated members, had demanded resignation
of Joy Ram Engleng from the post of CEM.
September 15
SFs in an encounter killed a militant
of the NDFB-IKS, identified as Bilifang Basumatary alias
Bwilima (25), at Bismuri in Kokrajhar District.
Bhadreswar Nath, a small tea grower,
who was allegedly abducted by militants of the NDFB-RD, was released
near a dense forest on the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border in Sonitpur
District. Nath was abducted from his garden in Jaishidhi under
Itakhola Police Station in Sonitpur District on September 13.
Intensified security operations
in Tinsukia District led senior CPI-Maoist leader, Moina Dahotia
alias Pallab Saikia, to flee to Golaghat District. Police in both
the Districts, where CPI-Maoists are trying to gain a foothold,
have confirmed the development. Dahotia is the 'commander' of
the armed wing of the CPI-Maoists that operates under the name
of Upper Assam Leading Committee.
KMSS leader Akhil Gogoi supported
the Koch-Rajbongshi's movement for the demand of separate Kamatapur
State and Schedule Tribe categorization of the community. Akhil
Gogoi said that Koch-Rajbongshi people are agitating for their
'legal rights'.
One person from Assam is now a
key member of the terrorist outfit LeT but there was no report
of him visiting the State in recent years.
September 16
The Assam unit of Indian National
Congress asked KAAC CEM, Jayram Engleng to resign citing elected
party members “lost faith” and seeking his replacement.
Even as the Ranjan Daimary faction
of the NDFB-RD is in the process of preparing the list of its
cadre and arsenal, some of its members are believed to join IK
Songbijit faction of NDFB-IKS.
September 17
The crisis in KAAC deepened with
its CEM Jayram Engleng refusing to resign from the post as demanded
by the Congress members in the KAAC.
September 18
SFs arrested a ‘second platoon
commander’ belonging to Songbijit faction of NDFB-IKS, Ajana Chumpramari
(22), at Salbari under Runikhata Police Station in Chirang District.
SFs arrested a linkman of the
NDFB-IKS, Sanjay Basumatary (20), from Jiaguri under the Jiaguri
Police Station.
State Police DGP, Jayanto Narayan
Choudhury said it will recruit around 10,000 personnel within
next three months, the process of which will start from October
this year.
Chief Minister, Tarun Gogoi, who
visited the Indo-Bangladesh border in Dhubri district, said that
cattle smuggling was not as rampant and infiltration not as serious
as alleged by the Opposition.
Some Mising villages that had
remained excluded from the MAC have been brought under it. In
an order, the State Election Commission said that these villages
in 35 No. Dihing Sessa Constituency will now be included in Mising
Autonomous Council.
September 19
JACAS has called an indefinite
Karbi Anglong District strike beginning from 2pm. JACAS while
expressing dismay over the random arrest of its their leaders,
has demanded immediate halt to arrest of its members, youth, students
and general public who are supporting the long cherished demand
for an Autonomous State. JACAS said that Chief Minister, Tarun
Gogoi had on August 11 assured to put an end to further arrest
of JACAS members.
Despite the crackdown launched
by the Government of Bangladesh, around 200 members of militant
groups of the North East region of India are still taking shelter
in the neighboring country and a list of the shelter points was
handed over to Bangladesh during the recent meeting between the
Border Security Force and Borer Guard Bangladesh. Sources in the
MHA told that the militants are not maintaining any full-fledged
camp in Bangladesh but they have been maintaining at least 25
shelters, mostly in the areas like Khagrachari, Bandarband, and
Rangamati in CHT.
Sources said that most of the
militants staying in Bangladesh belong to the NLFT of Tripura.
But other groups, like the ULFA-I, PLA and UNLF of Manipur, NSCN-IM
and NDFB, are also maintaining shelters in the neighbouring country.
The Government is still not sure whether the NDFB members staying
in Bangladesh belong to the Ranjan Daimary or IK Songbijit faction.
September 20
Normal life came to standstill
in the District headquarter town of Diphu as indefinite Karbi
Anglong strike called by JACAS entered the second day.
The Dibrugarh–Tinsukia District
General Strike called by Chutia Jati Yuba Mancha passed off peacefully.
AASU slammed Chief Minister Tarun
Gogoi for his comment that there are no Bangladeshi infiltrators
in Assam and stated that Gogoi must make it clear on what basis
he had made such a statement.
The ‘President’ of
the UMMC, Mohammad Yusuf Ali has asserted that the indigenous
community of Assam like the Bodos should separate state as per
the constitutional provision for all round development of the
community. Ali, while participating the mass gathering of the
ABSU held at Gossaigaon on September 20, said in his speech that
the Bodoland movement was the right movement where all the communities
living in the proposed Bodoland region will have the equal rights
to flourish as the Indian citizens.
September 21
NHPC Tawang project, official
Anil Kumar Agarwal, was abducted by militants of the Songbijit
faction of the NDFB-IKS from the 12 Mile area of Charduar of Sonitpur
District bordering Arunachal Pradesh.
A Bangladeshi national was arrested
by the Police from Rakshyamari area of Sonitpur District.
DGP Jayanta Narayan
Choudhury has said that a separate armed village Police Force
will be raised in Karbi Anglong. The DGP, who was in Diphu for
a day amid the strike called by JACAS, told the media at circuit
house that “as per provisions in the 6th Schedule of the Indian
Constitution, there is a provision of raising a village police
force in this District.
About 200 militants
belonging to different outfits in the Northeast are still lodged
in 25 temporary camps in the forests of Chittagong Hill Tracts
despite action taken by the Bangladesh Government to drive them
out. This was revealed during a recent meeting in Dhaka between
senior officials of the BGB and India’s BSF.
Sources said camps
belong to the NLFT, the ULFA, NDFB of Assam, the UNLF, and the
PLA.
September 23
Normal life was crippled
in Kheroni area of Karbi Anglong District in response to the indefinitebandh(general
strike) call given by the JACAS for protest against the arrest
of innocent youths, minors, students and women by the Police in
connection with arson and violence cases in the hills District.
JACAS backed indefinitebandhwhich
began September 20, demanding release of its leaders and supporters
arrested on various charges during the statehood stir, turned
violent on September 21. JACAS volunteers torched one Enova car
near Borlengri locality of Bokajan subdivision in the District.
JACAS supporters
set ablaze one auto rickshaw near ITI along college road close
to Diphu town in the District.
JACAS leaders remained
rigid with their stand on not lifting strike till their demands
were meet.
A 24-hour strike
called jointly by Tiwa and Karbi organisations from 5am on September
23 affected normal life in central Assam. The strike was part
of the ATSU and the KSU’ 18-day-long protest that began on September
19 in support of their five-point demands. The demands include
decentralization of certain powers of the TAC in favour of village
councils which were to be set up under the Tiwa Autonomous Council
Act, 2005, Scheduled Tribe status for the Karbis living in the
plains and immediate announcement of elections to the six Tiwa
council constituencies where Dispur did not hold elections in
2010.
The ABSU has raised
the slogan ‘No Bodoland, No Vote’ during a mass gathering organized
by the Udalguri District Committee, ABSU for a separate Bodoland
state here at Udalguri. Thousands of people gathered at Durga
Puja Mandap as a solidarity to their demand of separate State.
Rabindra Mochahary, the ‘adviser’ of ABSU, has inaugurated the
programme justifying their demand for a separate State.
Pramod Boro, the
ABSU ‘president’, strongly criticized the State Government for
betraying the people of this region for years. He also lambasted
the BTC chief Hagrama Mohilary for his statement that there is
no possibility of creation of the separate Bodoland State. He
has no right to say this. Pramod Boro further said, “The Bodoland
movement will go on and on to this movement no force or hindrance
will be able to stop until the goal of separate State Bodoland
is achieved.”
Govinda Basumatary,
‘General Secretary’ of NDFB-PTF, stated in his speech that the
Bodo people took up arms to struggle for Bodoland and NDFB came
up from the time Government of Assam and India.
Suspected militants
shot dead a trader, Altaf Hussain Barbhuiya (35), at Chairaibak
village near Ramnathpur locality in Hailakandi District. Sources
said that Zakir Bahini, a faction of UDLA which consist of Bru
(Reang) and Muslim militants, may be responsible for the killing.
SFs in an encounter
killed a militant of ULFA-I at Aithon bordering Meghalaya in Goalpara
District.
The 24-hour Dima
Hasao Districtbandhcalled by NCHISF and NCHIWF evoked mixed
response across the hill District. The organizations called thebandhseeking
bifurcation of the District between Dimasas and non-Dimasa tribal
communities.
PM, Manmohan Singh
warned that divisive forces are still trying to incite conflict
among different communities of Assam. Addressing the 16th NIC
meeting in New Delhi, the PM exhorted to strengthen ties among
members of different communities so that divisive forces don’t
get a chance to exploit the situation for triggering fresh conflicts.
September 24
SFs arrested three
persons, including a SULFA member, Krishna Rabha, along with two
militants, and recovered three AK-81 rifles, nine magazines and
three US-made bottle grenades during a search at Jorabat, on the
outskirts of Guwahati city in Kamrup (metro) District.
Further,life came
to a standstill across the three Districts of Barak Valley [Cachar,
Karimganj and Hailakandi] in southern Assam due to a dawn-to-duskbandh(general
shut down). The Lumding-Silchar Broad Gauge Implementation Action
Committee, a conglomerate of a number of NGOs, called thebandhseeking
immediate commissioning of the 201-kilometre Lumding-Silchar broad
gauge and the southern Assam part of Silchar-Saurastra East-West
Corridor projects.
September 25
The Golaghat District
unit of the AASCSU staged a protest against the inclusion of non-Mising
villages in the ensuing MAC election on October 3.
The abductors of
NHPC official Anil Kumar Agarwal contacted his family members
and demanded INR 20 million for his release. Agarwal, who is looking
after the Tawang [Arunachal Pradesh] project of the NHPC, was
abducted on September 21 evening from Charduar 12 Mile near the
Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border by six cadres of the NDFB-IKS.
The ABSU has reportedly
studied the ‘reasons’ as to why the Bodo people, including the
elected council leaders are ‘not satisfied’ with the arrangement
of autonomous councils in Assam.
KNLA, a Karbi Anglong
based militant group, called for 24 hour Karbi Anglongbandh(general
Strike) starting from September 27. According to reports in the
local dailies, KNLA ‘general secretary’ Lamchak Timung informed
that KNLA was forced call the strike to mark its raising day.
Hailakandi SP, Brajendrajit
Singh said over phone from the District headquarters town of Hailakandi
that some new outfits like the BNLF and BLA are masterminding
the new spree of attacks on the plains people in the south Hailakandi
areas
September 26
Suspected NDFB-IKS
militants ambushed a vehicle carrying SF personals killing a Police
officer and his driver in between Mainaguri and Malatijhora under
Kazigaon Police Station Kokrajhar District. The injured Police
Constable Sajahan Miya said that that they were in the area to
collect and verify the names of cadres of NDFB–RD to be submitted
ahead of their transfer to designated camps. State DGP J.N. Choudhury
told that checking the activities of the Songbijit group was a
“priority” now.
Unidentified persons
abducted Sushil Kumar Das, a biscuit supplier, at Samsinghkela
in Bongaigaon district.
Separately,Police
sources toldthat the NDFB-IKS first contacted the NHPC authorities
demanding a ransom of INR 200 million for the release of the adducted
GM of the Corporation Anil Kumar Agarwala.
Union Power Minister
Jyotiraditya Scindia told reporters in New Delhi that the Centre
was concerned over the abduction and security agencies had identified
some of the abductors. He said the Central Government was in close
touch with the State Government on the issue.Assam Police is set
to launch a special joint operation with its Arunachal Pradesh
counterparts from September 27 (today) in the foothills of West
Kameng District (Arunachal Pradesh) to rescue abducted NHPC GM,
Anil Kumar Agarwal.
The Biswajit Ray
faction of AKRSU on September 26 held a meeting with the BTC leaders
headed by Hagrama Mohilary and the meeting decided to raise their
voice together for their long pending demands. The leaders of
both AKRSU and BPF also decided to share policy and strategy on
the movement for separate state and other issues.
Separately,State
Police is likely to recruit at least 2,000 personnel within this
year to overcome staff shortages. The state government has recently
sanctioned the posts for recruitment.
September 27
SFs killed two militants
belonging to NDFB-IKS militants, Raju Brahma and Mahesh Brahma,
at Segunbari near Malathijhora in Kokrajhar district. The duo
was allegedly involved in yesterday's ambush of a Police team.
A group of youths
attacked and injured AKRSU president, Biswajit Ray at Borpara
in Bongaigaon town in Bongaigaon District.
Suspected Reang militants
abducteda daily wage laborer, Nazrul Islam (23), atDhaleswari
at Bairabhi village in Hailakandi District.
The NDFB– IKS claimed
the responsibility of attacking police team at Malotijhora in
Porbotjhora sub–division of Kokrajhar District on September 26
where two Police personals lost their lives. In a press statement,
the ‘spokesman’ of the NDFB-IKS BR Ferengga said, “We clarified
earlier that we always respect them those who respect us and so,
there is no reason of kidnapping Bijoy Malakar of Bhaoraguri in
Gossaigaon sub–division and Sushil Kr Das of Samshingkhila in
Chirang District on September 21 and 26 respectively”.
State ADGP-law and
order A.P. Rout said that joint operations were on with Arunachal
Police to rescue NHPC official Anil Kumar Agarwal.Agarwal’s 82-year-old
mother Nirmala Kumari appealed to his son's abductors to release
him as the 56-year-old is suffering from severe asthma and diabetes.
September 28
Three NDFB-IKS militants
were arrested after being caught by people at Bhogpur in Baksa
District.
Militants from the
Reang community released Nazrul Islam (23), the youth who they
had abducted from Katlicherra block in Hailakandi District on
September 27 night. Police sources in Hailakandi said the gang
of 10 armed militants had to release Islam as they realized that
the youth’s family would not be able to raise the ransom amount.
The Bru Students’
Association of Barak Valley have taken exception to a reported
recent statement by the State cabinet minister for Border Affairs,
Siddeque Ahmed, that the raids by the armed Reang militants would
be met with guns by the people in Hailakandi District.
September 30
NDFB-IKS claimed not to have served
any extortion demand for the release of NHPC official Anil Kumar
Agarwal and added that he was safe in its custody. The outfit’s
general secretary B. Saoraigwra categorically denied having sent
any email or letter to the NHPC, demanding INR 200 million for
Agarwal’s release. Saoraigwra said the outfit had abducted Agarwal
over an issue related to the construction of big dams which would
adversely affect the people and the ecology.
October 1
A gun and ammunitions was looted
at a Police guest house in Tinsukia District in the night. A suspected
three-member group of the CPI-Maoist raided the R.K. Singh Memorial
police guest house at Borguri on the outskirts of Tinsukia town
near the office campus of the superintendent of police and escaped
with an INSAS rifle and 20 rounds of ammunition after attacking
the sentry, Bipul Sonowal.
The MHA has started the process
of finalising the dates for the next round of talks with the organisations
agitating for creation of separate States, while the date for
signing a formal ceasefire agreement with the Ranjan Daimary faction
of the NDFB has been finalised. Joint Secretary (North East) at
the MHA, Sambhu Singh said that the formal ceasefire agreement
with the group would be signed on October 17 to pave the way for
formal talks with the outfit.
