North East - Developments & Debate

[Oracle]

Border issues cause of concern Indo-Bangla relations
R Dutta Choudhury
GUWAHATI, Jan 24 – Though the relations between India and Bangladesh improved considerably after the Sheikh Hasina Government came to power in the neighbouring country, the problems along the international border, particularly in the adverse possession areas remain a cause of concern and the issue was seriously discussed in the recently concluded Home Secretary-level meet between both the countries.
Highly placed official sources told The Assam Tribune that despite regular meetings, there have been problems between Border Security Force (BSF) and Bangladesh Rifles (BDR), the border guarding forces of both the countries from time to time and even the survey of the adverse possession land, which started in November last year, could not be completed because of lack of cooperation from the BDR.

Sources said that in the recently concluded meeting in Dhaka, the Government of Bangladesh alleged that Bangladeshi civilians were killed in firing by the BSF. The Government of Bangladesh alleged that civilians were killed in firing by the personnel of the BSF, which received lots of 'bad Press' in that country. There have been lots of uproar in Bangladesh over the killings and the opposition took advantage of the same to launch an attack on Sheikh Hasina Government, which is friendly to India. The Bangladesh Government requested India to restrain the BSF, sources added.

However, official sources asserted that only anti-national elements and smugglers were killed in firing by the BSF, while there have been instances of killing of Indian citizens in firing by the BDR near the international border.

Sources pointed out that more than 90 per cent of the firings by the BSF took place at night and the Government of Bangladesh should impose night curfew along the international border as is done by the Government of India to restrict movement of civilians at night. "Why should innocent civilians venture along the international border at night," sources questioned claiming that those killed in BSF firings must be involved in criminal activities.

Sources said that in most of the cases, those killed in the BSF firings were identified as cattle smugglers or other criminals and if the Government of Bangladesh is really serious about prevent firings, the BDR should also be instructed to take action against smugglers. Sources said that the Government of Bangladesh should properly brief the media about the incidents along the border to prevent the spread of rumours.

Official sources also said that encroachments by Bangladeshi nationals backed by the BDR particularly in the adverse possession land were reported to the Government of Bangladesh with the request to deal with the problem.

Source

 

[Oracle]

BJYM seeks action against Bangla encroachers
Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Jan 24 – The Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), Assam Pradesh on Monday sought the intervention of Governor JB Patnaik in the matter of eviction of all illegal Bangladeshi migrants from Sattra land as per the order of the Gauhati High Court (CR No 1649/1991, dated March 27, 1997) and the order of the Assam Revenue Board (dated July 18, 2005).
The BJYM has also insisted on a thorough inquiry into the allotment of pattas to people living in the char areas so as to know how many of them are genuine Indian citizens.

The BJYM, which submitted a memorandum to the Governor said that as on date, apart from the problem of insurgency, encroachment on land by the Bangladeshi infiltrators was another major cause of worry.

"The continuing influx of Bangladeshis has changed the demography of the State and now these infiltrators are eying and encroaching on all the available Sattra land, forest and grazing land, tribal and char land in the State," said the youth body warning that if the Government ignores this grave development, the future of the indigenous people of the State would be at stake.

Terming the rampant encroachment as a 'land grab' policy of the Bangladeshis, the BJYM pointed out that a total of 7,000 bighas of land in 39 out of 910 Sattras in the State have been encroached on by the illegal Bangladeshis.

"But the State government has refused to do anything about this problem despite the Gauhati High Court and Assam Revenue Board orders," regretted the BJYM, adding that even the forest covers of the State have dwindled by 12690 hectares at a time when forest covers in India as a whole increased by 45827 hectares. "This is because of large scale encroachment in different national parks by the Bangladeshis," said the BJYM.

The BJYM, referring to the status of the grazing land, said that thousands of bighas of grazing land have been encroached upon.

"Most illegal Bangladeshis make their first landing on the char land and from the chars they migrate to the inland in due course. It is very unfortunate that the State Government has given land pattas to 13047 inhabitants of chars amounting to 39035 bighas of land," remarked the BJYM. It has demanded the implementation of the Assam Land and Revenue Regulation Act, 1886 for protection of tribal land from encroachment by the Bangladeshis and eviction of the infiltrators from the forest and grazing land by applying relevant acts and rules.

