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Arunachal Pradesh Timeline - 2015


Date Incident

January 9

Arunachal Pradesh Police has made an action plan to check insurgency in Tirap, Changlang and Longding Districts through various initiatives, including setting up 11 new police stations and upgrading the existing nine.

1769 posts were filled up in the police department for the three insurgency-affected districts, AIGP Tussar Taba told reporters in Itanagar. The department also procured 313 5.56 INSAS rifles, 158 9mm pistols, 40 2'mortars, 33 7.62 LMGs and over two lakh AK-47 ammunitions during 2014, the AIGP said adding, 28 night vision devices, 20 video cameras, 23 digital cameras and other gadgets were procured for the districts during the year.

January 30

Coal mining at Namchik-Namphuk coal block in Changlang was suspended since May 2012 after GoI directed State Government to suspend extraction following involvement of insurgent groups, stated Geology and Mining Minister Kamlung Mosang in response to a question by senior BJP MLA Japu Deru during Question Hour in the State Assembly in Itanagar. GoI suspended mining operation after reports of involvement of two factions of NSCN.

February 6

Two porters were killed and nine AR troopers injured in an IED blast at Monmao village in India-Myanmar border in Changlang.

February 7

One of AR troopers injured in February 6 IED attack, identified as Rifle man Dattapray Mahajan died at Dinjan Army hospital in Dibrugarh in Assam.

February 11

On reports that some NDFB-IKS moved into Arunachal Pradesh, Army sources said that as per provisions of the Disturbed Areas Act, the Army can move into 20 kilometres inside the state and operations are going on in those areas. However, there is need for augmenting the capacity building of Police forces in Arunachal Pradesh.

February 14

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, while on a brief visit to Tripura, appealed to the underground groups to shun violence. He stated that GoI will develop the Northeast in 10 years if insurgency comes to an end. He said insurgency remained a hurdle to restoration of peace and development of the region.

February 18

Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh, in Papum Pare District has been covered in a heavy security blanket keeping in view of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's maiden visit on February 20.

February 23

Arunachal Pradesh Police arrested an extortionist identified as Tagyung Yangfo from Seppa in East Kameng District. Police recovered a 7.65 auto pistol with 12 live rounds from him. He also has the history of his connections with the NDFB group in Assam for arms smuggling.

February 25

SFs arrested two NSCN from Jongrom Village in Changlang District. Two pistols and ammunitions were recovered from them.

February 26

GoI has closed its doors for talks with any more militant outfits and the ongoing process of talks with militant groups, which have already signed cease-fire pacts to solve their problems through discussions, will be expedited so that those are taken to a logical conclusion as soon as possible. Highly placed sources in MHA made it clear that the Government was not keen on starting talks with any more militant outfit as enough opportunity was given to them to shun violence and solve their problems through discussions.

Union minister of state for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju in a written reply in Rajya Sabha stated that GoI had been implementing a scheme for surrender-cum-rehabilitation of militants of North East region, since 1998, reports Nagaland Post. He said under the scheme, one time grant of INR 150000 and monthly stipend of INR 3500 are given to surrendered militants, and in case of Manipur, he said one time grant of INR 250000 and monthly stipend of INR 4000 per militant was given under a special surrender-cum-rehabilitation scheme formulated in 2012. He also added that INR 155.5 million was released to North Eastern States payment of stipend to surrendered militants.

March 17

Police arrested a gang of four, including two women, for extorting money from contractors in and around Capital Complex in Itanagar in Papum Pare. The extortionists have been identified as Dubi Ete, Bimpi Riddi, Tori Gad and Tame Aking. INR 300000 was recovered from them.

Police arrested a gang of four, including two women, for extorting money from contractors in and around Capital Complex in Itanagar in Papum Pare. The extortionists have been identified as Dubi Ete, Bimpi Riddi, Tori Gad and Tame Aking. INR 300000 was recovered from them.

March 24

Arunachal Pradesh Police arrested four extortionists and recovered arms and ammunition from their possession from Hapoli and Yazali areas in Lower Subansiri. The extortionists were identified as Dake Tai, Rimo Bodo, Sime Killo and Anthony Doke, the 'commander' of NSCT Two country-made 7.65mm pistols with 51 live rounds, 6 mobile phones and four extra SIM cards were recovered from them. SP Tume Amo informed that all the arrested extortionists were camping at Ziro in Lower Subansiri District since March 19 last and were involved in extorting money and work orders from Government officials.

March 27

Due to various terror attacks 413 people died in North East India in 2014.

Government has extended AFSPA to almost the entire State of Arunachal Pradesh, citing a serious law and order situation in all Districts of the State which borders Assam. As per a new notification issued by MHA by its Joint Secretary Shambu Singh, all Districts of Arunachal Pradesh bordering the State of Assam have been declared as "disturbed area" under Section 3 of AFSPA for next one year.