The Progressive faction of NDFB,
which is demanding a separate Bodoland State, justified its demand
saying a separate State is a must to protect and preserve the
interest of the indigenous people of the region as well as to
counter the effects of influx
Kuki National Assembly in its
daylong political convention held on October 1 at its headquarter
in Manja 16 kilometers from Diphu District reiterated its demand
‘Kukigam Autonomous Regional Council’ to be created under the
provision of sixth schedule of Indian constitution, encompassing
the Kuki inhabited areas of Karbi Anglong District.
October 2
Police arrested a cadre of NDFB-IKS,
identified as Swmkwr Basumatary from Jagiroad in Morigaon District.
The NHPC chief managing director,
G Sai Prasad, on October 2, appealed to Assam governor, J B Patnaik
to help secure the safe release of the abducted general manager
of the NHPC's Tawang hydroelectric project, Anil Kumar Agrawal.
October 3
Diphu Police has arrested two
persons identified as Munan Singh and Amar Rongphar involved in
extortion from Rongmirdan locality, Diphu District.
On the basis of the specific information,
Police arrested a person suspected to have involved with militant
outfit from SBI, Kokrajhar branch. The person was reportedly having
transaction of INR 90,000 from an account and was suspected to
have link with the militant outfit–KLO.
The NDFB-IKS on the occasion of
observation of its 27th rising day reaffirmed to fight for the
liberation of Bodoland with strengthening of policy and build
up capability. The NDFB (Songbijit faction) observed the foundation
day at an undisclosed location in lower Assam along with the other
factions of the outfit. The NDFB (Progressive) led by Dhiren Boro
observed the day at Serfanguri designated camp in Kokrajhar District
while Ranjan Daimary faction of the NDFB observed the day at Odla
Kashibari in Udalguri District.
Alleging the BTC administration
in completely failing to provide security of life and property
to the non–Bodos residing at the BTC areas, the SAAM, Asom,
staged a hunger strike and demanded for the dissolution of BTC.
The interrogation of a former
legislator of Manipur, who was arrested by the NIA, will help
the anti-terror probe agency to track the money trail of Kesho
Meitei faction of KCP. Salam Joy Singh was arrested in Guwahati
(Assam) for his alleged links with the KCP faction, which is also
known as MTF.
After Durga Puja,
the six communities of Tai–Ahoms, Morans, Mottocks, Chutiyas,
Koch–Rajbangshis and the tea tribes are going to again launch
an agitation for ST status for them.
The Biswajit Ray and Hiteswar
Barman factions of the AKRSU have welcomed the approval of Telangana
State by the Union cabinet. In fact, both the factions of the
students’ organisation are hopeful that MPs from the BPF and Bengal
would take up the issue of Kamtapur in the next Parliament session.
AKRSU general secretary of the Biswajit Ray faction, Pradeep Ray,
said they would intensify their movement for Kamtapur with renewed
vigour on the lines of Telangana.
October 4
Bodo organisations today warned
of a 1,000-hour economic blockade if the Government did not take
their demand for a separate Bodo State seriously and create Bodoland
simultaneously with Telangana state. The demand by the Peoples’
Joint Committee for Bodoland Movement follows the Union cabinet’s
nod to Telangana on October 3.
Seven elected members [of the
both the dissolved Dimasa militant faction] of DHAC have expressed
their intend to join the Congress party. The former militant leaders
include DHD-J faction leaders-Mihir Gorlosa alias Joel
Gorlosa, Niranjan Hojai, Phaiprang Dimasa and Debojit Bathari alias David.
Three former members of the DHD-N leaders include Thaitshodao
Thaosen, Omendu Hojai and Biswajit Daulogupu.
October 5
There is no trace of abducted
General Manager of NHPC, Anil Kumar Agarwal yet. ADGP-Law and
Order, A.P. Raut said, “Our operations have been on but unfortunately
we are yet to rescue the abducted official. We have arrested some
people and recovered the motorcycles used in the crime.”
October 6
SFs recovered an improvised grenade
launcher with three grenades from the banks of Sankosh River in
Kokrajhar District.
Welcoming the Union cabinet's
approval for the creation of Telangana, the chief adviser of tripartite
talks for JACAS, JI Kathar, said the Central Government should
now give a serious thought to the creation of an autonomous state
comprising Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao Districts
BTC chairman and BPF president,
Hagrama Mohilary accused a section of Congress leaders of helping
the Oboro Suraksha Samity and All Asomiya Aikya Mancha to obstruct
the functioning of the BTC administration.
September 23
SFs arrested a militant of NSCN-K
in general area ABCI Camp, near new Railway Station Jatinga in
Dima Hasao District.
October 4
UPOK/UKDA and RGOK/KRA has resolved
to work together under one banner for the cause of Kuki community
living in Karbi Anglong District of Assam. In the meeting held
on October 4, the two organizations at KNA Office, Kuki Colony,
strongly resolved to form a common platform, as per resolution
no.1 under the name "People Democratic Alliance of Kukigam" (PDAK).
October 5
Two militants belonging to ULFA-I
, identified as' sergeant' Rebo Kanta Gohain alias Ratul Asom
and 'Corporal' Dhanjit Barua alias Ankur Asom, surrendered before
the SFs. Both the militants deposited three Chinese bottle grenades,
one hand grenade, four detonators and 2 KG TNT explosive materials.
October 6
The second and final phase of
the first MAC elections ended with Congress leaders hoping to
win anywhere between 17 and 20 of the 34 seats for which the polls
were held. According to preliminary reports, the second phase
of polls held recorded 78 per cent turnout. The first phase of
polls held on October 3 registered a turnout of 76 per cent.
October 7
SFs arrested one militant belonging
to NDFB-IKS, Karim Saframari alias Jawkhab, at Khungri village
under Runikhata Police Station of Chirang District. SFs recovered
one hand grenade and one mobile phone from him.
The NDFB-IKS has claimed that
the Principal of Diamond English Medium High School (Udalguri
District), Evangel Narzary, has formally joined the outfit. He
is the second educated person who joined the outfit after the
split of the NDFB in the current year. Earlier, one of the lecturers
of Bengtol College of Chirang District joined the outfit. This
was disclosed by 'Spokesperson' of the NDFB-IKS, BR Ferengga.
October 8
SFs arrested a ULFA-I militant,
identified as Tarun Moran, after he was injured by the firing
with SFs at Anandabagh area of Makum in Tinsukia District. However,
the other militant, Bitupan Gohain, managed to escape from the
site.
The Ranjan NDFB-RD has submitted
the list of its cadres to the Government to pave the way for signing
of the formal cease-fire agreement. However, the SFs are not yet
ready to accept the list of weapons submitted by the outfit. Highly
placed police sources told The Assam Tribune that the NDFB (RD)
has submitted a list of 410 cadres with their addresses and the
process of verification of it is now on. So far, around 90 per
cent of the verification process has been completed.
Police and the BSF have been placed
on "high alert" in Cachar, Karimganj and Hailakandi by the State
Government's Home Department against any possible attempt at fomenting
trouble by Bangladesh-based Islamic fundamentalist outfits during
Durga Puja in the Barak valley.
Police killed a militant belonging
to the ULFA-I, in an encounter, at Salbari area in Kamrup District.
Police also recovered arms and ammunition from the site.
SFs chased and arrested two militants
and one overground worker of DHD-A at Sontila in Dima Hasao District.
October 9
Police seized INR 100,000, a few
ULFA notepads, rubber stamp seals and two vehicles belonging to
Mahendra Gogoi from his rented house in the Melasook area of Sivasagar
town. Gogoi, who is suspected to have links with ULFA, is absconding.
SFs are yet to trace NHPC general
manager, Anil Kumar Agarwal, 19 after his abduction by the NDFB-IKS
militants. Agarwal's family members told this correspondent today
that the abductors had called them up on October 7 and said that
NHPC officials would have to negotiate with them for his release.
On October 6, Rakesh Sarma, a trader, was abducted by a six-member
militant group from the Sirajuli area, but was later rescued by
the Police. A four-member militant group had also abducted another
businessman, Ram Gopal Agarwala, from Buroi tea estate under Gohpur
subdivision while he was on his way home on October 4. Sources
said the outfit had earlier demanded money before taking him hostage.
State Government has submitted
a nearly INR 5 billon expenditure estimate to the Ministry of
Home Affairs (MHA) for updating the NRC 1951 in the State.The
MHA will send the estimate, submitted by the Assam government
this week, to the expenditure finance committee for approval,
sources said.
NDFB-IKS has appealed to other
factions of NDFB including NDFB-PTF not to create misunderstanding
among the people and asked them to stop all sorts of harassment
to the family members of their colleagues.
The 'Spokesperson' of the NDFB-IKS,
BR Ferenga said in a statement that the allegation of 'Assistant
Information and Publicity Secretary' of the NDFB-PTF, R Daoka
in a section of news paper was not based on fact.
Ferenga further condemned the
provocation of the Indian Army by giving harassment to the family
members of NDFB-IKS and Evangel Narzary (NDFB-IKS member) and
asked to stop immediately and if fails, then they have no other
option but to harass innocent family members of Indian Army and
Police too.
October 10
`SFs arrested three KPLT militants
from Diphu District. One M-20 pistol and 10 SIM cards along with
4 mobile handsets and demand letters have been recovered from
them, Police said.
October 12
SFs in an encounter, killed a
suspected ULFA militant, at Gavaru Bridge located at Mohmari village
under Duliajan Police Station in Dibrugarh District. According
to police sources, two suspected ULFA militants have been taking
shelter in a temporary office of Water Resource Department, Government
of Assam, Gavaru bridge, near Mohmari village for the last few
days.
October 14
Suspected cadres of the UDLA and
the Zakir Bahini jointly abducted Pancharam Apeto Reang (42),
former 'chairman' of the disbanded ULFBV, from his home at Bishuram
Basti, a remote village under Katlicherra block in Hailakandi
District.
October 15
CEM of KAAC, Joy Ram Engleng was
removed from his post after the no confidence motion was accepted
by the chairman of KAAC, Dhansing Kro in the extra ordinary session
or special session of the KAAC in absence of the Engleng. Claiming
that the entire procedure was illegal and defiance of Gauhati
High Court's order, seven members of autonomous council walked
out of the session.
Reports said UDLA 'chief' Shisuhuram
Reang demanded INR 5 million over phone as ransom for the release
of Pancharam.
IPF of Dima Hasao (erstwhile North
Cachar Hills), has served an ultimatum on the Chairman, of Assam
State GoM Committee that it would launch agitation if their demands
are not fulfilled by October 25. In a memorandum addressed to
Prithibi Majhi, Chairman of GoM, the IPF said that if the GoM
did not take necessary initiative to address their demands on
or before October 25, the organization would enforce its continuous
agitation programme which is deem fit and proper even keeping
the entire District unrest.
October 16
SFs are conducting a search operation
in Hailakandi District to trace Pachauram Reang, (45), a former
chief of a surrendered outfit ULFBV.
October 17
The Central Government will sign
a SoO agreement with the NDFB-RD on October 23. A team of MHA
officials, along with interlocutor P.C Haldar, will fly to Guwahati
to sign the pact. State Home secretary G.D. Tripathi and ADGP,
P. Bhattacharya will represent the Assam government and attend
the meeting with Daimary.
Police rescued a former rebel
chief, Pachauram Apeto Reang (45), abducted in the wee hours on
October 14 from his residence at Katlicherra block in Hailakandi
District. He was found near the bank of a stream called Kapalwala
in the same District. The officer in-charge of Ramnathpur Police
outpost, Bidhan Das, said Pachau Ram has named the ULFBV as being
responsible for the abduction. The Police could not confirm if
any ransom was paid to ensure Pachau Ram's release, though sources
said the surrendered rebel leader's family paid a hefty amount.
ULFBV has, however, dismissed the claim.
October 18
Two linkmen of the NDFB-IKS, who
allegedly helped in the abduction of NHPC General Manager Anil
Kumar Agarwal on September 21, on October 18. Sonitpur SP, Arabinda
Kalita said that So far five persons have been arrested in connection
with the abduction of the NHPC official.
The State Election Commission
initiated a fresh move to hold the much-delayed RHAC elections
in November after its first attempt was derailed because of law
and order issues.
Tuli Ram Ronghang became the 27th
CEM of KAAC after confirming of his candidature by KAAC chairman
Dhonsing Kro in the presence of 19 congress MACs.
October 19
SFs, in an encounter, killed the
'district commander 'of NSLA-ATF, Ram Murmu alias Rakesh,
at Jakati reserveforest in Kokrajhar.
October19-20
Supporters of the GNC set four
vehicles ablaze and partially burned down three schools in the
Goalpara district, following the announcement of elections to
the RHAC. The GNC has also called an indefinite strike demanding
the exclusion of non-Rabha villages from the council area.
October 20
Unidentified persons abducted
a person, Vicky Pandit (19), from Samgaon-Romanpara in Kokrajhar
District. He was supervising work at an under-construction building
when the incident took place.
Police, based on the specific
information, arrested three KPLT linkmen, identified as Bidar
Sing Kro (25), Bimal Singnar (20) and Rajen Rongpi (22), from
Birbar under Dokmoka Police Station in Karbi Anglong District.
According to a statement given by one linkman, several occasions,
the Karbi youths are forcibly engaged by KPLT in various anti–social
activities.
JACAS leadership reiterated its
demand for creation of an autonomous state comprising the twin
hill districts of Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao as envisaged in
Article 244(A) of Indian constitution.
Security agencies are still not
sure of the whereabouts of the ‘Amir’ of the Assam unit of the
HuM, who managed to escape from Assam in 1999 following a massive
crackdown.
October 21
NDFB-IKS has issued a fresh
warning to the government saying it would target 'mainstream Indians'
if the killings of innocent Bodos is not stopped in other parts
of the country. In a press statement, the spokesman of NDFB-IKS,
B R Ferenga, said the brutal attack on Raja Basumatary, who hails
from Kashikotra village in Chirang District in Bangalore recently,
is an example of how the people of the northeast are being targeted
by 'mainstream Indians'.
The Central Government has decided
to set complete surrender of firearms as a condition for signing
SoO agreements with insurgent outfits. The first outfit that could
be affected by the new condition will be the NDFB-RD, which will
sign a tripartite agreement with the Centre and the State Government
on October 23.
Sonitpur District Police were
able to trace the location of the abductors of NHPC official Anil
Kumar Agarwal, but then lost track since the militants were changing
their location frequently.
SFs arrested an DHD-A militant
from Jorai Batari area of Haflong in Dima Hasao District.
October 22
SFs seized an IED weighing over
1 kilogram from the Nayanpur area under Hajo Police Station in
Kamrup (Rural) District.
The NDFB-IKS stated that it is
opposed the construction of big dams in Assam and also stated
that Police is trying to kill abducted NHPC General Manager, AK
Agarwala.
October 23
Supporters of the 96-hour bandh (General
strike) threw stones at two vehicles and attempted to set another
on fire in three separate locations (Krishnai, Bhalukdubi
and Tilapara) in Goalpara District. The NRCF and the AANTSU have
called the bandh in Goalpara and Kamrup Districts
in protest against the announcement of elections to the RHAC without
excluding the non-Rabha villages from the area. In another
incident, goons attacked some daily labourers of a rubber garden
at Bhalukdubi while they were at work.