Source

 

[Oracle]

Centre-NSCN (I-M) pact likely by year-end
Spl Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Jan 24 – A broad agreement between the Centre and the NSCN (I-M) is likely to be signed later this year, highly placed sources said.
An official said that an agreement setting out the broad outlines of settlement is expected to be arrived at by the end of the year. However, the official declined to comment on the demand for unification of the Naga-inhabited areas spanning across the States of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh.

There is stiff opposition to the demand from the States, admitted the official.

Meanwhile, the visiting NSCN (I-M) leaders on Sunday hinted at some progress in the ongoing talks. The two Naga leaders were accorded a public reception here last evening.

Both the chairman of NSCN (I-M), Isak Chishi Swu and general secretary Th. Muivah, also acknowledged the Centre's "positive" attitude in finding a lasting solution. NSCN (I-M) chairman Isak Chishi Swu said the rebel leadership was in the country at the invitation of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for peace dialogue and hoped that the Centre would keep its promise that any agreement with the outfit would reflect the "unique history" of the Nagas.

Swu, who arrived in New Delhi on Saturday after a year's gap, welcomed Government of India's positive attitude towards the ongoing talks between the group and the interlocutor, RS Pandey. "I thank the Government of India for this initiative and hope that they would not miss the opportunity," he said adding "We acknowledge the positive attitude and effort of the Government for creating such a conducive atmosphere".

Admitting that there were differences among Nagas, he said reconciliation among them was the need of the hour. Addressing the gathering, NSCN (I-M) general secretary Th. Muivah too said the discussions held so far were "positive" and hoped the Centre would do the needful.

The NSCN (I-M) has proposed a federal relationship with the Indian Union with additional financial and legislative powers while the Central Government has offered financial package for socio-cultural development of Naga people.

"If the recognition of the unique history and situation of Nagas is translated into a reality, the solution is not far off. While acknowledging the democracy of India, we can also assure that understanding the right of Naga to self determination will only strengthen India's democracy," the leaders said.

Source

 

[Oracle]

Citizens to defy R-Day boycott call
Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Jan 24 – Even though several extremist groups have urged the public to boycott the Republic Day, more people than ever are expected to hoist the Tricolour in and around the city.
Sushmita, a young professional, said that she would not only raise the national flag but urge her friends to do the same. "Although I am a late riser, on the 26th I will wake up early and hoist the Tricolour at my place," she said.

It would be a rare day for noted conservationist and bureaucrat Dr Anwaruddin Choudhury, who would witness two flags being hoisted in separate venues. Grandson of freedom fighter Abdul Matlib Mazumdar, who was also a Minister in the Gopinath Bardoloi cabinet, Dr Choudhury says that at home the Tricolor would be unfurled in the morning with his entire family in attendance.

"It has been a long tradition in our family, and it creates a nostalgic feeling in all of us," he said. Later he would attend the official celebrations at Latasil.

One of the oldest continuing ceremonies would be witnessed in the Kasturba Gandhi National Memorial Trust premises at Sarania Ashram. Republic Day would be observed with due solemnity by senior Gandhians, including Shakuntala Choudhary, Hema Kakoti, and Preetikana Das, among others.

"We would have a thin attendance as many of our members are away at home, but as on previous occasions, local children and their guardians will be taking part in the flag hoisting," said Hema Kakoti.

Senior doctor and Head of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Gauhati Medical College Hospital, Dr Dhiman Choudhury is keen to show his respect for the national flag. "It is something that we had learnt in our childhood, and it is an opportunity to express our patriotism," he said, adding that his entire family will be together when the Tricolour is raised.

As usual, defying the diktat of militants, members of the journalist fraternity will observe Republic Day and hoist the national flag at 11 am on the premises of Guwahati Press Club.

The journalists and other like-minded people are taking the lead in organising celebrations during both the Independence and Republic Day in the city. They reason that every patriotic Indian should celebrate both the occasions to pay tribute to all martyrs of the freedom struggle.

Ceremonious hoisting of the national flag would take place in many institutions and schools, as well as clubs and other social gatherings.