The new notification says NDFB-IKS have now set up their General Headquarters and training camp in Taga, Myanmar and is reportedly contemplating to find out a new route for arms transhipment from Myanmar via Chabglang.

The notification also adds that there is presence of NSCN-IM, NSCN-K, ULFA-I, KLO, MPLF and KYKL, ULFA, PLA, KCP are helping NDFB-IKS, ULFA-I and KLO movement of men, material, infiltration and exfiltration.

The notification further adds that "The left-wing extremism is silently trying to infiltrate into the State as it is found to be mostly active in areas of Dhemaji and Tinsukia Districts in Assam bordering with the Lower Dibang and Lohit District of Arunachal Pradesh.

March 30

Police arrested an individual identified as Khomtu Khomrang from Changlang while serving extortion notices. He was claiming to be the president of Longchang Student Union and was extorting money from heads of various Government departments in Changlang town.

April 2

Three Army personnel of Rajput Regiment were killed and four wounded in an ambush when suspected militants of NSCN-K fired on their convoy at Tupi village, along the Khonsa-Longding road, in Tirap. Source stated that NSCN-K militants have already started moving towards their headquarters in upper Myanmar.

Tirap SP Ajit Kumar Singla stated that It is too early to say which faction of the outfit was involved in the attack. But there is high probability of involvement of the NSCN (IM) faction in the attack. We have launched combing operation in the area to nab the attackers at the earliest.

April 3

SFs recovered two IEDs from the site of an ambush in which three army personnel were killed and four others injured, at Tupi village, along the Khonsa-Longding road, in Tirap The Army who were killed on April 2 has been recovered have been identified as Havildars Sanjeev Kumar, Parmal Singh and Charan Singh.

April 4

GoI is still in the dark about the perpetrators of an ambush on the Army in Arunachal Pradesh on April 2 as it continues a unilateral ceasefire with NSCN-K. An intelligence officer stated that "It is unclear if the Khaplang group was responsible as some are suspecting other factions. The government of India still has a unilateral ceasefire with NSCN -K.

Earlier this month, the Myanmar-based S.S Khaplang declared that the ceasefire with the Union government was abrogated. He also "expelled" two senior leaders, Wangtin Naga and the Arunachal-based V. Tikhak. NSCN-K already has a ceasefire agreement with the Myanmar Government - ironically, with Wangtin, an Indian, as one of the signatories. If New Delhi repeals the ceasefire officially and enters into a peace agreement with Wangtin's proposed outfit, the NSCN (K) would become a Myanmar outfit with a handful of Indian elements.

Chinwang Konyak, the adviser to the Eastern Naga People's Organisation (ENPO) a body of tribal representatives from what is called "eastern Nagaland", stated that "This is a blessing in disguise as the Khaplang group will be left in Myanmar. Let them deal with Myanmar Government, it is better to part ways peacefully." Besides Nagaland, the NSCN groups have a presence in Tirap, Changlang and Longding. The Districts are of interest to the rebels as they share the border with Myanmar and are near China. The area has routes leading to the rebel camps in Myanmar.

Arunachal Pradesh CM Nabam Tuki held a high-level meeting with top Police officers reviewing security arrangements and law and order situation in Tirap District, following the ambush by militants. He directed strict vigil and round-the- clock surveillance in the District,o maintain peace and security of the people. He ordered DGP East to station in Tirap and personally monitor the situation.

April 6

With the eastern-most part of the hill State of Arunachal comprising Tirap, Changlang and Longding Districts affected by insurgency,CM Nabam Tuki appealed to GoI to resolve the issue once and for all. Tuki's appeal came in the wake of April 2 killing of three Army men by suspected militants near Khonsa in Tirap District. He stated that "Unless the core issue of insurgency is resolved permanently, such incidents may recur".

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju called on the Arunachal Pradesh Governor at Raj Bhawan in Itanagar, the Governor requested Rijiju for adequate fund to enhance professionalism amongst the Police personnel including enhancing security infrastructure, proper management of Constabulary and training. Referring to the recent unfortunate incident in Tirap district in which three Army personnel lost their lives, the Governor emphasised on better coordination and synergy amongst the security agencies Stressing on developing mechanism for upgradation of intelligence gathering and sharing, the Governor called upon the Union Minister for strengthening the existing mechanism.

April 7

CRPF recovered 4.5 kilo gram from a vehicle in Khonsa-Tissa road at Tirap District. The driver of the vehicle, identified as Laitoh Wangsa revealed that gunpowder had been taken from an individual identified as Khumlom Wangnaw from Kheti village in Tirap District and was meant to be delivered to chief of Pongchau village. Mewang Wangham. Later CRPF team searched Wangnaw's house in Kheti and recovered 4 kg of gun powder.