SFs arrested three RNLF cadres
from Jorabat area of Guwahati, when they were going towards Meghalaya,.
SFs arrested three militants
of NDFB-IKS, Naisrang Goyary, Ondla Brahma and Swrang Basumatary,
at Titaguri village under Kachugaon Police Station in Gossaigaon
sub division of Kokrajhar District.
The Central Government is all
set to sign a SoO agreement and start peace talks with the NDFB-RD,
on November 9.
The proposed visit of self-exiled
Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen to Assam on November 14 stands
cancelled after State Government has declined permission citing
security reasons.
One of the main goals of the CPI-Maoist
militants in their attempts to expand bases in the North Eastern
region is procurement of sophisticated weapons, as most of the
active militant groups of the region have the means to smuggle
in arms from the neighbouring countries.
One person was killed and another
injured in a clash between strike supporters and people in Baksa
District during the bandh (general Shutdown)
called by the OSS and allied organisations in protest against
the Bodoland statehood demand. Curfew has been imposed in Dhumni
and neighbouring Simla where the clashes took place. Sanjay Das,
(35), of Takurikuchi Dakhinsubha village, was hacked to death
while Dharani Kalita was injured in the clash at Jalagaon under
Mushalpur Police Station in Baksa District. Five houses at Dhumni
and two houses at Palasguri were vandalised.
October 24
Guwahati City Police recovered
three crude bombs from a passenger bus near Jalukbari area [Kamrup
(metro) District] of the city.
Seven NDFB-IKS militants surrendered
in the Office Complex of Superintendent of Police, Kokrajhar in
Kokrajhar District.
NRHPF claimed that the Karbi militant
groups, KPLT and KLNLF, were levying heavy taxes from Rengma villagers
settled in Assam–Nagaland border. NRHPF ‘chairman’ Keyhant
Rengma said henceforth the Rengmas would not pay any tax to KPLT
and KLNLF. He has requested Police and Karbi Anglong District
administration to reign on the militant outfits to avert further
tension in future.
The state election commission
stated all the 36 constituencies in the poll-bound RHAC were “hyper
sensitive“ but the “actual” ground situation would become clear
only after filing of nominations ends.
October 25
The SC ordered the Central Government
to release an initial sum of INR 25 crore by October 31 to the
Assam government so it can start the process for updating the
NRC in the State. The SC directed the Centre to issue the gazette
notification for the NRC update by December 6. The next date of
hearing of the case has been fixed on December 9.
Reiterating its demand for a separate
Kamatapur state and ST status for Koch-Rajbongshis in the State,
the AKRSU will hold a massive public rally in Bongaigaon to press
for its demand on October 30.
As many as 207 candidates had
filed their nominations for the 36 RHAC constituencies covering
parts of Kamrup (rural) and Goalpara Districts. Of the 36, 16
constituencies are in Kamrup (rural) and 20 in Goalpara. While
110 candidates have filed nominations for 20 seats in Goalpara
district, 97 have filed their papers for 16 seats in Kamrup (rural).
Unknown miscreants shot dead a
businessman, Debasish Saha (45), at Bhaoraguri under Gossaigaon
sub–division of Kokrajhar District. Though no organization has
claimed the responsibility, the militant group NDFB-IKS is suspected
behind this act. The Spokesman of the NDFB-IKS, BR Ferengga in
a press statement said that the outfit was not involved in the
killing of Debasish Saha and warned not to blame the NDFB without
justifying the fact.
October 26
The ABBYSF imposed 24 hours Bodoland
Territorial Council (BTC) bandh (General Shutdown)
on October 26 in protest against the killing of Debasish Saha.
The bandh evoked response in Kokrajhar District.
The NRCF and the NTSU will start
a “civil disobedience movement” in Goalpara and Kamrup Districts
from October 27.
Supporters set ablaze a motorcycle
during the 96-hour bandh called by NRCF and NTSU
which came to an end.
According to official statistics,
total 1422 persons were abducted in Assam till April 2013 while
over 21,000 persons were abducted mostly for money during the
last seven years.
Highly placed security sources
said that the ‘vice-President’ of the ULFA-I, Paresh Baruah has
been trying to derail the peace process with the ULFA-PTF.
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar
came out strongly against any division of Assam and called upon
the intellectual fraternity to take up the responsibility for
uniting the people of the North East irrespective of community
and ethnicity. Sarkar said around 35-40 militant groups are still
active in the North Eastern states even as their potency has dwindled
in the recent years. He accused Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence
(ISI) and the USA’s Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) of having
a role in the militancy in the North East.
October 27
SFs, in an encounter, killed a
militant of the NDFB-IKS at Damanpur in Sonitpur District.
SFs arrested Joseph Dongel, surrendered
cadre of Kuki ultra outfit, UKDA, on charge of illegal possession
of 50 live rounds of AK 47 assault rifle from Amorajan locality
in Karbi Anglong District.
October 28
At least 16 protesters representing
a non-Bodo group received minor injuries during clashes with Police
in the Amingaon and Jalukbari areas in Guwahati in Kamrup (metro)
District. Public life and transportation on the NH-31 faced major
disruption morning when hundreds of activists of the Aboro
Suraksha Samity, an umbrella organisation of several non-Bodo
people''s groups, assembled in the Amingaon and Jalukbari area
to protest against inclusion of many villages with a majority
non-Bodo population in the BTAD.
October 29
At least nine persons were injured
when security personnel used the cane, burst tear gas shells and
fired rubber bullets at a rally organized by the Hiteshwar Barman
faction of AKRSU at Basugaon in Chirang District. AKRSU-Hiteshwer
Barman has called a 24-hour Assam bandh (general
Shutdown)from 5am on October 31 in protest against
the Police Action.
the 12–hour BTC area bandh call
given by the led by NDFB-IKS in protest against the arrest of
the President of UGDIMYF, Pwidan Brahma alias Praneswar
Brahma, passed off peacefully in Kokrajhar District evoking total
response.
October 30
Suspected militants of NDFB-IKS
ambushed Army troopers of 18 Mahur Regiment at Bhalukjhora under
Tipkai Police outpost in Porbatjhora sub–division of Kokrajhar
District.
Two bandhs called
by two separate groups affected life in western Assam on Wednesday.
While a 12-hour bandh was called by OSS demanding exclusion of
non-Bodo majority villages from the BTC area, Hiteswar Barman
faction of AKRSU called another bandh to protest against the arrest
of their ‘president’ Hiteswar Barman.
Further, Biswajit Ray faction
of AKRSU, Biswajit Ray said that we shall never let Bodoland
to occupy a single inch of land of Kamatapur. We never supported
Bodoland, never let them to grab our land till the last drop of
blood remains in our soul,” said Biswajit Ray. AKRSU ‘vice-president’
Bikramjit Chaudhury, while highlighting how the government evinced
interest in talking to armed groups, said, “If that is the case,
then the 70 lakh Koch Rajbongshis would never hesitate to go the
jungles with 7,000 guns for the cause of their community.”
The ousted CEM of KAAC, Jayram
Engleng, said that he would resume office from October 31 as Gauhati
High Court had on October 29 ruled that the no-confidence motion
brought against him on October 15 was in violation of the prescribed
norms.
State Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi
appealed to militants to shun violence for the sake of the future
generations as the state remembered the victims of October 30
serials blasts of 2008.
‘Chairman’ of the KPLT, Bidisarpo
Tungjang disclosed that a new ‘central committee’ of the recently
surrendered KPLT militants was formed.
October 30-31
SFs, during search operations,
arrested four militants belonging to NDFB-IKS, in Baksa District.
The arrested militants have been identified as ‘area commander’
Bijoy Boro, Farman Boro, Upen Boro and M Sangri. SFs have recovered
six grenades, two 7.6 pistols, ten rounds of ammunitions, four
mobiles and several extortion notes from the militants.
October 31
One person was killed and 15 others
injured as Police opened fire to disperse a group of violent protesters,
belonging to NRCC, who were blocking the National Highway- 37
and had set ablaze a bus at Khoridhora bridge under Krishnai Police
Station in Goalpara District.
Another body was recovered from
a rivulet between Jalagaon and Nalbari under Mushalpur Police
Station in Baksa District. This is the second after October 30
clash between bandh supporters and detractors
at Dhumni and Jalagaon during a strike called by OSS and allied
organisations to protest against Bodoland statehood demand.
the BPPF condemned the incident
at Dumni and its adjoining places under Mushalpur Police Station
in Baksa District where a group clashing took place between the
supporters of OSS and local people.
The Kokrajhar District committee
of ABMSU brought out a rally against the rampant extortions, killing
and abduction in BTC region.
Chief of BTC and President of
BPF, Hagrama Mohilary stated that the leaders of OSS and SJSS,
Brajen Mahanta and Hareswar Barman, responsible for clashing at
Dumni in Baksa on October 30. He said Mahanta and Barman have
been instigating people of BTC region to go against the Bodos
and BTC for their personal interest. He called upon people irrespective
of caste and creed not to be misguided by such communal leaders.
A day after a man was killed during
the blockade by a non-Rabha group protesting the election to the
RHAC, officials working closely with the State Election Commission
said the panel had no option but to go ahead with the poll this
month. Any U-turn at this juncture could only worsen the situation,
they added. The officials admitted that the prevailing situation
in the council area was worrying but the commission was not thinking
about rescheduling or cancelling the poll.
Hiteswar Barman faction of the
AKRSU demanded the early release of their nine workers, including
‘president’ Hiteswar Barman, who were arrested following the clash
at Basugaon by setting a 48-hour deadline from October 31 evening. The
organisation decided to call a 36-hour Chirang District bandh (general
Strike) on November 4, a 100-hour BTAD bandh on
November 8 and an Assam bandh for an indefinite
period on November 12 if the demand was not fulfilled, AKRSU ‘general
secretary’ Troilokya Ray said.
The Supreme Court issued notices
to the Government of Assam, the State Election Commission and
the RHAC in response to a writ petition challenging the constitutional
validity of the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council Act, 1995. A division
bench of the Supreme Court, comprising Justice Gyan Sudha Misra
and Justice Pinaki Ghosh, after hearing the petitioner Umesh Tamuli
and others decided to issue notices returnable within three weeks.
The 12-hour Goalpara and Kamrup bandh called
jointly by the forum and AANTSU passed off peacefully in both
the Districts but affected normal life. The strike was called
in protest against Police action on October 31 NH 37 blockade
at Krishnai in Goalpara District.
November 2
SFs recovered a bomb weighing
3 kilogram from a bus, coming from Gossaigaon of Kokrajhar District,
at Tamarhat of Dhubri District.
Unidentified persons abducted
a businessman, Prasanta Dutta, from Narabari area under Kokrajhar
Police Station in Kokrajhar District.
SFs arrested two militants belonging
to NDFB-IKS, identified as Nimol Islary and Sankhang Narzary,
from Ouguri in Chirang District.
SFs recovered a 1.5 kilogram bomb
packed in a tiffin box from the bus stand area of Golokganj town
of Dhubri District.
The AASM, an association of Non-Karbi
people, demanded the Government to discuss the issues of non–Karbis
in the tripartite talks which will be held on November 6 between
State, Central Government and the JACAS.
The APW, a non-governmental organisation,
had announced its decision to move the Supreme Court challenging
a few clauses of the Bodoland Territorial Council Act. ‘
November 3
Seven people were killed and 10
others seriously injured when suspected GNLA militants fired on
a group of people at Gendapara village under Agia Police Station
in Goalpara District. The killed civilians were identified
as Bholanath Rabha, Amarendra Rabha, Jayanta Rabha, Puran Rabha,
Kalpanath Rabha and Lulu Rabha, who died on the spot. Another
person reportedly succumbed to injuries on November 4.
November 4
A GNLA militant, identified as
Sangthil Areng (23), was arrested with the help of the people
of Puthimari, under Mancachar Police Station in Dhubri District.
The IPF, an organization of non-Dimasa
tribal communities of Dima Hasao district which called a 48-hour
bandh since 5 am, has brought down the strike duration to 24 hours.
The State Government has asked
the Army to launch counter-insurgency operation in Goalpara District.
Authorities have clamped night curfew along the Assam-Meghalaya
border in the District and rushed additional Security Forces there.
In an emergency meeting held at
the MHA, decision was taken to use the BSF, the CRPF and ITBP
against the militant organisation UALA.
CM, Tarun Gogoi asked the DGP
to beef up security measures and called for deployment of Army
in the RHAC areas.
The ARSU has blamed the State
Government for the killing incident in Goalpara. The ARSU also
doubts the sincerity of the State Government in holding the three
phase RHAC elections scheduled for November 13, 16 and 25.
Benedict Areng, 'president' of
the Kamrup-Goalpara District committee of the GNC and a convenor
of the GASSS condemned the Gendamari incident and made an appeal
to all concerned not to link the incident with the ongoing agitation
of the Garo and non-Rabha people of the RHAC areas.
November 5
The AATS alleged that the militants
were backed by ISI and Pakistani agents. The AATS, an umbrella
organisation of Assam's tribal communities, claimed that foreign
elements are on a mission to create 'unrest' in the state by creating
tension among various ethnic groups for their vested interests.
A team of four State Ministers,
that has been assigned the job of looking after the RHAC matters,
visited Goalpara and the RHAC areas, even as the AATS called for
Army operations against the militant outfit GNLA and stern action
against all the militant groups. The team of Ministers included
Himanta Biswa Sarma, Nilamani Sen Deka, Rajiv Lochan Pegu and
Rockybul Hussain. AATS 'general secretary' Aditya Khakhlary also
alleged involvement of the ISI of Pakistan in the RHAC violence,
claiming that at its instance the GNLA has been trying to unleash
a reign of terror in the Autonomous Council areas.
November 6
KPLT militants shot dead an employee
of PWD, Kangbura Phangcho, at Merabhati locality near Chokihola
of Bokajan in Karbi Anglong.
According to reports shared by
the Meghalaya Police with their Assam Counterpart during the high
level meeting held in Guwahati identified the names of three UALA
militants, AG Momin, Rakman Momin and Nishan Sangma, responsible
for Goalpara killings.
The non-Rabha organisations have
softened its stand on continuation of their demands for exclusion
of 91 villages from the RHAC areas before the ensuing polls.
The 'president' of the ARSU, Tonkeswar
Rabha, demanded deployment of the Army along the Assam-Meghalaya
boundary in the run-up to the polls.
State Governor, JB Patnaik said
the elections to the RHAC will be held as per schedule and the
government will ensure its smooth conduct,. Talking to reporters
on the sidelines of a function here, Patnaik said, 'The government
will ensure that the elections are held. If needed, additional
forces will be sent.'
ULFA-I, ' sergeant' Rameswar Koul
alias Karan Asom surrendered before Dibrugarh District civil and
police administration.
November 7
SFs arrested two militants of
KPLT, identified as Tongluru Tisso and Jorjam Railsom Rongfar,
from Hamren and Diphu areas in Karbi Anglong District. SFs recovered
a .22 pistol and three rounds of live ammunition from the duo.
The joint operation launched by
Assam and Meghalaya Police, along with the CRPF and the Army,
against two Garo militant outfits, GNLA and the UALA, are also
targeting the ULFA-I.