Source

 

[Tshering22]

Paresh sticks to sovereignty demand

Then I think a more harder stance is needed. ULFA thinks its a tough nut. Alas! If the center was not so weak....

Even though several extremist groups have urged the public to boycott the Republic Day, more people than ever are expected to hoist the Tricolour in and around the city.

ULFA will never surrender. Their elite want power at the cost of disintegrating the country. They are so power hungry that they even kill their own Assamese people that they "claim to protect". ULFA has to go down in a war, to be massacred like WW2.

Both the chairman of NSCN (I-M), Isak Chishi Swu and general secretary Th. Muivah, also acknowledged the Centre's "positive" attitude in finding a lasting solution. NSCN (I-M) chairman Isak Chishi Swu said the rebel leadership was in the country at the invitation of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for peace dialogue and hoped that the Centre would keep its promise that any agreement with the outfit would reflect the "unique history" of the Nagas.

Never seen a bigger bunch of hypocrites than this. If they are so obsessed with Naga identity, how about going back to pre-Christian before British and American missionaries diluted their actual identity through conversions? That they won't do because they want "Nagaland for Christ" policy isn't it? See this is what I despise the most about our NE terrorists. Bloody ******s talk about identity and this and that; but won't stop supporting foreign ideologies and fundings for their dirty job.

The NSCN (I-M) has proposed a federal relationship with the Indian Union with additional financial and legislative powers while the Central Government has offered financial package for socio-cultural development of Naga people. "If the recognition of the unique history and situation of Nagas is translated into a reality, the solution is not far off. While acknowledging the democracy of India, we can also assure that understanding the right of Naga to self determination will only strengthen India's democracy," the leaders said.

These rascal terrorists are talking like they are a different country. I am really concerned now that this government will be the cause of weakening this country's power. The way they are bending backwards for terrorist organizations for the fear of bigoted rights, this way they better abandon the armed forces as well.

"The continuing influx of Bangladeshis has changed the demography of the State and now these infiltrators are eying and encroaching on all the available Sattra land, forest and grazing land, tribal and char land in the State," said the youth body warning that if the Government ignores this grave development, the future of the indigenous people of the State would be at stake.

Hungry for muslim votes from radical Banglas, this government won't do anything to curb the immigration. How many times has this been complained earlier?

There have been lots of uproar in Bangladesh over the killings and the opposition took advantage of the same to launch an attack on Sheikh Hasina Government, which is friendly to India. The Bangladesh Government requested India to restrain the BSF, sources added.

Tell the Bangla civilians to stay in their country or else be shot to death. We are not going to restrain BSF. Bangladesh is for Banglas; not India. So stay there when you have a country for yourself separately.

Official sources also said that encroachments by Bangladeshi nationals backed by the BDR particularly in the adverse possession land were reported to the Government of Bangladesh with the request to deal with the problem.

They only understand the language of guns. Shooting a couple of hundred of them and driving them back would be a better solution. This has been going on for decades. and is getting worse.

 

[Tshering22]

Rage, ULFA's backbone has been broken almost 10 years back. They were successful only in some sporadic activities from time to time. Tarun Gogoi inviting a terrorist to join politics, who has ordered the killing of tens of people is a shame. One more step in accommodating terrorists and criminals in our sham democracy. Why is the law not catching upto him?

Because western style democracy doesn't work in India. I hope more people can understand that freedom is to be within limits otherwise this will cause the nation to break down.

 

[Oracle]

Northeast snubs separatists to celebrate R-Day

Guwahati, Jan 26 (IANS) People in northeast India defied calls by separatist rebels to boycott Republic Day and joined the celebrations across the region amid a strike called by the militants Wednesday, officials said.
"It is heartening to find people coming to attend the Republic Day functions across the region despite calls by some militants to boycott the celebrations," Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said here.

At least six outlawed rebel groups, including the powerful United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), called a 17-hour general strike from 1 a.m. to protest the celebrations marking India's transition to a Republic in 1950.

Militant groups in Assam, Manipur and Tripura called the boycott.