Sending out a strong message to the insurgent groups active in the North East, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiu stated that no violation of ceasefire agreement would be tolerated by GoI.

He stated that "If any group violates ceasefire agreement, action will be taken against them. No group can operate outside the ceasefire operation area,". He also added that NSCN factions not operate in Arunachal Pradesh which was against the ceasefire agreement.

He also added that "The group involved in the Tirap ambush went to Myanmar and MHA is chalking out strategies to counter such incidents." Responding to a question on peace talk with the insurgent outfits of the region, Rijiju emphatically said that no talks were possible until the groups gave up violence and surrender.

April 8

GoI move to extend AFSPA to 12 of its 19 Districts has caught Arunachal Pradesh Government by surprise. Chief Minister Nabam Tuki who arrived in the national capital today to take part in the North Eastern Council (NEC) meeting was caught unawares when he saw news reports.

April 9

Chief Minister Nabam Tuki had called on Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to lodge a strong protest against the decision to extend AFSPA .

April 10

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju has issued a clarification with regard to the extension of AFSPA stating that 20 km border belt between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh was already declared a Disturbed Area for long time due to various "terrorist and insurgent groups" operating in Assam.

Minister also added that splinter group of insurgents such as ULFA-I and NDFB-IKS have not only been using Arunachal Pradesh as a transit to Myanmar but also taking sanctuary in the bordering Districts with Assam.

April 12

Union minister of state for home affairs Kiren Rijiju hinted that GoI was reconsidering the decision to extend AFSPA Act in Arunachal Pradesh's Districts bordering Assam. Earlier UMHA in a notification on March 27 had extended AFSPA to all Districts of the state that border Assam. However the decision was met with derision from almost all NGOs in State. The State Government had also criticised the decision, saying it was not informed or consulted with before the notification was issued.

Lok Sabha from Arunachal Pradesh, Ninong Ering urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to revoke the imposition of AFSPA in the State.

MHA official stated that it may not be possible to construct fencing all along the border with Myanmar because of the terrain. But the Government may go for construction of fencing in the areas where such construction is feasible. He also added that so far, the Government of Myanmar is yet to take strong action to evict the camps of the militants from the territory of that country. According to an estimate, the total strength of Indian militants in Myanmar should be around 2,000.

AR has been guarding the Myanmar border since 2002, however it is often reported that majority of the Assam Rifles camps are located deep inside Indian Territory and the deployment of the force could not check the movement of militants and other anti-national elements. Though there were some discussions about entrusting BSF with the responsibility of guarding the border with Myanmar, the final decision in this regard is yet to be taken.

AR has sought to increase its strength with induction of new battalions so that more dedicated forces can be deployed along the border with Myanmar.

With Myanmar Government yet to take any action against the militants of North-East, who are taking shelter in that country, GoI has started working on augmenting security along the international border and a comprehensive border management strategy is being planned.

The MHA report pointed out that violent incidents in Northeast have come down from 1,489 in 2007 to 824 in 2014 and the number of civilians killed has decreased from 498 to 212. In 2014, 212 civilians and 20 security personnel were killed in the 824 militant-related activities in the Northeast. In 2013, 107 civilians and 18 security forces were killed in 732 incidents.

April 14

More than two weeks after UMHA extended application of AFSPA to all Districts, of Arunachal Pradesh bordering Assam, State Government requested GoI to review and reconsider the decision.

April 16

Patrolling along the Indo-Myanmar border has intensified to check militant movement after NSCN-K abrogated the ceasefire. UMHA will soon impose night curfew along the border for an indefinite period and will allow movement of people only through designated routes.

SFs have confirmed presence of NSCN-K in Nagaland and neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh.

Arunachal Pradesh Home Minister Tanga Byaling stated that "The State Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Nabam Tuki which had its sitting on April 14 unanimously decided to urge the Centre to repeal the Act immediately." The Cabinet has also resolved to plead the Centre to maintain status-quo-ante as an alternative by revoking the notification and reinstating the previous stand of extension to a 20-km wide belt in districts bordering Assam in addition to Tirap, Changlang and Longding.

April 23

As many as nine North East militant groups, including CorCom , ULFA-I, NSCN-K , UNLF have formed a joint front, United National Liberation Front of West South East Asia (UNLFW). At least three rounds of meetings were held among representatives of the outfits at undisclosed locations in Sagaing division of Myanmar over the last one month. SS Khaplang the 'chairman' of NSCN-K . has been selected as the 'chief' of the 'united front'. There are conflicting reports as to the status of Paresh Barua of ULFA-I . Some sources said he was 'commander in chief' and others reports that he is 'vice-chairman'. Sources state that the move to form the joint front is a step further towards forming a government-in-exile, reportedly to be based in Myanmar. A committee has been also formed to draft the constitution of the joint front. An IB official stated that the outfits, especially NSCN-K is close to Kachin rebels, including KIA who provide various logistics and weapons support. It is difficult to believe that there is no Chinese backing". The move to form a joint front by rebel groups has been in the offing since 2011.