November 8
SFs recovered four IEDs from the
railway track at a spot between the Dudhnoi and the Krishnai railway
stations in Goalpara District.
SFs arrested two NDFB-IKS militants,
identified as Daimalu Daimary (25) and Simang Basumatary (20),
from Chapaguri and Amguri area in Chirang District.
Police rescued a Bank manager,
Mujibur Rahman (28), and arrested eight people, including a woman
in this connection from Lumpi in Karbi Anglong District. Rahman
was abducted on November 2 from Boko in Kamrup District. The abductors
were demanding a ransom of INR 10 million for Rahman's safe release.
The abduction was carried out mainly by Priyotoma Basumatary,
and her husband Dayal Das, who is a NDFB-RD militant.
November 9
A militant of the NDFB-IKS was
killed in an encounter with SFs at Baligonga area along the Assam-Arunachal
Pradesh border in Sonitpur District. SFs recovered a pistol, a
hand grenade and some live ammunition from the slain militant.
Unknown persons set ablaze to
Husdoba panchayat (local level self-governing body) office under
Lakhipur Police Station in Goalpara District.
Some persons tried to set ablaze
the office of the Rabha museum at Bhalukdubi in Goalpara District.
The office was partially damaged the office and the fire was doused
with the help of local people.
SFs arrested a NSLA militant,
identified as Jala Murmu, from Saraibil area of Gossaigaon sub-division
in Kokrajhar District.
SFs arrested a youth, identified
as Mukta Baro with a grenade at Khairabari of Udalduri District.
The youth was trying to threaten the BTC's EM in charge of food
and civil supplies Lwmsrao Daimary in his residence.
SFs were warned about the game
plan of militant outfit UALA to target Rabha people to create
disturbances in the RHAC area before the elections to the Council
five days prior to the November 3 incident.
CM, Tarun Gogoi said he suspects
possible links between the Pakistan-based HuJI and Garo militant
outfit UALA, which killed seven Rabha villagers near the Assam-Meghalaya
border in Goalpara District on November 3. CM, Gogoi said on November
9, "I can't say we have established it (the HuJI-UALA link) as
we do not have evidence, but I am not ruling it out.", Gogoi said.
"It is a matter of concern for us particularly because the area
is close to the Bangladesh border," the CM said.
According to the 'Publicity Secretary'
B Naijab of NDFB-RD, NDFB-RD has never been involving in any kind
of hateful honey traps since October 3, 1986 as claimed by the
SSP Anand Prakash Tiwari. Naijab further said there was no NDFB
member by the named Doyal Basumatary alias Doyal Das who married
one Priotoma Basumatary. "It's a smooth policy of envious Assam
Police in order to generate various obstructions in between NDFB
[NDFB-RD] and the Government of India and blame NDFB", Naijab
said adding that it has no involvement in anti-social activities
violating the ground rules as the formal suspension of operation
agreement is going to be signed shortly.
November 10
Unidentified gunmen shot dead
a former cadre of disbanded BLT, Moniram Narzary (42), near the
R N Dey Cinema Hall in Kokrajhar town in Kokrajhar District.
Police recovered an IED from Dudhnoi
in Goalpara District.
Unidentified militants set ablaze
a school and partially burnt down another in Goalpara District,
in the run-up to the three-phase RHAC elections from November
13. Sources said unlike in previous days' incidents in which schools
were being torched, these schools were not being used as polling
centres in Goalpara District.
The Non-Rabha organisations last
week held a meeting with State Border Area Development Minister
(also Goalpara in-charge), Siddique Ahmed to convey their demands.
Siddique Ahmed assured them that he would discuss the matter with
Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and come up with a solution within
a few days. "Even five days after the meeting, there is no information
or solution. Therefore, we will go ahead with our public curfew
and road blockade from November 12 to November 25," said Nazrul
Islam, 'general secretary' of the NRCF. The Non-Rabha Co-ordination
Forum and the AANTSU have been jointly observing "civil disobedience"
movement in Goalpara and Kamrup Districts demanding exclusion
of 91 non-Rabha villages of Goalpara and 65 from Kamrup from the
council.
Minister, Siddique Ahmed , in
this regard, said, "The Chief Minister will be meeting non-Rabha
groups very soon once he gathers all details from the welfare
of plain tribes and backward classes and revenue departments on
the issue. I met the Chief Minister on November 7 and also today
on the issue." Ahmed also said the welfare of plains tribes department
has already excluded 10 villages having 100 per cent non-Rabha
population and 22 villages with over 50 per cent non-Rabha population
in Goalpara District."The revenue department now has to issue
the notification for exclusion," Ahmed said.
November 11
SFs recovered an IED in Goalpara
District, which was later defused by the Army's bomb experts.
The frequent detection of crude
IEDs in the RHAC area in the last couple of days has forced the
SFs to believe that these explosives were prepared locally. Besides
sealing the possible routes of ultras in the area, security forces
have launched a search operation to trace and flush out miscreants
who are fuelling disturbances in the run up to the first-ever
council polls.
Police rescued NHPC General Manager,
Anil Kumar Agarwal after 51 days of captivity in the night at
Maldang area near Bhalukpong in Assam-Arunachal boundary, Police
said. Agarwal was rescued in healthy condition from a dense jungle
at Maldang after a fierce encounter which broke out between NDFB-IKS
rebels in which, four Police personnel including Sonitpur Superintendent
of Police, P Kalita sustained minor injuries when splinters of
a grenade hurled by the rebels hurt them, sources said.
SFs arrested four persons, identified
as Raju Timung (26), Rakesh Terang (25), Jensing Hansey (20) and
Rakesh Terang (27) from a hideout under Dillai Police Station
in Karbi Anglong District. Police has accused the arrested with
kidnapping of Vipin Rai a teacher of Dillai High School on October
23.
November 12
Assam Police said no ransom was
paid to the NDFB-IKS to secure the release of abducted NHPC general
manager Anil Kumar Agarwal.
First phase of the RHAC elections
will begin on November 13 in Goalpara and Kamrup Districts amid
strict security arrangements. The State Government has ordered
Additional DGP, AP Raut to station in Goalpara to keep the law
and order situation under control. Altogether 73,871 voters will
be participating in the elections to decide the fate of 30 candidates
in 7 constituencies.
Unidentified men shot dead the
father-in-law of a NDFB-PTF militant, Pateswar Sangma, (50), at
Monglajora market in Parbhatjhora subdivision of Kokrajhar District.
Kokrajhar additional Superintendent of Police, Surjit Singh Paneswar
said the IK Songbijit faction of National Democratic Front of
Bodoland (NDFB-IKS) cadres was suspected to be involved in the
killing.
A 12-hour Kokrajhar District bandh
(general strike) called by the Ex-BLT Welfare Society in protest
against the killing of its member Moniram Narzary on November
1o affected normal life in the District.
Nine pressure groups of East Garo
Hills (Meghalaya) have expressed serious concern over the conduct
of RHAC elections in the face of simmering tensions between the
Rabhas and the Garos since the last couple of years resulting
in sporadic incidences in which members of the both the communities
have been targeting each other. In a joint memorandum to Assam
Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, these organizations stated that the
current situation was not conducive for the holding of the RHAC
elections.
Nine pressure groups of East Garo
Hills (Meghalaya) have expressed serious concern over the conduct
of RHAC elections in the face of simmering tensions between the
Rabhas and the Garos since the last couple of years resulting
in sporadic incidences in which members of the both the communities
have been targeting each other. In a joint memorandum to Assam
Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, these organizations stated that the
current situation was not conducive for the holding of the RHAC
elections.
The signing of SoO agreement between
the Centre, State Government and the NDFB-RD is likely to be delayed
further,. An official source on November 12 said that the signing
of the pact is likely to take some time because of problems in
cadre verification and surrender of arms. He said the next round
of talks between the representatives of the Centre, state government
and the NDFB-RD for signing the SoO, which was scheduled to take
place here today, had been postponed and a new date had not been
fixed yet.
Recent disturbances in Bangladesh
might increase the flow of illegal migrants into India through
the border with Assam. Sources in Guwahati said apprehending large
scale influx into Assam from Bangladesh, the BSF has been put
on high alert along the border.
November 13
A Police team was ambushed by
the NDFB-IKS militants at Maldang Hill along the Assam-Arunachal
Pradesh border in Sonitpur District. There was however no report
of any casualty. Sonitpur, Superintendent of Police (SP) Arabinda
Kalita said that the team had gone to Maldang hill on a search
operation and found an abandoned camp with a huge quantity of
food. The Police suspect that abducted NHPC General Manger Anil
Kumar Agarwal might have been kept in that camp for some days.
The Police on November 13 handed over Agarwal to his family at
Kanaklata Civil Hospital in Tezpur. Agarwal after his rescue from
militants on November 12 said,"I am indebted to Assam Police,".
A 24-hour statewide bandh
(general strike) called by the Asom Miyan Parishad on November
13 had partial effect in lower and central Assam.
The first phase of the RHAC elections
on November 13 passed off peacefully recording a healthy 71 per
cent voter turnout amidst a sense of unease due to poll boycott
call made by the non-Rabha and some Garo organisations.
The indefinite 'public curfew"
called jointly by the NRCF and NTSU was called off following Chief
Minister Tarun Gogoi's appeal to non-Rabha organisations to cooperate
during the polls as their demands were being looked into. They
informed that the bandh will be effective on November 15-16 and
November 24-25 only. Gogoi welcomed the decision of the non-Rabha
organisations as it would pave the way for creating a congenial
atmosphere to sort out various issues amicably across the negotiation
table.
Unidentified miscreants fired
three shots at the grocery of' general secretary' (Chirang District)
of the AKRSU, Rajani Chaudhury, at Sundari under Sidli Police
Station in Chirang District .
SFs arrested one suspected militant
from a hideout, identified as Saidul Ali, from Amorajan locality
in Karbi Anglong District.
GNC-Assam State Zone strongly
condemned the incident of November 13, 2013 at Tanti Village,
(near Nabang) (Goalpara District) where 10 members of the RVF
hurled grenades upon the villagers and also fired more than five
rounds at Tanti Village inhabitants. RVF militants then abducted
Eden Marak, son of Sading Sangam and Salmendor Marak, son of Henot
Shira from the Tanti Village, and later came to know that they
are hinted to Army stationed at Kukurkatta.
November 14
Suspected militants belonging
to the Songbijit faction of the NDFB-IKS abducted a trader, Papan
Saha Parmanik (38), from Ramfalbil market under Serfanguri Police
Station in Kokrajhar District.
SFs arrested two GNLA linkmen,
identified as Salmendrar Marak and Eden Marak, at Thanti hill
area near Kachumari village in Goalpara District.
Suspected GNLA militants abducted,
Dilip Dutta Medhi (45), from Choto Matia area under Dudhnoi Police
Station in Goalpara District. Medhi is an officer of the Sericulture
department of Meghalaya, posted at Resubelpara in North Garo Hills
District.
The ULFA-I has started serving
extortion notices on the tea planters of Dibrugarh and Sivasagar
Districts demanding hefty sums from them.
November 15
SFs recovered huge quantities
of explosives and arrested two persons in this connection at Mandakat
area under Baihata Police Station in Kamrup (Rural) District.
The District administration in
Goalpara and Kamrup (rural) is doing its best to ensure the second
phase of the RHAC polls on November 16 passes off peacefully.
The state election commission is hopeful of another impressive
turnout. The overall turnout was 65 per cent in the first phase
of polls on November 13. Goalpara District logged 70 per cent,
while the turnout in Kamrup (rural) District was 60 per cent.
November 16
SFs arrested five militants of
a faction of UDLA, also known as Zakir Bahini, including its 'chairman'
Dilwar Hussain Laskar alias Zakir, from Rangpur near Silchar in
Cachar District. Superintendent of Police (SP) Diganta Bora said
the militants were waiting in a car for a railway engineer, who
was supposed to visit his Nagatila camp near Silchar from Jiribam
in Manipur in the evening. The engineer is engaged in the construction
of the Jiribam-Tupul railway line.
SFs arrested a KLO linkman, identified
as Dayaram Rai (40), from NH-31 in Bongaigaon District. Police
said that the arrestee is very close to Jiban Singha, chief of
KLO.
ULFA-I has served with a demand
for "annual donation" from next year to some tea gardens in Tinsukia
and Sivasagar Districts. Sources told that in a letter signed
by the group's 'finance secretary', Jibon Asom, on November 1,
the group asked tea gardens to pay INR 5 million to the outfit
while in an another letter, gardens have been asked to pay INR
1.5 million annually for its three gardens. "
SFs recovered cache of explosives
during a raid in the hilly terrains of Digarkhal hills compound
in Cachar District. SFs recovered 10 PEK explosives, 10 non-electric
detonator and 1 safety fuse from the site.
November 16-17
SFs arrested four militants
of the NDFB-IKS and a linkman along with arms, ammunitions and some
incriminating documents during search operation in Chirang District.
November 17
SFs arrested an NDFB-IKS, identified
as Mithinga Narzary (24), in Chirang district.
SFs arrested three militants of
KNLA, "group commander" Kerep Terang, Babu Sing Terang and Har
Sing Tokbi, from Vishwanath Pathar village in Karbi Anglong District.
November 18
SFs arrested two NDFB-IKS militants,
Chandan Borgoyari (24) and Rahul Basumatary (24), from Chapaguri
area in Chirang District on November 18. A grenade was also recovered
from the arrested duo.
Intensifying its movement in support
of its long-standing demand for Constitutional safeguards for
the indigenous people of the State, the AASU asked both the State
and the Union governments to ensure supremacy of the local people
in Assam.AASU has also decided to carry out separate democratic
movements on its various demands simultaneously throughout the
State.
Governor, Janaki Ballav Patnaik
has expressed deep concern over inordinate delay in completion
of the conversion of rail connectivity from Lumding to Silchar
to broad gauge as well the slow progress of the East-West Corridor
upto Silchar. The Governor on Monday held a meeting with high
level officials of NFR, the NHAI and concerned State Government
officials at Raj Bhavan conference Hall.
November 19
Tinsukia Police arrested three
linkmen of ULFA-I. The three arrested ULFA-I linkmen admitted
to delivering extortion notes to traders and planters in Tinsukia
District in recent times under Moran's instruction. ULFA-I has
been asking for an annual donation of INR1.5 million to INR 5
million.
Tinsukia Police have tracked two
BSNL SIM cards, used by ULFA-I to make extortion calls to businessmen
and tea planters in Upper Assam, to Manipur.
The NHPC ruled out any money transaction
in getting back its abducted general manager Anil Kumar Agarwal
"safe and sound." "We did not give any money to the abductors
[NDFB-IKS]. It was the Assam and Arunachal Pradesh government
who helped us in getting back our official," said NHPC Project
Director, JK Sharma.
AATS 'general secretary' Aditya
Khakhlary said that based on PIL filed by AATS on illegal immigrants
in the BTAD, be detected and deported, the Gauhati High Court,
directed the Centre and the State Government to file affidavits
on the matter.
November 20
Suspected UDLA militants abducted
a bamboo worker, identified as Taibulla Mazumdar (18), from Betcherra
forest in the southern part of Hailakandi District. A source said
five armed militants stopped a group of workers who were on their
way to cut green bamboo shoots in a forest near the Assam-Mizoram
border. The militants took Taibulla towards the forests in Mizoram,
the source said.