There were sporadic incidents of violence in the run up to Republic Day. Militants in Assam Tuesday bombed a goods train and attacked a passenger bus wounding three people.

"Violence is not an answer to resolve any of the problems and we hope the militant groups join the mainstream and stop all forms of killings and bloodshed," Assam Governor J.B. Patnaik said in his Republic Day speech here.

Regional heads in the insurgency-hit northeastern states of Manipur and Tripura appealed to rebel groups to come for peace talks with the government.

"Our doors for talks with militant groups are open. Problems can be resolved through negotiations and not through the barrel of the gun," Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh told journalists in Imphal.

Militant groups in the seven northeast states have for years boycotted national events to protest New Delhi's rule over the oil and timber-rich region.

There are some 30 rebel groups operating in the region with demands ranging from secession to greater autonomy and the right to self-determination.

Source

 

[Oracle]

Strike hits Republic Day in Meghalaya

Shillong, Jan 26 (IANS) A shutdown called by a militant group affected life in Meghalaya Wednesday as the state celebrated Republic Day.
In Shillong, the state capital, Governor R.S. Mooshahary unfurled the national flag and took the salute at a ceremonial parade.

The celebration was marred by a shutdown called by the outlawed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC).

On Tuesday night, police nabbed two HNLC rebels along with two AK rifles, four magazines and 85 rounds of ammunition from Jowai in Jaintia Hills district.

The HNLC, which conducts hit-and-run operations from its hideout in Bangladesh, wants a sovereign Khasi homeland in the states's eastern part.

"It is a matter of great pride that the law and order situation in the state continues to be stable, peaceful and well under control," Mooshahary said after unfurling the tricolour.

However, the governor lamented the recent outbreak of ethnic violence between Garo and Rabha tribes which he said "leaves unpleasant memories in the minds of the people".

Chief Minister Mukul Sangma unfurled the Indian flag at Baghmara in South Garo Hills district, bordering Bangladesh.

Source

 

[Oracle]

GNLA member killed, camp busted

Shillong, Jan 26 (IANS) Security forces Wednesday busted a training camp of the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) in Meghalaya, killing a guerrilla and arresting three others, police said.
A special operation team backed by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) raided the camp in East Garo Hills district, police said.

"A GNLA cadre was killed in the encounter while three others were arrested," Additional Director General Rajiv Mehta told IANS. Mehta said a number of weapons and explosives were seized from the camp.

The GNLA, which is fighting for a 'sovereign Garoland' in the western area of Meghalaya, is headed by Champion R. Sangma, a policeman-turned-rogue.

The cadres are mostly deserters from the National Democratic Front of Bodoland, Achik National Volunteers Council and Liberation of Achik Elite Force.

Source

 

[Oracle]

No night trains in Assam till Jan 30

KOLKATA, Jan 25 (IANS): Night-time movements along the Guwahati-Lumding section of North East Frontier Railway in Assam have been suspended till Jan 30 to prevent any possible subversive activity in view of Republic Day Wednesday, a railway release said.
Intelligence sources said there were inputs about threats from different militant groups, including the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA).

In a media release, the railways Tuesday said night running of mail/express trains in the entire Assam portion of North East Frontier Railway has been suspended between 5 p.m. and 5 a.m. The restriction implemented on Jan 24 evening will continue till Jan 30. Intelligence Bureau sources said, in the run-up to the 62nd Republic Day, security has been put on maximum alert in view of the threat from the ultra groups.

The list of suspended trains includes most trains running between Guwahati and north Bengal while almost every train linking Guwahati with other Assam towns like Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Nagaon, Dimapur, Tinsukia and Dhubri has been suspended for the next seven days.

Timing of several trains linking Guwahati with New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Puri in Orissa has also been rescheduled, the railway statement said.

NFR spokesperson S. Hazong told IANS: "The train movement during night has been suspended as a preventive measure ahead of Republic day to thwart any possible subversive activity".

"As many as 27 trains, including the Guwahati-Dibrugarh stretches of the Rajdhani Express, have been cancelled between Jan 24 and 30 while several long-distance trains linking Dibrugarh and Guwahati with Kolkata, New Jalpaiguri, New Delhi and Alipurduar have been either regulated or cancelled for some stretches," he said.