The security sources said Chinese intelligence played an active role in encouraging the northeastern groups to come together on a common platform. Chinese intelligence operatives are active in the Sagaing region and weapons are often shipped to the northeastern groups through the China-Myanmar border.

"The Chinese have promised to provide weapons and logistics to the new grouping as they want to keep things boiling in the northeast in view of their claim on the state of Arunachal Pradesh,".

Several groups from the North Eastern states have training camps in Sagaing division. After the NSCN-Khaplang signed a truce with Myanmarese authorities in 2012, it has consolidated its position in the neighbouring country.

April 24

MHA has decided to hand over the probe into the killings of three Army personnel by suspected NSCN militants on April 2 to NIA. MHA official stated that "It is a very serious case and that's why we have decided to hand over the investigation to the NIA. An official notification in this regard will be issued soon."

April 26

AR and State Police killed an unidentified militant of APDPF at Deban area of Changlang. SFs also arrested 6 militants of the group. APDPF was formed by some Chakma youths to carry out extortion, kidnapping, etc in in Diyun, Miao and Namsai areas The group has approximately 10-12 cadres who have undergone armed training in Bangladesh last year.

Zonal security coordination meeting, convened by DIG Apur Bitin was held at Namsai, in Namsai District which discussed various militant group activities and prevailing law and order scenario.

April 29

Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju stated that said that Northeast based militant outfits are procuring arms from across the border "There are reports that various insurgent and militants groups operating in the North Eastern States procure arms and sophisticated weapons from Sino-Myanmar border towns and South-East Asia. The activities of such underground groups are kept under close vigil". He further added that "Sharing of intelligence, financial assistance for strengthening of the local police forces and intelligence agencies under the police modernization scheme, through the scheme of security related expenditure for strengthening various aspects of security, raising of additional Forces in the form of India Reserve Battalions are also on."

April 30

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari appealed the insurgent groups of the North East region to shun violence and join the mainstream. He stated that "The Centre is committed for all-round development of the region and accordingly constituted the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), especially for the NE states to accelerate the pace of development at par with rest of the country."

May 1

In a bid to solve the issue of armed conflicts in the North East region, the MHA will create opportunities for misguided youths to come back and join the mainstream. Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, asserted that security forces will have to respond accordingly against those who are under the influence of external forces and try to de-stabilize the society. He affirmed that the policy of the Union Government is to open channels to enable the misguided youths to return to the mainstream.

GoI while is addressing the problem of insurgency, it is focusing upon development as the core issue. The minister stated that "These armed struggles have resulted from a feeling of isolation and alienation." "Once it is removed, I am hoping everybody in the North-eastern region will join the mainstream."

May 4

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh assured his Ministry would look into rolling back of AFSPA from Arunachal Pradesh, stated AAPSU.

May 5

Arunachal Pradesh Police has beefed up security measures to maintain law and order in three troubled districts of Changlang, Tirap and Longding following the May 3 ambush by NSCN-K in Nagaland. DGP S Nithianandam stated that "We have taken all precautionary measures including intelligence sharing, erecting check posts and deployment of additional forces in all vulnerable areas of the districts bordering Nagaland."

May 6

Kiren Rijiu, union Minister of State for Home Affairs stated that "Now, only the areas falling under the jurisdiction of 16 Police stations in various Districts of Arunachal Pradesh bordering Assam have been declared as disturbed areas along with the whole of Tirap, Changlang and Longding Districts, for a period of six months".

He also added that In order to control the anti-national and criminal activities of various militant groups including NDFB-IKS, ULFA-I, NSCN-K, various districts of Arunachal Pradesh bordering Assam were declared as disturbed areas under AFSPA.

May 13

NSCN-K ambushed AR who were on foot patrol at when patrol party was moving from Changlang to Rangran in Changlang. According to a source NSCN-K militants detonated four IEDs.

May 15

NSCN-K claimed that they killed nearly 20 SFs and decamped with 12 weapons during the ambush on May 13. NSCN-K claimed that they exchanged heavy gun-fire for hours and of 20 SFs killed, 14 were recovered. Meanwhile Defence sources denied any casualty on their side.

May 17

Union Minister for State and Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju stated that the act was partially withdrawn Arunachal Pradesh after the situation there improved considerably.

May 19

NSCN-K camp was destroyed by AR and Arunachal Police at Old Sallang in Changlang District. Some arms and ammunitions were recovered. officer in charge of Changlang Police Station D. Tangjang stated that NSCN-K militants had possibly fled towards Myanmar after their camp was destroyed.