SFs recovered an IED device with
a timer from the passenger coach of Alipurduar-Kamakhya Inter-city
Express at Kamakhya railway station in Kamrup District.
A person, identifying himself
as Abhijit Das, "commander-in-chief" of NLFB, called up a Guwahati-based
satellite news channel and claimed responsibility for planting
the bomb. Das claimed to have planted two more bombs in Chirang
and Kokrajhar Districts in protest against the government's alleged
failure to check extortion and abduction of Bengalis living in
BTAD areas. The bomb in Chirang was detected near a fish market
and was defused. The Police have launched a search for the third
bomb planted near Kokrajhar Post Office, as claimed by the group.
Police sources said they had never heard of NLFB.
The ANCC, an umbrella organization
of the Adivasi community,staged a demonstration demanding ST status
for the Adivasis and urged the Government to immediately hold
tripartite talks with the organizations.
NDFB-IKS observed the Bodoland
Army Day, an undisclosed location of the neighbouring country.
The Bodoland Army is an armed wing of the outfit.
The first phase of the deferred
panchayat elections held in Goalpara District on November 20 saw
a turnout of around 60 per cent.
SFs detected an IED from the
entrance gate of Raas Mela held at Rasmela field Raas Mela in
Kokrajhar town of Kokrajhar District.
SFs arrested five extortionists
on November 20 near the BTC secretariat in Kokrajhar town when
they came to collect money from a grocer. The extortionists had
demanded INR 500,000 in the name of the NDFB-IKS. Kundus Mondol
and Boloram Debnath were arrested on the spot while Sunrata Barman,
Prasanta Goswami and Kungkra Goyary were apprehended later.
The GNC-Assam State zone appealed
to the State Chief Minister and his Cabinet colleagues and intellectuals
to duly examine their demands for GAC without any specific boundary.
ABMSU has sought the Governor's
intervention in the rehabilitation and compensation of 2012 BTAD
riots victims. "People living in the BTAD areas are living under
extreme inhuman circumstances that have deprived them of their
basic human rights. Even after 16 months of the violence, the
affected people are still uncertain about their future. Though
the government had said that it would help restore normalcy in
the area, it has not yet done anything significant. Hence, we
seek the governor's help in this regard," said ABMSU 'general
secretary' Lafiqul Islam Ahmed.
November 21
State Police confirmed emergence
of the new armed group that had last evening claimed to have planted
three explosives in the state and is probing its antecedents.
Rashidul Haque, in-charge block
development officer of South Salmara Development block of Dhubri
District, who was abducted on November 20, was released on November
21 at Gaibandha under Lakhipur police station in Goalpara District.
SFs arrested three persons, Sofiqul Islam, Hafizur Islam and Ashadul
Rahman, in this connection.
The AANTSU said that there will
be no let up in the opposition to the third and final phase of
the council election in the RHAC scheduled on November 25. AANTSU
said that even though some of the non-tribal organizations have
withdrawn their bandh (general Strike) called in the RHAC areas
in Goalpara and Kamrup District following an appeal from Chief
Minister Tarun Gogoi, a two-day bandh will remain in force on
November 24 and 25.
The AATS, an umbrella organization
of tribal groups in Assam, have opposed the proposed setting up
of camps of the ITBP and NDRF in the southern part of Kamrup District
which is a tribal belt. AATS on November 21 said the proposed
security establishments would not only affect the greenery in
the area but would render tribal people living in the areas homeless.
The Centre's satisfaction with
peace accords in the Northeast is apparently being neutralised
by deepening ethnic fault lines and Anti-Talks outfits operating
in the region.
Speaking at the three day long
annual conference of DGP/IGP in New Delhi, UHM Sushilkumar Shinde
laid greater emphasis on Paresh Baruah-led ULFA-Independent having
"spurned the overtures of the government" for talks than the Arabinda
Rajkhowa-led ULFA faction or the Ranjan Daimary faction of the
NDFB having come forward for parleys. UHM Shinde, also, said agitation
for separate States by various groups had made lower Assam and
Karbi Anglong "vulnerable to ethnic and communal" tensions. The
interests of Rabhas, Garos, Bodos and non-Bodo fail to reconcile,
he added. "Special efforts are required to check the growing mistrust,
particularly between Bodos and the non-Bodos in the BTAD and its
adjoining areas," he said. The impact of the Bodo-Muslim clashes
in the BTAD in 2012 has clearly not been completely resolved.
UHM Shinde further added, "In Manipur, the increased targeting
of non-Manipuris is an alarming trend". Besides, a "spillover"
of violence among Naga rebel outfits like the Isak-Muivah and
Khaplang factions of the NSCN has affected peace in Nagaland and
in Arunachal Pradesh's Tirap, Changlang and Longding Districts,
said UHM. Sushil Kumar Shinde also asked Police Forces of the
Northeastern States to strictly enforce the ceasefire agreements
signed with different militant outfits. This, the minister said,
would check the outfits from continuing with their extortion activities
that have "affected lives of common people." Shinde said: "Many
of these (ceasefire) agreements are being flouted by the militants
who are indulging in extortions affecting the lives of common
people. Recently, there have been public protests in certain areas
against such extortion activities. The State Police forces need
to enforce the ceasefire agreements so that relief could be provided
to the people."
Speaking at the three day long
annual conference of DGP/IGP in New Delhi, UHM Sushilkumar Shinde
laid greater emphasis on Paresh Baruah-led ULFA-Independent having
"spurned the overtures of the government" for talks than the Arabinda
Rajkhowa-led ULFA faction or the Ranjan Daimary faction of the
NDFB having come forward for parleys. UHM Shinde, also, said agitation
for separate States by various groups had made lower Assam and
Karbi Anglong "vulnerable to ethnic and communal" tensions. The
interests of Rabhas, Garos, Bodos and non-Bodo fail to reconcile,
he added. "Special efforts are required to check the growing mistrust,
particularly between Bodos and the non-Bodos in the BTAD and its
adjoining areas," he said. The impact of the Bodo-Muslim clashes
in the BTAD in 2012 has clearly not been completely resolved.
UHM Shinde further added, "In Manipur, the increased targeting
of non-Manipuris is an alarming trend". Besides, a "spillover"
of violence among Naga rebel outfits like the Isak-Muivah and
Khaplang factions of the NSCN has affected peace in Nagaland and
in Arunachal Pradesh's Tirap, Changlang and Longding Districts,
said UHM. Sushil Kumar Shinde also asked Police Forces of the
Northeastern States to strictly enforce the ceasefire agreements
signed with different militant outfits. This, the minister said,
would check the outfits from continuing with their extortion activities
that have "affected lives of common people." Shinde said: "Many
of these (ceasefire) agreements are being flouted by the militants
who are indulging in extortions affecting the lives of common
people. Recently, there have been public protests in certain areas
against such extortion activities. The State Police forces need
to enforce the ceasefire agreements so that relief could be provided
to the people."
The Oboro Suraksha Samity
(non-Bodo Protection Committee) observed 12-hour BTC area bandh
(general Strike) in protest against the massive extortion and
abductions in the region. Though the bandh was partial in Kokrajhar,
the bandh affected parts of Baksa, Chirang and Udalguri Districts.
November 22
Suspected militants belonging
to DHD-A killed Rajib Kumar Pathak, Executive Engineer, in Haflong
of Dima Hasao District. Meanwhile, one Smaoring Dimasa, identified
as the' publicity secretary' of DHD-A claimed the responsibility
of the killing.
The 12-hour BTC bandh (general
Strike) call given by the NLFB in protest against the abduction,
extortion and killings in the region, passed off peacefully, evoking
response in the District.
The NDFB-IKS said that the newly
floated armed outfit, NLFB, is formed at the behest of the Government
agent to stand against the Bodoland movement. The outfit also
denied its hand in kidnapping of trader Amor Debnath of Tulsibari
under Bijni Police Station in Chirang District who was kidnapped
by unknown miscreants on November 20.
The NDFB-IKS said that the newly
floated armed outfit, NLFB, is formed at the behest of the Government
agent to stand against the Bodoland movement. The outfit also
denied its hand in kidnapping of trader Amor Debnath of Tulsibari
under Bijni Police Station in Chirang District who was kidnapped
by unknown miscreants on November 20.
State DGP Jayanta Narayan Choudhury
dismissed the reports of growing activities of radical Muslim
outfits in the State. "There is no official report on the growing
activities of the Muslim radical outfits in Assam," said DGP Choudhury
in New Delhi. The DGP was referring to the recent Goalpara incident
where gun totting assailants killed six people. Earlier, Chief
Minister Tarun Gogoi, following the Goalpara massacre of November
3, pointed fingers at Pakistan based HuJI behind the incident.
DGP, Jayanta Narayan Choudhury
stated that there is growing activities of the CPI-Maoist in several
Upper Assam Districts, a fact which was also admitted by the MHA.
MHA has declared Assam a CPI-M-hit
state and has given it the 'disturbed area' tag under the AFSPA,
1958. The tags will apply to the entire state of Assam and a 20-kilometre
belt in Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya bordering the state for
one more year from December 4.
State Government has drawn up
elaborate plans to check CPI-M elements from spreading their tentacles
among the vulnerable adivasi communities (tea-tribe groups) and
six other ethnic groups of the state.
November 23
Police arrested KPLT militant,
Abongso Phangcho, and five other linkmen from Hamren subdivision
in Karbi Anglong District.
SFs arrested a NSCN-IM militant,
identified as Ibeingbe Kwami (37,) ,suspected to be involved in
the killing of Rajib Kumar Pathak executive engineer of irrigation
department on November 22, at Lodhi Basti in the outskirts of
Haflong in Dima Hasao District. SFs recovered one AK 47 rifle,
20 rounds of ammunition and a magazine from the militant. A top
Police official of Dima Hasao clarified that the claim by DHD-A
group claiming responsibility for the killing of Rajib Kumar Pathak
was a diversionary tactics.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
has for the first time, raised concern over the prevailing insurgency
scenario in Garo Hills areas in Meghalaya and other parts of the
Northeast, which he said has created a very complex situation
ahead of the Lok Sabha elections due early next year. "Garo insurgency
in Meghalaya is an area of considerable concern," Singh said,
while addressing the annual DGP/ IGP conference. The security
situation in the North-East continues to remain complex, with
insurgency, extortion and agitations being the main disruptive
elements, the Prime Minister said. Further, the susceptibility
of Lower Assam areas and Karbi Anglong region of the State to
ethnic and communal tensions, the growing mistrust between tribals
and non-tribals in Bodo areas, the Garo insurgency in Meghalaya,
increasing target of non-Manipuris in Manipur area are also cause
of concern, he said. But persistent efforts on the part of the
Government have resulted in considerable progress in dialogue
with insurgent and ethnic separatist groups, he noted. "We need
to tackle all these issues with collective resolve and firm determination,"
he added.
Union Home Minister, Sushilkumar
Shinde, who inaugurated the conference on November 22, too, was
hassled over the rising militancy in Garo Hills region of Meghalaya.
November 24
Police in a gun battle killed
three RNLF militants and a collaborator at Dudhnoi area in Goalpara
District. Police also rescued the extension officer of the sericulture
department, Dilip Dutta Medhi, posted at Resubelpara in North
Garo Hills District, and was abducted from Chotomatia village
by Rabha militants while he was travelling towards Dudhnoi (Goalpara)
on November 16.
Police in a gun battle killed
three RNLF militants and a collaborator at Dudhnoi area in Goalpara
District. Police also rescued the extension officer of the sericulture
department, Dilip Dutta Medhi, posted at Resubelpara in North
Garo Hills District, and was abducted from Chotomatia village
by Rabha militants while he was travelling towards Dudhnoi (Goalpara)
on November 16.
The GMDJP, an indigenous Muslim
body, has demanded a satellite Autonomous Council for the development
of the people of the community, arguing these people have been
neglected since Independence just for being Muslims, reports Times
of India.
A shopkeeper received an extortion
note from ULFA-I in Moran town of Dibrugarh District. The Police
said two persons came to the shop and handed him a demand note
of INR 1 million in the name of ULFA-I. He has been asked to pay
within five days.
NSCN-IM served an extortion notice
of INR 3 million to Thawma Neithan, chairman of BVHDC. The chairman
has been cautioned if he fails to pay the amount demanded within
10 days of this notice served on November 24, there will be no
escaping from threat to his life. The letter signed by ‘Major’
Athang, ‘commander of Barak Valley area’ of NSCN-IM.
November 25
Six persons, including three children,
were injured in a grenade blast by suspected NDFB-IKS cadres at
Bongaigaon town in Bongaigaon District. The condition of one of
the minors, two-and-a-half-year-old Sumit Barman, admitted at
a private hospital in Bongaigaon is reported to be critical.
Around 65 per cent polling was
recorded in the third and final phase of election to 11 constituencies
of the RHAC in Goalpara and Kamrup (rural) Districts. No untoward
incident was reported from any polling booth.
Unidentified gunmen abducted a
small tea grower, Prabin Sharma (28), from his garden at Toko
Pathar under Pengeri Police Station in Tinsukia District.
SJSS has sought the intervention
of governor J B Patnaik to bring normalcy in the BTAD area. They
have also demanded the arrest of certain Bodoland People's Party
leaders in an alleged murder case in Baksa, besides exclusion
of non-Bodo majority villages from BTAD.
SFs arrested the chief of the
militant formation RNLF from Dudhnoi Railway Station in Goalpara
District. The Police said they had information that RNLF leader
Bhargav RangkhoaliasSunil Rabha was going to Guwahati with
a companion. While they could apprehend Rangkho, his companion
managed to flee under cover of darkness.
MHA, in a letter sent, warned
State Government of every possibility of the recurrence of 2012
like clash in Kokrajhar “if proper steps are not taken at an appropriate
time”.
November 26
A powerful IED explosion
occurred on the Sripul Bridge in Silchar–Imphal road in Lakhipur
sub–division of Cachar District.The blast took place just
after the convoys of State Minister of Tea Tribes Welfare Prithibi
Majhi and MLA Dinesh Prasad Goala crossed the bridge. Sources
said that both Majhi and Goala had a narrow escape.
The State Police said the NDFB-IKS
was involved in November 25 evening’s blast in Bongaigaon town
which left six people injured.
SFs,in an encounter, killed two
NDFB-IKS militants, identified as Aruna Swargiary, (23) and Topo
Brahma (21), at Harinaguri in Kokrajhar District. Two pistols
along with live ammunition and two grenades were found on them.
Highly placed Police sources have
revealed that members of Manipur based militant groups are suspected
to be involved in blowing off of a bridge in Cachar District on
November 26 and the main aim was to cut off the road leading to
Manipur.However, Lakhipur Police Station Officer-in-Charge pointed
the finger of suspicion toHPC andNSCN-IM. BRTF authorities have
closed the damaged RCC Bridge No. 83 on NH-37 connecting Silchar
in Assam with Imphal in Manipur to heavy vehicles for the next
six months.
The AASU took out torchlight processions
all over Assam demanding introduction on ILP system in the state.
