Date

Incidents

January 1

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

SFs arrested two suspected GNLA militants, identified as Nidu Sangma (19) and Dukham Momin (18), from Bakhrakhuti village near Dudhnoi in Goalpara District.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Central Government said that the SoO Agreement with the NDFB-PTF had been extended till June 30, 2013.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Miscreants set ablaze at least five voting centres and one sub-post office in Mirza under Kamrup (rural) District.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 7^th 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.

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,

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

SFs arrested a GNLA militant, identified as Olman K. Marak, in Khardang of Goalpara District.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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..

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.

Based on Haokip's revelation, SFs on May 10 recovered two SLR s.

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.

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.

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].

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Security Forces arrested a ULFA-I militant Jyoti Baruah (25). Jyoti was allegedly involved in a grenade blast case in Sivasagar in 2012.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 33^rd 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.

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.

The ABSU, which observed the 26^th 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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'.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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'.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.                                     

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.

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”.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.”

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.

SFs arrested a militant of NSCN-K in general area ABCI Camp, near new Railway Station Jatinga in Dima Hasao District.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

`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.

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.

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.

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.

SFs are conducting a search operation in Hailakandi District to trace Pachauram Reang, (45), a former chief of a surrendered outfit ULFBV.

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.

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.

SFs, in an encounter, killed the 'district commander 'of NSLA-ATF, Ram Murmu alias Rakesh, at Jakati reserveforest in Kokrajhar.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

 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. ‘

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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”.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

SFs arrested a cadre of NDFB-IKS from Jolaishri in Kokrajhar District.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

NRHPF allegedly assaulted four Karbi youths in Chokihola locality of Karbi Anglong. The incident has caused considerable tension in the area.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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’.

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.

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.

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.

Arsonists set ablaze eight houses at Nillip area of the Karbi Anglong District. The Police, however, foiled a similar attempt at Jengpha area.

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.

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.

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.