May 20

Police interrogated two village elders in connection with their alleged role in the May 13 ambush by NSCN-K militants at Changlang. Security Personnel had earlier filed an FIR at Changlang Police Station naming NSCN-K militants and village elders of New Longri and New Sallang villages in Changlang District for their possible involvement in the attack.

May 25

GoI has ordered a NIA probe into April 2 ambush by suspected militants of NSCN-K According to an order issued by the UMHA a case has been registered in this connection at the Guwahati branch office of the NIA.

According to some reports NIA has registered a case against NSCN-IM, NIA sources stated that "A case has been registered against NSCN-IM's sergeant major Ayo Tangkhul and several others".

May 27

Police have arrested the president of the All Chakma Students' Union , identified as Ranjan Kumar Chakma alias Sabhananu for alleged links with APDPF. He has been charged under six IPC sections including attempt to murder, criminal conspiracy and waging war against the state as well as under the Arms Act and the Prevention of Unlawful Activities Act.

May 31

Taking serious note of the recent attacks on security forces in the North East by militant outfits, particularly Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya, Union Home Minister, Rajnath Singh has categorically stated that the Centre is closely monitoring the security scenario in these states. He stated that Security situation in North Eastern states is being monitored regularly at various levels, with sustained counter insurgency (CI) operations against militant outfits".

June 7

Around 30 heavily armed militants of NSCN-K fired at the 1 Assam Rifles camp at Lazu in Tirap. There have been no reports of any casualties.

June 8

Indian security agencies suspect that the June 7 attack on AR camp in Arunachal Pradesh could be a prelude to a major action by NSCN-K.  Fifty militants had attacked AR camp on Tirap District. An official stated that due to precise intelligence the attack was repulsed. However Intelligence agencies do not think that this would mean any lasting peace in Tirap and Changlang Districts which shares a porous border with Myanmar. Agencies have been observing significant movement of arms and militants into the districts in recent weeks.

June 9

Two NSCN-K militants were killed and another was injured when an IED they were trying to plant went off at Wakka in Longding District. Wakka is 25 Kilo meters from Indo-Myanmar border. A source stated that the selection of the spot for planting the IED suggests that the militants possibly had Assam Rifles (AR) personnel and assets in mind as target since a post of the paramilitary force is located about 8km away.

June 11

With around 15-20 insurgents of NSCN-K and other allied groups reportedly crossing over from Myanmar for possible retaliatory strikes in North East, GoI  has put the states of Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam on alert,. The tightened vigil comes as Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh held a meeting the Army and intelligence brass to take stock of the situation in the wake of June 9 operation.

The meeting agreed that the offensive against North-eastern insurgents' hideouts in Myanmar should be taken to its logical conclusion with further strikes, but in due coordination with the Myanmar authorities. A senior MHA official stated that "While the defensive strategies would include stepping up alert in bordering states of Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, the offensive strategy involves identification and mapping of the camps across the border followed by joint operations with Myanmarese forces,"

Inputs suggests that several cadres of NSCN-K units including ‘mobile unit 5’, ‘2nd brigade’ are already camping in the Ukhrul (Manipur), Grihang (Manipur), Phek (Nagaland) and Tirap (Arunachal Pradesh) regions. According to inputs, the militants have planned June 4 like ambushes on Indian Army, BSF and Assam Rifle contingents in these areas. "Ukhrul has been chosen for a major strike because it is the stronghold of their rival NSCN-IM.

NSCN-K and its militant allies, are appearing nervous with Myanmar army also "flushing them out" and forcing them towards the Indian side of the border, reports The Times of India on June 11. According to a secret document, on June 9, unit of NSCN-K hiding on the border sent a SOS message to the ‘central headquarters’ of NSCN-K in Taga region. Intercepted by Indian agencies, the message to SS Khaplang informed that Myanmar army was preparing to "flush out" the NSCN(K)'s mobile unit -5 cadres from Myanmar side to Indian side. The information, based on reliable inputs generated by RAW, also suggest that about 50-60 Myanmar army officials even occupied one of the locations of NSCN-K militants.

NSCN-IM which is in peace talks with Government of India (GoI) had expressed its desire to help security forces hunt down NSCN-K,. But the offer was turned down.

Union Minister of state for DoNER stated that the Government is committed to peace in the North Eastern region. He further said that “GoI may consider if NSCN -K wishes to come forward for cease-fire. The door is open to any insurgent groups who want to come to the negotiating table.” He also brushed aside the observations in a section of media that India was going to be aggressive or hawkish in its approach in Northeast.

R.N Ravi, interlocutor of Naga peace talks stated that talks with NSCN-IM was progressing well. “The ongoing peace talks are progressing very well,” he said, adding, it should not take too long to get its result.

Intelligence agencies have pinpointed the locations of at least 17 camps of North East militant groups inside Myanmar. A source said the locations of these camps are within the 40-km radius from the India-Myanmar border. "The nearest camp is just 6 to 7 km from the international border and the rest are scattered within the 40-km range.” The camps are reportedly in the Taga area across the Tirap-Changlang-Longding District of Arunachal Pradesh and across the border with Manipur and Nagaland.