The AASU has for the first time demanded introduction of ILP in
Assam to regulate and monitor inflow of outsiders to the state
where the identify of indigenous communities is already at stake
due to the unabated onslaught from illegal migrants and people
migrating to the State from other parts of the country.
November 27
An infant, Sumit Barman (2 years
6months), who sustained serious injuries on November 25 blast
at Bongaigaon, succumbed to his injuries at the GMCH. Son of Rohini
Barman and Kanaklata Barman, Sumit went to witness the Raas festival
along with his grandmother when he and five others were injured
in a grenade blast triggered by the suspected NDFB-IKS cadres.
The final phase of repoll for
the cancelled third phase of the February 12 panchayat
(local self governing body)elections in Goalpara District
passed off peacefully on November 27 with a turnout of over 60
per cent.“Polling passed off peacefully in the district today
with no unwanted incident reported from any area,” Goalpara Deputy
Commissioner Preetam Saikia said. The February 12, 2013 elections
had to be deferred because of violence.
Central Government decided to
set up a three-member expert committee to look into the demand
for Bodoland and questioned the locus standi of non-Bodo leaders
opposing the Bodo demand for a separate state.On non-Bodo leaders
protesting against the statehood demand, Shambhu Singh, MHA Joint
Secretary (Northeast), who piloted the talks, told reporters:
“Who represents the non-Bodos? I don’t think anyone representing
the non-Bodos is from the Bodo areas. They are fishing in troubled
waters.”The second round of tripartite talks among Centre, Assam
Government and various Bodo groups agitating for a separate State
was held under the chairmanship of Joint Secretary (North east)
Shambhu Singh at the Janpath Hotel in New Delhi.
State Government has asked the
Police top brass to prepare a blueprint to tackle ethnic violence,
extortions and abductions by insurgent groups and criminals by
carrying out a detailed study across the state.
November 28
Unidentified men killed a surrendered
NDFB militant, Chakramoni Narzary (30), at Audangbazar under Bismuri
Police Outpost in Kokrajhar District on November 28. The local
people suspected the hands of NDFB-IKS in killing of Chakramoni
Narzary (30) alias N Kamfram and said he could have been
an informer of the security forces.
The SJSS described the efforts
of the Central Government to restore peace in the State with senior
bureaucrats like NE of the MHA Sambhu Singh in the helm of affairs
as a regressive move. It also described BTC Chief Hagrama Mohilary
as undemocratic and a pampered boy of the intelligence agency
RAW.
The Union Cabinet gave its approval
on the formation of an Upper House in the Assam Assembly. The
Upper House will consist of 42 members. As per Article 171 of
the Constitution, the House must consist of one third of the total
members in the Legislative Assembly. Assam has a total number
of 126 MLAs.
Tea estate owners in upper Assam
Districts are apprehensive about frequent extortion demands of
the ULFA-I. Many tea garden owners, mostly in Dibrugarh and Sivasagar
Districts, are virtually spending sleepless nights after the Paresh
Baruah-led armed outfit issued extortion notes, with demands ranging
from INR 1.5 to 5 million.
The top brass of the State Police
got together to chalk out strategies for a new battle in post-militancy
period. Despite the fact that every major militant outfit is now
in the peace process, barring two small factions of ULFA and NDFB,
the MHA extended the term of the Armed Forces (Special Powers)
Act in the state for one more year from December 4, under which
the state will continue to have the disturbed area tag.
November 29
The Centre and the Assam government
signed an agreement for SoO with the NDFB-RD in Guwahati. The
agreement was signed at the headquarters of the Special Branch
of State Police at Kahilipara in the presence of Sambhu Singh,
the joint secretary (Northeast) in the MHA. Assam Home Secretary
G.D. Tripathi, Additional Director-General of Police (special
branch) Pallab Bhattacharyya, ADGP-law and order, A.P. Raut and
a six-member delegation of NDFB-RD leaders, led by Daimary, were
also present.
The NDFB–PTF strongly condemned
the killing of surrendered NDFB (SNDFB) cadre, Chakramani NarzaryaliasN
Kamfram.
The All Assam Small Tea Growers’
Association will urge Governor J.B. Patnaik to ask the State Government
to provide security to the small growers in view of the rise in
extortion threats and abduction.
November 30
RJMC clinched the first RHAC election
by sweeping 30 of the 36 seats. The Congress, managed to win three
seats, BJP won one seat and the remaining two seats went to Independents.
Three Assamese Muslim communities,
Goria, Moria and Deshi, have stepped up their demand for protection
of their "exclusive" ethnic identities, arguing that
their ethnicity should not be clubbed with their religion, reports
Times of India. At a Satyagraha rally in Guwahati on November
30 the three communities under the banner SAGMDJP, raised the
ante for constitutional safeguards based on ethnic lines."Islam
is our religion, but we also have our ethnic identities. The Goria,
Moria and Deshi communities are as indigenous as other ethnic
groups in the state. These communities are some of the most deprived
ethnic groups in the state. Hence, we want recognition of our
ethnic identities so that our social, cultural, political and
economic rights are protected," SAGMDJP ‘general secretary’
Hafijul Ahmed said.
Authorities in Cachar District
have extended ongoing night curfew along India-Bangladesh border
for another two months.
A 33–member delegation of the
ANCC and its constituent organizations headed by president Romanus
Horo met Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi at his official residence
and urged him to take up the matter with Delhi to expedite the
process of granting the ST status, reports The Sentinel. The ANCC
president said that he was happy that the expert committee constituted
by the State government had sent community–wise proposal to the
RGI for granting ST status to the 36 Adivasi communities.
December 1
The NDFB-RD, which signed a ceasefire
agreement with the Centre and the State Government on November
29, will finalize its agenda for talks shortly. Meanwhile, Ranjan
Daimary is trying to persuade the ‘Chairman’ of the NDFB-IKS to
join the peace process. The NDFB-RD a Chairman’ admitted that
he had recently got in touch with IK Songbijit and tried to persuade
him to join the peace process.
Police claimed that a section
of militants belonging to the KPLT, including a top leader of
the outfit, have expressed their willingness to come overground
and join the mainstream. “So far, we have received feelers from
about 12 KPLT cadres, including its ‘general secretary’ Resim
Lakthe, showing a desire to lay down arms and hold talks with
the Government,” a senior police officer said. He said the number
was likely to go up to 18.
November 28
SFs arrested a militant of the
LAEF from Jorabat area on the outskirts of the Guwahati city in
Kamrup District. The city Police operation wing SP Ranjan Bhuyan
said, "The militant cadre identified as Mojince Sangma (33), hailing
from Goalpara, was on his way to Bokolia in Karbi Anglong District
to procure arms for the outfit. We found 15 rounds of .9mm ammunition
and INR 187,000 from his possession too. Sangma was scheduled
to procure at least two sophisticated small arms from a KPLT linkman.
"He said the LAEF is getting support from the KPLT in procuring
arms. The KPLT gets used arms from ULFA-I [Independent faction
of United Liberation Front of Asom] and then they sell them to
the LAEF and the UALA. Some groups in lower Assam are also in
close contact with the KPLT," added the Policeman.
November 29
Four armed miscreants abducted
a Dafflagarh tea estate employee, Pradip Lahon (32), from Dafflagarh
in Sonitpur District. Although no organization has claimed responsibility
for the act, police suspects this is done by BCF militants.
December 1
SFs arrested a cadre of NDFB-IKS
from Jolaishri in Kokrajhar District.
December 2
The signing of the ceasefire agreement
with the NDFB-RD is likely to improve counter-insurgency operations
against the members of the Songbijit faction of the outfit. Highly
placed official sources said that the Government has already asked
the police and security forces to intensify operations against
the members of the NDFB-IKS, who are creating havoc with kidnappings
and extortions, particularly in the areas bordering Bhutan and
Arunachal Pradesh. Sources pointed out that the police and security
forces were having trouble in identifying who is a member of the
NDFB-RD and who is a member of the NDFB-IKS. But after the signing
of the ceasefire agreement with the NDFB-RD, members of the outfit
would be lodged in the designated camps and they will be given
photo identity cards.
The NDFB-IKS expressed strong
resentment over the posters pasted in different places in Porbotjhora
sub division of Kokrajhar District asking them to leave Bodoland
area and said that there could be some serious conspiracy of the
Indian agents to destroy the unity of the indigenous people of
the region. In a press statement, the 'Spokesman' of the NDFB-IKS,
BR Ferengga said the news published in the media about the poster
of driving out Garos, Rabhas and other indigenous people from
BTC area and blame was put on the NDFB.
December 3
A mob had beaten up two militants
belonging to the NDFB-RD leading to the death of one cadre. The
incident occurred at Sengimari area under Krishnai Police Station
in Goalpara District. One of the militants, identified as Raban
Basumatary, died on the spot, while the other, Kamal Khakhlari,
is reported to be critical and is undergoing treatment at a hospital
in Goalpara.
One person was killed and another
was injured when the SFs resorted to firing on a procession taken
out at Kurshakathi in Kokrajhar District under the aegis of the
Aboro Surkhasa Samiti against extortion, abduction and killing
by NDFB-IKS in BTAD. Some of the people in the procession tried
to attack four Bodo youths passing the area which the personnel
resisted. The procession then turned violent and attacked the
personnel. The deceased has been identified as Hayat Ali (35)
while the injured has been identified as Ranjit Das (25). The
condition of Mr. Das is stated to be critical.
Suspected KLO militants fired
at a private transport office in Chagolia of Dhubri District.
Facing shortage of funds, the
ULFA-I has started using new methods to extort money and the outfit
is even trying to collect funds through bank accounts. However,
the police and security agencies have so far not been able to
nab the persons under whose names such accounts were opened as
in all such cases, the persons who received demands for payment
through such accounts did not inform the police on time.
December 4
SFs, in an encounter, were killed
NSLA, 'commander' of the Monil Hembrum (30), Lungsung reserve
forest in Kokrajhar District. The pro- ILP agitation sponsored
by pressure groups in the Meghalaya for the past three months
has claimed its third victim in Bisheshwar Das, the owner of a
tea stall, who succumbed to his burn injuries at a Guwahati hospital.
Das was set on fire inside his tea stall by three persons after
pouring petrol on him on November 16.
Civil unrest and uncertainty over
general election in Bangladesh following the opposition's decision
to boycott it has frozen the deportation process of ULFA founder
'general secretary' Anup Chetia alias Golap Baruah to India.
Several vehicles were damaged
and NH- 52 blocked at several places in Gohpur in Sonitpur District
by supporters of a 12-hour bandh called to protest against the
abduction of a tea garden employee. Police said the bandh was
called by TASU and supported by Aikya Manch against the alleged
failure of the district administration to rescue the man.
The move to have an upper house
in the State is being welcomed by small, indigenous and unrepresented
communities of the state, who are hopeful of representation in
the council. The Garos, one of the ethnic groups who are too few
in number in Assam are hopeful of sending their representatives
to the future legislative council. Benedict Areng, a Garo leader
of the State, said, "A legislative council will be good for us
as it gives us the chance of having a representative in it," Areng
said, echoing the sentiments of many other small, unrepresented
groups in the State. The Union Cabinet last week cleared the State
Legislative Assembly's proposal for setting up of an upper house
in Assam.
Two of the militants of DHD-A
who were involved in distributing extortion letter in Maibang
area (Dima Hasao) were arrested from Lumding station in Nagaon
District.
December 5
The 15th National Hero-Martyr
Day of KLNLF will be celebrated at Taralangso, Diphu, Rongmongve
and Parakhowa on December 6 in Karbi Anglong District.
SFs arrested a female cadre of
the NDFB-IKS, Sangita Muchahary (23), at Rangajan Tiniali in Goalpara
District. SFs recovered 80 rounds of live 5.56mm cartridges of
an Insas rifle from the girl.
The AASU burnt copies of the bill
which is likely to be tabled by the government to ratify the India-Bangladesh
LBA in the Parliament. AASU activists burnt copies of the bill
across the state protesting against the Centre''s move to hand
over Indian land to Bangladesh. All local committees of the students''
body burnt the copies in public places opposing the government''s
decision.
December 6
15th raising day of Karbi outfit,
KLNLF, which is under ceasefire was observed at various designated
camps across Karbi Anglong District. The outfit produced martial
programmes in Parokhwa, Rongbongua and Hamren designated camp
to mark the day. In Taraalangso designated camp near Diphu town
the new Chief Executive Member of KAAC Tuliram Ronghang joined
as the chief guest.
Two troopers of the SSB-Civil
Wing, Nakul Kumar Medhi and Anil Chandra Yadav, are suspected
to have been abducted by the NDFB-IKS from Chirang District, close
to the Indo-Bhutan border. The troopers had set off for Kahitama
village in the border area of the District to collect intelligence
on NDFB-IKS.
December 7
Police will soon launch an operation
against the NDFB-IKS, a top official said. The decision was taken
by police after reports of rampant extortion and abduction by
the I.K. Songbijit-led militant outfit in all the four districts
of the BTAD. "Five jawans of the civil wing of the SSB, who were
engaged in some field work in Chirang district, were abducted
by cadres of the NDFB anti-talk faction on December 6.
IGP-law and order, SN Singh claimed
that four to five leaders and many cadres of ULFA-I are willing
to surrender and join the mainstream. "I cannot say when this
is going to happen as these things take time but the process has
started," Singh said. All of them will be coming from their bases
from across the border (Myanmar). Almost immediately after Singh's
claims were released in the media, the ULFA-I reacted saying that
Assam Police is trying to enact a surrender drama.
The Aboro Suraksha Samiti,
Assam, a body of non-Bodo people living in the BTAD, has sought
the intervention of State Governor J B Patnaik to restore normalcy
in the area. Representatives of the Samiti demanded that non-Bodo
majority villages be excluded from the BTAD."We want the BTC accord
to be reviewed so that non-Bodo majority villages can be excluded
from the BTAD," said Jogeswar Kalita, secretary of the Samiti,
after submitting a memorandum to the Governor on December 7.
CM, Tarun Gogoi said that all
parties should extend support and help clear the Constitution
(119th Amendment) Bill for implementing the India-Bangladesh Land
Boundary Agreement 1974, in the current winter session of Parliament.
CM, Gogoi's appeal came just before the Centre's second attempt
to push the Indo-Bangladesh land swap deal in the Rajya Sabha
for ratification amidst opposition from BJP, TMC and AGP.
December 8
SFs, in an encounter, killed a
suspected militant belonging to NDFB-IKS,identified as Biswajit
Basumatary (28), at Daisungjhora in Chirang District. However,
the slain militant's family members that said he had gone to his
crop field at dawn and claimed he was not a militant. Jayanta
Basumatary, 'president' of the Chirang unit of the ABSU also backed
the family's claim.
NDFB-IKS has termed the encounter
of Biswajit Basumatary as 'fake encounter' by Assam Police and
Indian Army.
The recent statement of the NDFB-IKS
is a matter of concern as it appeared that they are likely to
interfere in the forthcoming 2014 parliamentary elections. 'Spokesman'
of the NDFB-IKS, BR Ferengga, in a press statement sent recently
said the outfit was born for the protection of the Bodos and other
indigenous tribal communities of the State with their objective
to free the Bodos and tribal from the bondage of the foreigners.