June 28

According to UMHA, over 600 people, including SFs have been killed in militant attacks and insurgencies in the north-eastern states of the country in last four years.

614 people lost their lives, including 105 security personnel, in 3,493 militant attacks and extremist groups' violence. Further as many as 721 militant and insurgents were killed by security forces between 2011 and May 31, 2015.

INR 8120 million was disbursed among the north-eastern states in the last three years to strengthen the Police network. Arunachal Pradesh received INR 730 million in SRE scheme.

July 7

Arunachal Pradesh Government has intensified patrolling in the inter-state boundary areas following the June 5 incident at Behali in neighbouring Assam, where a group of armed assailants burnt a vehicle from the state besides inflicting burn injuries on two persons.

July 9

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh would meet Chief Ministers of eight North Eastern States in Guwahati. A Tripura Home Department official stated that "Rajnath Singh and his deputy Kiren Rijiju would meet the Chief Ministers of eight North Eastern States in Guwahati".

July 11

GOI is likely to continue providing funds to the states of the North East region for modernization of Police Forces. UMHA is of the view that Police forces of North East should be more "people-centric", with militancy on the wane in the region.

July 15

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that funds to the tune of INR 92000 million will be spend by GoI on development of North East, including construction of highways and developing rail networks.

July 17

NIA investigation suggests that April 2 ambush was by NSCN-IM attack to avenge the killing and arrests of its cadres by security forces in Arunachal Pradesh. According to a source their plan was to blow up the convoy but luckily the powerful bomb they had buried under a muddy patch on the road didn't go off or else the casualties would have been much higher.

When the militants failed to detonate the remote controlled bomb and the first three trucks moved out of the kill zone, they opened fire on the last truck of the convoy and jawans sitting on the tailboard of the truck bore the brunt of the attack.

The kind of explosives used and the way the ambush was carried out also suggest NSCN (I-M)'s involvement since its cadres are more adept in the use of explosives and better trained compared to the NSCN (K) cadres,".

According to information shared by Arunachal Pradesh Police NSCN-IM militants comprising self-styled sergeant major Ayo Tangkhul, captain Kapai, lieutenant Ami Tangkhul, lieutenant colonel Kewang Hassik, major Anok Wangsu and sergeant major Chenaye Tangkhul alias Ayo are suspected to have carried out the attack with the help of some villagers.

July 22

NSCN-K has stationed small groups of militants at various strategic locations in Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, stated Minister of State for Home Affaris Kiren Rijiu at Rajya Sabha. He also stated that "Most of these groups have sneaked into Indian territory from across the Indo-Myanmar border."

SFs forces operating in Nagaland have revealed that UNLFWESA is planning to carry out major terror strikes in Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.

GoI has planned a crackdown on the supply of sophisticated weapons to militant outfits through Myanmar. NIA has asked state Governments affected by insurgency in the North-East to provide data on the smuggling of weapons. Sources said the exercise is being undertaken to crack the supply base of the easy inflow of weapons to militants from Myanmar, identify couriers and middlemen on the Indian side near border areas. Sources said intelligence inputs suggest that the arms are being supplied from China and are being pumped into India through the porous Myanmar border.

August 4

Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju stated that there is no plan to reduce the deployment of central security forces in the northeast. The Minister also told the Lok Sabha that the GoI was supplementing the efforts of state governments in the region by deploying CAPFs. He said in a written reply that the CAPFs were providing security to vulnerable installations and infrastructure projects based on threat assessment. Stating that there was no proposal to reduce the deployment of central forces in North East, he said state governments were reimbursed security-related expenditure.

The other measures taken by the Government were sanctioning of India Reserve Battalions (IRBNs), banning unlawful associations, declaration of "disturbed areas" under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, and issue of notifications for unified command structure.

August 5

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Nabam Tuki welcomed the initiative of GoI to bring a peaceful solution to the prolonged Naga political issue. He stated that "We hope the peace accord with NSCN-IM bring permanent and lasting solution to the protracted Naga political issue and peace will prevail in the entire northeastern region."He also added that "While the details of the peace accord and the consensus entered upon by the Centre and the NSCN(IM) is not known, it will be immature on our part to comment at this juncture.

August 6

MoS Kiren Rijiu informed that the accord signed between GoI and NSCN-IM is just the framework and added that interest of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur would not be sidelined whenever the full body of the Accord is signed. He stated that GoI's stand is that it will understand the sentiments and concern of the Naga people and consider it with a holistic approach.

September 10

Intelligence agencies have issued an alert that 48 highly trained members of NSCN-K led by two leaders identified as Chailai Pansa and Bopa Wangnao, are presently camping in Lahu village of Tirap District. Sources say that the militants are there to carry out attacks on Indian forces in retaliation for a recent operation in Noklak in Nagaland.