While the peace talk with a faction
of the ULFA is likely to see a final settlement soon, it is still
uncertain when the vexed Naga issue could be resolved, said Union
Home Joint Secretary North East In-charge, Shambhu Singh. Shambhu
Singh said that as of today, nothing is certain on what the outcome
of the ongoing peace talks with the NSCN-IM will be. Admitting
that the dialogue with Isak-Muivah led faction of the Naga rebel
group has not seen any concrete progress, the Joint Secretary
said that the outfit has submitted their charter of demands in
July 2011 after abandoning the demand for sovereignty, unification
of Naga areas and Nagalim. He said that as there is need for involvement
and consent of the Governments of Manipur, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh
and Nagaland regarding the demands of NSCN-IM, the Centre is yet
to give any reply to the Naga rebel group.
On the other hand, dialogue with
the pro-talk faction of ULFA has witnessed considerable progress
and a final settlement may come soon, Shambhu Singh said. Although,
the Joint Secretary refused to disclose the demands raised by
ULFA, he said that it was related to the protection of the identity
of Assamese people.
December 9
A group of unidentified armed
militants snatched as many as six nos. of 303 rifles from the
Home Guards deputed at Moujabari under Kokrajhar Police Station.
Sources from the Home Guards deputed at Moujabari told the visiting
reporters that about six armed miscreants came to their camp at
around 2 am and took away their service rifles showing AK-47 rifles.
The OC of Kokrajhar Police Station, however, ruled out the possibility
of hands of the NDFB-IKS faction led by IK Songbijit.
SFs recovered a Chinese grenade
and an IED, from the house of two employees of the ASEB at Kahikuchi
area near the Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport
in Kamrup (metro) District. The explosives were recovered a day
after intelligence inputs that the ULFA-I opposed to peace talks
might try to carry out subversive activities in Guwahati. Police
have also arrested the two ASEB employees, Atul Rabha and Tankeswar
Rabha, from whose rented house the explosives were recovered.
UHM Sushil Kumar Shinde revealed
that the detained militant leader, Anup Chetia may not be keen
on coming back to India. "When I recently visited Tripura for
inauguration of the ICP along the Bangladesh border, the Home
Minister of Bangladesh was with me and at the press conference
he was asked about Anup Chetia. He replied that cases were completed,
but he had applied in the court pleading that he wants to stay
in Bangladesh. But our demand is that he should be handed over,"
Shinde said.
December 10
SFs arrested an ULFA-I militant,
identified as Ajit Deka in Guwahati. Deka was arrested in connection
with the recovery of an IED and grenade at Kahikuchi on the city's
outskirts.
The AASU observed 'Shahid Diwas'
('martyrs' day') in memory of the 855 students and youths who
were killed during the historic Assam Agitation of 1979-1985.
On the occasion, AASU vowed to free Assam of illegal immigrants.
"The clashes in BTAD are between the indigenous people of Assam
and illegal immigrants. Non-stop illegal influx from Bangladesh
has posed a threat to local ethnic groups. The Congress-led governments
did not fulfil the expectations of the people in solving the problem
of influx," said AASU 'general secretary' Tapan Kumar Gogoi.
A meeting was held between GNC
-Assam State Zone and Government of Assam at CM Tarun Gogoi's
residence to discuss about the demands of the GNC-Assam State
Zone as well as Garo people of Assam and on demands of the Non-Rabha
organizations for exclusion of all Non Rabha villages from the
RHAC and on demand for separate GAC for the Garos of Assam.
December 11
The abducted SSB personnel are
suspected to have been killed by cadres of the NDFB-IKS. But their
bodies have not yet been recovered and operations to locate them
are still on. Highly placed security sources told that the information
available indicated that the abducted persons, Constables Nakul
Medhi and Anil Kumar Yadav, who were members of the unarmed wing
of the SSB, were killed. But no one can officially confirm their
deaths till the bodies are recovered and operations in the area
from where they were kidnapped are still on.
Dima Hasao police arrested Action
Dimasa, the prime accused in the recent killing of an engineer
in Haflong town from an interior Dimasa-dominated village under
Mahur Police Station in Dima Hasao District. Action Dimasa, who
joined militancy a decade back as a cadre of the DHD, floated
DHD-A with support of the NSCN-IM a couple of months back and
launched a massive extortion drive all through Dima Hasao.
SFs killed two militants belonging
to NDFB-IKS at Raidangbari under Runikhata police station in Chirang
District. The deceased were identified as Jeremiya Narzary, a
Class X student, and Pranjit Narzary, a Class VI student. A Class
VII student, Nikodim Narzary, sustained serious injuries and has
been sent to the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital. Chirang
SP, Ranjan Bhuyan, said both the deceased were members of the
NDFB-IKS and an AK-47 rifle, 15 rounds of ammunition and a hand
grenade had been recovered from them.
An irate local people stormed
the Runikhata Police Station and set ablaze four motorcycles and
three bicycles parked in the Police Station premises and also
tried to set ablaze the Police Station. The Police, however, managed
to control the mob by firing tear gas shells.
NDFB-RD, in an emailed statement,
said the three youths were innocent and "the army had planted
its illegally possessed weapons on the deceased"..
The NDFB-IKS alleged the involvement
of the Gobinda Basumatary-led NDFB-PTF. In a statement emailed
to the media, the outfit's 'spokesperson', B.R. Ferengga, said,
"The operation of Raidangbari was led by a member of the NDFB-PTF.
We have clear evidence of their participation in the operation
with the Indian Army". It warned the NDFB-PTF not to get involved
in "dirty games".
ABSU 'president' Pramod Boro alleged
that both security forces and militants were trying to spread
panic in the BTAD by killing students and innocent people."So,
from whom can the common people seek security?" he asked.
An official in the CMO said a
magisterial inquiry had been ordered and its report sought within
15 days.
An official in the CMO said a
magisterial inquiry had been ordered and its report sought within
15 days.
State Home Secretary G D Tripathi,
while briefing the media about the encounter, said the security
forces saw some people moving around suspiciously in Raidwongbari
village well after midnight. "When asked to stop, they fired,
prompting retaliation. In the process, two persons died and one
was injured," he said. Tripathi further said that school records
showed the three were below 18 but inquest by a magistrate recorded
their age as around 20. "We have reports NDFB Songbijit recently
recruited a number of youths below 18. Despite that the government
has ordered an inquiry by an additional chief secretary," he said.
Delegation of newly formed UFHS,
Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao District Congress backed organization
for statehood demand met the Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde
in New Delhi and discussed the issue of forming a separate State
comprising the two autonomous and tribal dominated districts of
Assam.
December 12
The bodies of two troopers of
54 Battalion of SSB were recoverd from Mach Khora under Panbari
Police Station of Chirang district. According to Police sources
this incident occurred when five SSB troopers, who were in routine
patrolling in an area near Hakua river of Chirang District, on
December 6, were abducted by NDFB-IKS during that time. Police
sources also clarified that three of them were released by the
militants and remaining two were taken by them.
The two more bodies were recovered
along with the bodies of the two SSB troopers in Chirang District
along the India-Bhutan border. "It is more or less confirmed that
two of the four bodies were of the abducted SSB personnel. We
are awaiting the family members for identification. The other
two bodies are a bit older and yet to identified. We suspect it
might be of two of the four Bodo persons who went missing in the
district about one-and-half months ago," Chirang Deputy Commissioner
Virendra Mittal said.
Police recovered five of the six
rifles along with seventy rounds of live ammunition looted from
a Special Police Officer (SPO) camp at Simbargaon Muzabari in
Kokrajhar on December 9. Leader of ABMSU, Abdul Matleb and Karim
Ali were arrested in this connection while Gedda Ali is absconding.
Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said
said that he had announced a high level probe into the December
11 encounter incident involving the killing of two NDFB-IKS militants.
The NDFB-PTF denied its involvement
in the killing of two minor students at Raidwngbari in Chirang
district on December 11 and said they cannot involve in such inhuman
act by any means.
ABSU on December 12 moved NHRC
and National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR)
against the killing of 'two students' in 'fake encounter' on December
11 under Runikhata Police Station in Chirang district.
Arrested Action Dimasa, a former
member of DHD-J and leader of recently formed DHD-A revealed his
real name and details about his organization following his arrest.
Action's real name is Miput Rajyung, son of Dipon Rajyung, which
only came out when Action disclosed his original name to the Army.
Action also revealed that he had formed DHD-A to fight for the
Autonomous State for Dima Hasao and has thirty more members active
in the district. Action said that they have not killed Rajiv Pathak
but Pathak was killed by NSCN-IM when asked about taking the responsibility
of the killing, he said that they are jointly operating with the
NSCN-IM.
SFs arrested a NDFB militant,
identified as Nerswn Boro (22), at Barigaon near Tangla in Udalguri
District. SFs recovered a 9 mm pistol along with several live
ammunition was recovered from his possession.
December 13
The CBI has arrested four more
persons for the 2012 Kokrajhar riots, taking the number of persons
apprehended to 33. The investigation agency also initiated the
second phase of probe into the BTAD clashes on December 11, six
months after completing the first phase, CBI sources said.The
four, who were arrested from various locations in Kokrajhar district
on Wednesday, have been identified as Manjit Basumatary, Prakash
Sonar, Compandar Basumatary and Saratsingh Narzary. At present,
29 accused in the riots are out on bail adds the report.
The AHRC directed the Chief Secretary
to conduct a proper inquiry into the Chirang "fake" encounter
case, as protests against the killing of two students continued
for the third straight day SFs shot dead a NDFB-IKS militant at
Biswanath Chariali area along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border
in Sonitpur District. A Police commando also sustained injuries
in the attack.
SFs arrested a person, Thanga
Hmar (42) from Nuna Labankhal in Lakhipur sub-division in Cachar
District. He was suspected to be involved in a bomb blast on Chiripool
over river Chiri in NH-37 connecting Assam and Manipur.
December 14
NRHPF allegedly assaulted four
Karbi youths in Chokihola locality of Karbi Anglong. The incident
has caused considerable tension in the area.
December 15
The Central Government, it appears,
is not prepared to entertain increasing demands for statehood
in some states of the Northeast.
A senior official in the Union
Home Ministry told that the states in the region are too small
to be broken up to create new states. “It is very, very difficult
to even contemplate that you can create a state out of a state
of a minimum size,” the official said, indicating that the geographical
areas of the states in the region are not feasible for creation
of more states. The official was reacting to increasing demands
for separate states in states like Manipur, Assam, Nagaland and
Meghalaya. The statehood demands stem mostly from ethnic issues.
Unidentified militants shot dead
one, Motleb Ali (35), and injured three others at Molandubi village
under Kajigaon Police Station in Kokrajhar District. The injured
were identified as Iman Ali alias Jugani (37) and Nasher
Ali (26). Police sources said the NDFB-IKS could be involved in
the incident as the area is a stronghold of the outfit. "We suspect
the NDFB-IKS," said a Senior Police officer in Kokrajhar.
December 16
The October 30 serial blast key
accused and NDFB-RD ‘Chairman’, Ranjan Daimary, who released in
June 21 on a conditional bail for six months to initiate peace
talks with the government, was granted interim bail for another
month. The six month's interim bail was supposed to expire on
December 18. The Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention)
Act (TADA) court here that heard Daimary's plea for an absolute
bail on December 16 also directed the Government to reply on the
matter soon.
NSCN-IM and NSCN-K engaged themselves
in heavy gunfire exchange at Munglang village under Ledo Police
Station in Tinsukia District.
The Army denied that six jawans
were killed in an encounter with NDFB-IKS as claimed by the militant
outfit in a section of the media.
Forest Minister Rockybul Hussain
on December 16 said that six militant outfits, including ULFA-I
and NDFB-IKS, are active in Assam with a cadre strength of 760.
Hussain answering on behalf of Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, also
in charge of Home, said the other outfits are KPLT, KLO, MULTA
and HuM -Assam unit.The NDFB-IKS has the highest number of cadre
at 300, followed by ULFA-I with 240 militants, KLO has 100, and
MULTA and HUJI have 40 each, he said. Altogether 15 underground
groups were on ceasefire agreement with the government and their
cadres were staying in designated camps across the state, the
minister said. These are ULFA (Pro talk faction led by Arabinda
Rajkhowa), NDFB-PTF, KLNLF, ACMA, BCF, KRA-Assam, UKDA, AANLA,
STF, APA, KLO/KLO HPC-Democratic and NDFB-Ranjan Daimary. Six
new extremist organisations were also formed and they are Karbi
National Liberation Army, United Peoples Liberation Front, DHD-Action,
Dima Jadi Naiso Army, National Liberation Front of Bengali and
United Dimasa Kachari Liberation Front.
Militant groups of the North East
region have decided to form a common platform to fight jointly
against the “common enemy” and the same is likely to be declared
soon. This was disclosed by Paresh Baruah, ‘commander in chief’
of the ULFA-I.
Paresh Baruah also admitted that
the IBRF is now almost defunct as all the outfits of this part
were not part of the same and that is why the decision has been
taken to form a new platform. Asked to name the outfits which
would be part of the new platform, Baruah said that all the outfits
struggling for independence of their own territories would be
part of the same. However, the outfits, which have started “so-called
talks” with the Government, would not be included in the platform.
December 17
A schoolgirl was killed and 17
others injured in a bomb explosion near Amolapatty railway crossing
along National Highway 37 in Dibrugarh town. The victim has been
identified as Purnima Rajak (14) a Class X student. The injured
have been identified as Bhairon Shah, Dalim Shah, Paramananda
Yadav, Kishor Roy, Babu Das, Shahnawaj Hussain, Ankit Jalan, Sariful
Hussain, Abdul Karim, Khursid Ali, Kamal Gupta, Bikki Rabidas,
Hira Ballav Deka, Rashmi Roy, Altaf Hussain and Tutu Ahmed. One
of the injured persons is yet to be identified.
Police said investigations were
on to find out the nature of the blast and have not ruled out
the hand of militant outfits like ULFA-I or CPI-Maoists.
Hundreds of activists of the AASU,
ABSU and AATS held a three-hour protest demonstration outside
the Rajbhavan in Guwahati. The Student’s body also demanded immediate
halt to killings and other acts of violence against civilians
by both the Security Forces and terrorist outfits.
The RGI has fixed three years
as the time limit, from December 5 this year, for updating the
National Register of Citizens 1950, in the State. Assam Accord
Implementation Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma told the State Assembly
on December 17 that the Supreme Court has asked the State Government
to follow its own guidelines prepared for the purpose of updating
the NRC. By this time, the State Government has appointed the
NRC Commissioner and constituted the NRC cells in the districts
for the purpose of updating the document. After notifying the
updating process on December 5, the Centre released INR 250 million
to constitute a State project management unit for the purpose.The
Assam government will set up National Register of Citizens (NRC)
cells in all District headquarters in the state to update the
register.
December 18
SFs arrested three extortionists,
Hamsen Ardao, Sanjib Langthasa and Manu Ghatowar, from a forest
area of Hasan village in Langting of Dima Hasao District. SFs
recovered a .9 mm pistol, two magazines, twelve rounds of live
ammunition and some demand notes from their possession. Police
said that this three have been demanding extortion money from
the businessman of the area in the name of DHD-A.
The 36–hour BTC areabandhcall
given by the AAMSU in protest against the killing of Matlab Ali
of Molandubi under Porbotjhora Sub–Division of Kokrajhar District
by unknown miscreants on December 15, evoked no response at Kokrajhar
on the first day on December 18. The bandh also did not affect
other towns of Kokrajhar District.
The ULFA-I denied its involvement
in the December 17 evening’s bomb blast in Dibrugarh city in which
a teenage girl was killed and 17 others injured. In a statement
e-mailed to the media here, ULFA-I stated that the blast in Dibrugarh
city was a handiwork of ‘agents’ of Assam police which have set
a goal to finish off ULFA-I within six months.The ULFA-I claimed
that such agents are engaged by the police to carry out subversions
to tarnish the image of the outfit and later these agents are
shown to surrender before the police in stage-managed surrender
ceremony.
The families of two school students,
who were killed in an alleged ‘fake encounter’ with SFs in Chirang
district, moved Gauhati High Court seeking a high-level probe
into the incident. The petitioners’ advocate, Bijon Mahajan, told
the newspaper that they have sought a CBI or a high court-monitored
investigation by a special investigation team of Police.
The Adivasi National Convention
Committee iterated its demand for ST status to the community in
Assam at a convention here with a “poll boycott” warning to Dispur.
Nearly 10,000 protesters thronged the streets here shouting slogans
of “No ST No Vote” before assembling at the District Library,
the venue of the convention.
Assam Parliamentary Secretary
for Home Atuwa Munda, said the government would intensify operations
against ULFA-I, which “wants to derail the peace process with
the Arabinda Rajkhowa-led Ulfa, in the Upper Assam Districts”.Atuwa
Munda was sent to Dibrugarh by Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi to take
stock of the situation, following the December 17 bomb blast.
Dibrugarh SP Rana Bhuyan said
thatthe blast was carried out by ULFA-I at the behest of its‘publicity
secretary’Arunodoy Dohotia. "We have specific intelligence
inputs that the explosion was carried out under the direction
of Arunoday Dohotia. We've picked up several suspects from various
parts of the district who are being interrogated. Although no
arrests were made till this evening, we've got some valuable leads,"
said Bhuyan.
The Gauhati High Court sent notices
to both the Centre and the State Government to clarify their stand
on the alleged fake encounter of two school students at Runikhata
in Chirang district on December 11.
December 19
Police have picked up one person,
identified as Arunabh Chetia of number 2 Dhamangaon in Tingkhong
block in Dibrugarh District, for his alleged involvement with
ULFA-I.
The Army has stepped up operations
against NDFB-IKS militants, while simultaneously mobilizing its
humanitarian services in Udalguri - an insurgency affected district
bordering Bhutan.
AASU strongly protested against
the tabling of the land swap agreement with Bangladesh in the
Parliament. Effigies of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Chief
Minister Tarun Gogoi were burnt near the Gauhati High Court here
amidst slogans against the Centre and the State Government.
CMTarun Gogoi sought the help
of the BTC Chairman, Hagrama Mohilary in maintaining law and order
in the BTAD, which has seen widespread protests against rise in
extortion, abduction and killings of late. Dispur has asked the
BTC, which governs BTAD, to mobilise community participation,
particularly of non-Bodo communities, in maintaining order. Senior
BPF member Chandan Brahma told that the BPF-led BTC is an elected
set-up (the first BTC election was held in 2005) and it is taking
steps to maintain peace. “It will help a great deal if our proposal
for creation of around 40 additional police stations and outposts
is cleared soon. BTC is a new set-up. Once we have the infrastructure
and manpower, both security and development issues can be tackled
more effectively,” he said.
The NDFB-IKS questioned if the
State Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi can speak on the creation of
independent Bodoland on the floor of Assembly if he is really
concerned for the issue of NDFB. In a press statement, the ‘Speaker’
of the NDFB-IKS, BR Ferengga said the political speech of the
Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi about peace talk with the NDFB
is just showing ‘crocodile’s tear’ in front of the Assembly members.
The NDFB is also representative of the Bodo Nation.
Ranjit Shekhar Mooshahary, former
Governor of Meghalaya has expressed utter astonishment on bandh
culture in the region in general and BTAD area in particular.
In an interview with the media persons at his Gossaigaon residence
on December 19, RS Mooshahary has made an appeal to all section
of people as well all organizations not to call any bandh in the
Northeast especially in Assam which has adversely affected the
public lives and the economy of the nation, he said.
The Centre has confirmed reports
that the banned CPI-Maoist is trying to establish organisational
bases in the North-east to forge relations with other insurgent
groups to meet its military requirements. The CPI-Maoists has
developed close ties with the RPF and the PLA of Manipur. Both
the outfits have agreed upon mutual cooperation in the areas of
training, funding and supply of arms and ammunition, revealed
Minister of State for Home Affairs M Ramachandran in reply to
a question by Kabindra Purkayastha.
The UALC of the CPI-Maoist is
currently operating in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh and has been
involved in incidents of looting of weapons and extortions from
local villagers, Ramachandran said. The UALC has also been engaged
in recruitment and training of cadres for outfits in Assam.
December 20
Tea gardens and some villages
in Assam, near the State’s border with Nagaland, have received
demand notes from an underground outfit asking them to pay taxes
to the GPRN. A senior planter said while one or two of the gardens
had dared to report the matter, others were scared and most likely
unofficially paying at least a part of the amount demanded to
the outfits. “This is a new phenomenon. Earlier, many of us have
received extortion notes from one outfit or the other, but we
have never had to pay taxes to an outfit which purports to represent
the Government of People’s Republic of Nagalim.”
The extortion notice, signed by
one, I. Yanger Pongen, “under secretary’, ‘secretary’ In-Charge
MCA” (in-charge of Ministry of Chaplee Affairs), Mkg (Mokokchung)
District reads: “As per the directive of the deputy kilonser,
ministry of chaplee affairs, you are hereby informed to submit
a sum of * towards the annual tax for the year on 2013-2014 to
the undersigned without fail”.
A group of miscreants attacked
a pastor and a Naga youth in Chokihola locality of Karbi Anglong
District. According to information received, the youth has been
seriously injured while the pastor was out of danger.
December 21
Sophisticated weapons manufactured
in European countries are being used by the militant groups of
the region. Further, the militants are frequently changing the
routes for bringing in weapons to this part of the country and
most weapons now come through Myanmar. Highly placed security
sources stated that almost all the active militant groups now
have access to sophisticated weapons manufactured in the European
countries, which is a matter of serious concern.
Sources pointed out that till
a few years back, the AK series rifles were the most potent of
the weapons used by the militant groups of the region, but in
recent times, recovery of a number of HK 33 rifles proved that
such weapons are also available with the militant groups. Sources
revealed that the militant groups are procuring weapons from the
clandestine dealers in the South East Asian countries like Cambodia
and Vietnam and they are also getting huge numbers of weapons
from China.
December 22
SFs rescued a civilian, Nitul
Das, at Bamungaon area under Sidli Police Station of Chirang District.
The abductors had demanded INR 50,000 for his release. Das was
abducted on December 11 by NDFB-IKS rebels.
SFs also arrested two NDFB-IKS
militant, identified as Timos Narzary (36) and Sudem Goyari (25)
during the rescue operation. Two bikes were also recovered from
the duo.
Suspected NDFB-IKS militants,
Angan Rao, and three others at Nangalbhanga area in Chirang District.
Rao hails from Andhra Pradesh and was working with Power Grid
for three months. The abductors released the others but took Rao
along with them.
Activities of the NDFB-IKS are
a matter of concern, admitted DGP JN Choudhury. He also said that
some youths are joining the ULFA-I just to make money and not
because of any ideology.DGP, Choudhury said that members of the
NDFB-IKS are active in the Districts of Kokrajhar, Chirang and
parts of Sonitpur. He admitted that the members of the outfit
are targeting even middle and lower income group of people for
extortions. He said that though the investigations into the
recent blast in Dibrugarh town are on, the needle of suspicion
points towards the ULFA-I.
December 23
SFs arrested a senior NSCN-IM
‘official’, ‘Joint Secretary’ Yangmi Muivah, in from near the
Guwahati Zoo in Guwahati city. According to a well placed source,
of the NSCN-IM’s CFMC was arrested by the security force personnel.
Meanwhile, fuming over the incident, the NSCN-IM said that the
security forces should know how to distinguish between ‘peace
time’ and ‘war time’.
December 25
The NDFB-IKS led by Karbi militant
leader I K Songbijit is on top of the list followed by the KPLT
as leading militant outfits in the State. The Paresh Baruah-led
ULFA-I, after its split from the ULFA-PTF led by Arabinda Rajkhowa,
has been officially relegated to the third spot among the militant
outfits of the state. The ranking is in terms of rebel outfits'
striking power.
The NDFB-IKS has the highest number
of cadres, about 300, followed by ULFA-I with about 240, while
the KLO has around 100 and the KPLT 40. In the state, ULFA-I
is present in Goalpara and Tinsukia districts only while the NDFB-IKS
is active in the entire BTC belt as well as in Sonitpur District
and neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh. The KPLT, on the other hand,
is confined to Karbi Anglong district while the KLO is present
in Golakganj in Dhubri District and in North Bengal areas.
December 26
SFs arrested two suspected DNDF
militants, Stamp Dimasa alias Joisholal Hagjer
(36) and Probesh Hagjer (24), from a locality under Maibong Police
Station in Dima Hasao District. Two more persons, however, managed
to flee, the officers said. The SFs also recovered one AK-56 rifle
and its 20 rounds of live ammunition, two mobile handsets with
SIM cards, some cash and a car from their procession.
According to highly places sources,
despite repeated denial by Bangladesh authority, as many as 51
militant hideouts of northeast India’s militant formations still
exist in the Bangladeshi soil.
Out of the total militant hideouts,
the NLFT [Tripura based] has the highest number of camps in Bangladesh
soil with 23 hideouts. While the Manipur based outfit- PLA has
second highest militant camps- 7, the NSCN [Nagaland] and ULFA
[Assam] have four and three hideouts respectively.
December 27
At least four persons, including
three women, were Shot dead by suspected KPLT militants in Khowanigaon
under Borpathar Police Station in Karbi Anglong District on December
27. The deceased villagers, meanwhile, have been identified as
Logu Hembu, Noshengle Hembu, Rhenho Nandu and Kegwathong Kemp.
Reports of three KPLT militants being gunned down during a cross-firing
with the, rival Rengma Naga militant formation, NRHPF are also
doing rounds, although their bodies are yet to be recovered.
DGP, Jayanta Narayan Choudhury,
told the militant swooped down on the village and resorted
to firing, which could be related with some extortion-relates
issues. The militants also set ablaze several houses. Choudhury
said that security forces have launched an operation against the
militant groups and are leaving no stone unturned to ensure security
to the life and property of the village.
Superintendent of Police of Karbi
Anglong, MJ Mahanta said that the deceased included the village
headman, besides three women of the Rengma community. The SP said,
"Investigation is on to find out whether the villagers died
during a cross-firing between the two militant groups or were
attacked by the KPLT militants. We are also trying to recover
the bodies of the KPLT militants, who are believed to have been
shot dead by NRHPF militants in an encounter.”He said vigil in
the locality has been intensified and necessary measures are being
taken to thwart such incidents.
Over 200 Rengma Naga villagers
residing in the said area left their houses after the incident.
They have taken shelter in the Borpathar High School and in the
church. Some others are also reportedly taking shelter in the
jungles of nearby hills to save themselves from Karbi militants'
attack.
“We suspected that our village
would be attacked five days ago and moved the administration last
week, demanding security. Had the administration taken steps,
the brutal attack could have been prevented,” Rengma Naga Peoples
Council ‘adviser’ Devid Rengma told . Sources said KPLT
militants had issued an ultimatum to Rengma Nagas to leave the
District by December 25.
Villagers armed with bows and
arrows are assisting policemen, former BLT and NDFB militants
in an operation to bust the forest hideouts of the NDFB-IKS in
Jonai sub-division in Dhemaji District.
Train services in the Northeast
were affected for several hours following a threat by the KLO
militants in the lower Assam districts. Following a rumor that
a suspicious-looking object was found on the railway tracks between
Fakiragram and Kokrajhar railway stations in Kokrajhar District,
train services were stopped.
Seven houses belonging to Rengma
people were torched by unidentified miscreants in a village, located
3 km away from the Chokihola Police Station.
December 28
Arsonists set ablaze eight houses at Nillip area
of the Karbi Anglong District. The Police, however, foiled a similar
attempt at Jengpha area.
December 29
A fierce gunfight between KPLT
militants and security Forces took place in the remote Borlangso
hill area under the Chokihola Police Station of the Bokajan subdivision
in Karbi Anglong. According to information received, a group of
KPLT militants, armed with sophisticated weapons, entered the
Borlangso village and attempted to set several houses ablaze.
No casualty on either side has been reported so far, sources said.
Miscreants accompanied by suspected KPLT militants torched around
20 abandoned houses at a Rengma village in the Borlangso area
of the district.
PK Buragohain, Deputy Commissioner
of Karbi Anglong, while briefing newsmen on the encounter, said
around 1,100 people have been affected by the violence and they
are taking shelter in four relief camps set up at Chokihola, Santipur,
Silonijan and Nilip block. Also, the curfew that was imposed following
December 27 killings is still on in the Chokihola area of the
District.
A 12-hour Karbi Anglong bandh
(general strike) has been called by the CRPC of Karbi Anglong,
a common platform of 28 non-Karbi communities including Rengmas,
from 5 am to 5 pm on December 30 in protest against the alleged
atrocities meted out to Rengma Nagas of Karbi Anglong. The CRPC,
comprising Adivasis, Kukis, Bengalis, Rengmas, etc., will enforce
total bandh on both the NH-36 and the NH-39.
SFs arrested nine persons for
the violence during raids in Bokajan subdivision in Karbi Anglong
District.
A joint team of Karbi Anglong
Police and SFs recovered bullet-riddled decomposed bodies of two
aged women suspected to have been killed at Rengma mouja in Karbi
Anglong District. The village is now abandoned. With the recovery
of these two bodies death toll in KPLT led violence against Rengma
Nagas of Karbi Anglong has now reached to six.
SFs arrested a NSCN-IM militant
near Haflong in Dima Hasao District. The militant was involved
in the abduction of district elementary education officer Thangpuia
Namlai of Haflong recently, said an unnamed Assam Rifles (AR)
official.
December 30
Assam Parliamentary Secretary for Home, Atuwa
Munda, on December 30 said nearly 1,500 people from both the Karbi
and Rengma communities are in relief camps.
He also said that that preliminary investigations
had indicated that imposition of "tax" by the KPLT on orange cultivation
and the Rengma villagers' refusal to pay could be a reason for
December 27 violence. Munda said following the attack on Rengma
villagers, the Rengma Naga Hill Protection Force, a militant outfit
earlier unheard of, came into the picture and started targeting
the Karbis. He said 10 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) companies
had reached Bokajan and had been deployed in the trouble-torn
areas. On December 29, three companies of Assam Police Battalions
were dispatched to the district after fresh incidents of violence
were reported in the morning.
December 31
NDFB-IKS militants set free Battula Ankamma Rao,
a civil engineer who was abducted on December 22, 2013, while
he was returning from a construction site in Assam from Champa
temple of Chirang District.
Nagaland sought protection of Rengma Nagas living
in State's Karbi Anglong District.