September 18

Aalo Police arrested a suspected member of a FICN racket, identified as Md Piyar Ali along with FICN worth of INR 179,000 with denomination of INR 1000 and INR 500 notes from the market area at Aalo in West Siang District.

According to an estimate of the UMHA, the Northeastern states have seen a steady decline in insurgency-related violence in the first eight months of this year (2015) in comparison to the corresponding period of last year (2014) but saw a three-fold increase in casualties of SFs.

According to the report, Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram saw a total of 418 incidents of insurgency violence from January 1 to September 15, 2015 during which 115 extremists were killed and 1,453 were arrested. During the same period in 2014, a total of 575 incidents were reported in the seven Northeastern states in which 128 militants were killed and 1,401 others were arrested.

40 security personnel lost their lives till September 15 this year in comparison to 12 security personnel killed in the corresponding period of 2014. There were 182 incidents of kidnapping in the Northeast till September 15 this year in comparison to 250 last year. 91 insurgents have surrendered before SFs so far this year, compared to 170 last year. Higher number of casualties was witnessed in civilians in 2014 when 114 people lost their lives. So far this year, 32 people were killed due to insurgency violence.

September 20

Traders in Arunachal Pradesh decided to call off their 72-hour strike proposed from September 22 following the arrest of Berun Camdir, a member of a students' organization, who was involved in extortion activities. Traders praised the Police's prompt action in nabbing the culprit. Berun's arrest was disclosed by Home Minister Tanga Byaling on September 18. A delegation of ACCI, led by president Techi Lala, general secretary Tarh Nachung, spokesman Toko Tantung and chief advisor Pradeep Kumar, called on Byaling to brief him about Berun group's unlawful activities. Traders in Naharlagun were often blackmailed and extorted by the group.

September 21

According to latest UMHA figures, kidnappings, a staple insurgent activity in the North-East, has seen a significant decline this year, with the worst-affected state of Assam showing a nearly 70 per cent drop in kidnapping incidents even as the recently banned NSCN-K outfit resorted to maximum abductions for any outfit in 2015. The figures show that 182 kidnappings have been reported this year from the seven northeastern states compared to 250 in the same period last year and 369 in all in 2014. Assam has seen the biggest drop - from 125 in 2013 and 94 in 2014 to only 24 so far this year, kidnappings in Meghalaya are down from 110 last year to 45 so far this year and the same is down to 24 in Arunachal Pradesh from 49 last year.

The maximum kidnappings by any outfit in the North-East this year, 34, have been done by the just-banned NSCN-K outfit in Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, followed by 24 by NSCN-KK in both these states and 15 by the NSCN-IM - with which a framework agreement was signed recently. In fact, Nagaland has now overtaken Assam as the state worst affected by kidnappings, reporting 55 cases already compared to 65 in all in 2014.

October 5

Reacting on the Supreme Court's verdict to grant citizenship to Chakma-Hajong refugees, the students union of effected District Namsai, comprising of ATKSSU, ANDSU, ANAYA and other organizations staged mass protest rally at Namsai in Namsai District. The rally with thousands of participants begins from IInd Mile and culminated at DC office Namsai. General Secretary of ATKSSU, Khamoon Manpoong said that "We the indigenous people will ultimately become victims, so we never accept the verdict of Supreme Court. SC has conferred its verdict without analyzing the ground reality".

October 7

Arunachal Pradesh CM Nabam Tuki called for the creation of a separate Union Ministry for India's mountain states, and lamented the Centre's move to do away with the special category status states. "Due to geographical and historical reasons, the resources of the mountains, both natural and human, are either under-utilised or ill-utilised," Tuki said while inaugurating the fourth edition of the SMDS in Itanagar. "Therefore, policy decisions to protect and sustainably harness these resources must be put in place. The role of the union government is paramount in providing an umbrella for all the mountain states, preferably in the form of a separate ministry," he said.

October 9

Central Government's Finance Ministry is examining the continuation of the special category status for the eight northeast states, Minister for state for Development of North Eastern Region (Independent charge) Jitendra Singh said in Agartala. Jitendra Singh said the issue whether the eight northeast states will continue to get special category status "is being looked into by the union finance ministry"."When and how the issue would be settled, I do not know," he said.

legislators of the 11 mountain states of India-- Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura, J&K, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand -- will come under one banner to look into multiple issues related to the mountains and the people living there, it was decided on October 9.

November 4

The NIA arrested a hardcore NSCN-IM militant, identified as 'self-styled captain' Singmayo Kapai from Khonsa in Tirap District of Arunachal Pradesh. Kapai was wanted in a case for his role in the criminal conspiracy and execution of the ambush upon SFs on April 2 at Tupi village, near Khonsa which resulted in killing of 3 Army personnel and grievous injuries to 3 other Army personnel.

Sentiments of all communities in Manipur and people of neighbouring States of Nagaland would not be allowed to hurt by the Naga Peace Accord, Centre's interlocutor for Naga talks, RN Ravi reassured. Ravi's trip to Imphal, Manipur aimed at clearing the air concerning the framework agreement signed between the GoI and NSCN-IM on August 3. Ravi assured the leaders of social organisations that the Naga Peace Accord would not disrupt the interests of all communities as well as the territorial boundaries of neighbouring states of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

November 4-5

The UMHA extended the AFSPA in 16 Police Stations of Arunachal Pradesh and 20 kilometres along the Assam-Meghalaya border for six months and one year respectively. The latest order issued on November 4-5 came despite opposition from the State Governments. UMHA notification cited the presence of Naga insurgent groups including NSCN-K, NSCN-KK and NSCN-R besides ULFA-I and NDFB-IKS to declare these Districts as "disturbed areas" under section 3 of AFSPA. The order also highlighted the abrogation of ceasefire by NSCN-K following which the group carried out the deadliest attack on Indian army troops.

November 16

The Northeastern (NE) States would continue its special category status after the Centre announced to continue with special plan assistance for NE States. NITI Aayog member, Bibek Debroy, announced that the Centre has agreed to continue with the special plan assistance for the Northeastern States. In this regard, Debroy said, an official communication would be sent to the State Governments soon.

November 25

The Arunachal Pradesh Government will file a curative petition in the SC in respect to permanent settlement of Chakma and Hajong refugees in the state. All party meeting endorsed that the State Government take up with the UMHA for filing a separate curative petition as it was respondent number one in the judgment. CM Nabam Tuki earlier said that the State Government was not against the granting of citizenship to the Chakma-Hajong refugees but was opposed to their permanent residence in Arunachal Pradesh and the exemption of inner line permit.

December 15

AR conducted a manhunt operation and killed a NSCN-K leader, identified as Angpha in Langka village of Nampong under Changlang District. One AK 56 rifle, three magazines, ration book, extortion pad, ammunition, grenade and some cash were recovered from the slain NSCN-K leader. The firing between the AR troopers and NSCN-K militants took place for 3-4 hours at Langka Village Church and three NSCN-K militants managed to escape, sources said.

December 18

The Minister for Defence Manohar Parrikar informed the Lok Sabha that that India has started installing high resolution surveillance cameras along the border with China. Surveillance systems for different sectors of the border were developed and reviewed in accordance with operational requirements. However, disclosure of details in this regard will not be in the interest of the national security, Minister informed the Lok Sabha replying to a question on the issue.

In reply to a separate question, the Defence Minister said that the Government has taken cognizance of the development of infrastructure by China along the India-China border, including Arunachal Pradesh. The Government has prepared a holistic and comprehensive plan to develop and upgrade infrastructure along the Indo-China border to meet the operational requirements of the defence forces. At least 73 roads were identified as strategic Indo-China border roads, out of which 61 roads have been entrusted to the Border Roads Organisation.

December 21

Though the level of violence in the northeastern States has come down, the overall security scenario remains a cause of concern; PM Narendra Modi and UHM Rajnath Singh were informed by the heads of Police forces of the States of the region. Highly placed sources in the UMHA said that the PM and the UHM had discussions with the heads of Police forces of the northeastern States in the sidelines of the recently concluded meeting of the heads of Police forces of all the States and Central paramilitary forces in Gujarat. Sources said that it was an initiative of Narendra Modi and for the first time, he and the UHM held such meetings with the Police heads of the States of the North East.

UMHA sources admitted that though the overall security scenario has shown some improvement as the level of violence has come down, the Police and SFs cannot afford to lower their guards and the overall scenario is still a matter of concern. Sources said that in the meeting, the Police heads of the northeastern States stressed the need for improving vigil along the international border with Myanmar. As majority of the militant groups of the region have strong bases in the neighbouring country and their movement must be checked to improve the scenario, the Police heads requested the PM to impress upon the Government of Myanmar to take action against the militants using the territory of that country. Sources revealed that the DGs of the State Police forces of the region also stressed the need for inter-state coordination to deal with militancy and requested the Prime Minister to continue supporting the Police modernisation scheme.

December 31

NSA Ajit Doval will visit China next week to hold informal talks with his Chinese counterpart to discuss the vexed border dispute and other strategic issues, it was announced in Beijing. Doval, who is also the Special Representative for Sino-India boundary talks, will hold informal dialogue with his Chinese counterpart and State councilor Yang Jiechi on January 5 during which both officials would review the progress made on the border issue, Chinese officials said. India and China have so far held 18 round of talks to resolve the dispute along the 3488 km-long border.

 

 

 

 

 
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