Source

 

[Oracle]

Only 9 cases referred to CBI
Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Jan 27 – The Assam Government today admitted that only nine cases relating to eight departments of North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council were sought to be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the central agency has taken over five cases so far.
An official release issued by the Assam Government today said that the Chief Minister had issued instructions on December 17 that all cases of misappropriation in NC Hills district as indicated in the special audit report should be handed over to the CBI. The release said that whenever the State Government hands over any case to the CBI, the case is first registered by the CID. The case so registered by the CID is then transferred by the State Government to the CBI under the provisions of the Section 6 of the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act by issuing a notification. Thereafter, the Government of India gives its consent by issuing notification under section 5 of the same act, the release added.

The release said that as many as nine cases in NC Hills Autonomous Council were referred to the Department of Personnel and Training of the Government of India so that the CBI can take over the cases. The cases include, one case each in the departments of PWD, PHE, Agriculture, Soil Conservation, Forest, Health and Panchayat and Rural Development and two cases in the Social Welfare Department.

The Government of India has so far given its consent for investigation of five cases. The State Government is further examining all the cases of misappropriation mentioned in the special audit report of the Accountant General for referring the same to the CBI, the release added.

From the press release itself, it is clear that all the cases of misappropriation of funds in NC Hills Autonomous Council are yet to be handed over to the CBI.

It may be mentioned here that apart from pointing out specific cases of misappropriation of funds, the special audit by the office of the AG pointed out irregularities on the part of the State Government is release of funds.

The Audit report pointed out that funds in excess of budget provisions were sent to the NC Hills Autonomous Council by the State Government and from the Government release it is clear that the same has not been referred to the CBI so far.

The audit report also revealed that discrepancies were found in the records provided by the Hill Areas Development Department and NC Hills Autonomous Council on receipt of funds by the Council and that has also not been referred to the CBI.

Source

 

[Oracle]

Terror victims' kin stage 8-hour fast
Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Jan 27 – Members of the Forum for Terrorist Victim Families, Assam staged an eight-hour fast since 8 am of January 26 at the Lakhidhar Bora Kshetra in the city in protest against the failure of the Government to respond to their pleas within the stipulated time of January 20.
The Forum had sent memorandums to the Chief Minister, Prime Minister, Home Minister and chairperson of UPA on November 15 last calling for judicial inquiries into the incidents of terrorist killings and punishment to the guilty, compensation to the victims' families and absorption of their eligible persons in government jobs, among others.

President of the Forum Brajen Hazarika told this correspondent that his organization was founded on August 8 last year. Over 500 families, victims of terrorism in the State are associated with it. Efforts are on to unite the other victims' families under the banner of the organization, he said.

For the past three decades, the families of the victims of terrorism were awaiting for government steps to redress their grievances. This has compelled them to unite under a single banner, said Hazarika, son of freedom fighter the late Muhiram Hazarika of Bihpuria in Lakhimpur district. Hazarika had lost two of his brothers in two separate incidents of terrorist violence in December, 1990 and February, 1991.

Source

 

[Oracle]

Rs 434-cr NEC project on road connectivity
Spl Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Jan 28 – As part of the 11th Plan Projects of the North Eastern Council (NEC), Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) has sanctioned road projects amounting Rs 434.23 crore spread across five states of Assam, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Manipur and Mizoram.
Official sources said that Minister DoNER, Bijoy Krishna Handique while sanctioning the projects said they would boost connectivity between the states, as well as connectivity within the states. The NEC is committed towards channelizing similar quantum of funds for improving the road sector in the region.

The projects include improvement of Jowai-Nartiang – Khanduli – Biathanlangsu Road at an estimated cost of Rs. 138.36 crore, which proposes to link Assam and Meghalaya. The Assam portion is 59.55 Km at an estimated cost of Rs.71 crore and the Meghalaya portion is 54.80 Km at an estimated cost of Rs.67.36 crore.

Construction and improvement of Simchuthang – Pabong – Yangyang Road in Sikkim at an estimated cost of Rs.62.84 crore, improvement of Kangokpi – Tamei Road in Manipur at an estimated cost of Rs.87 crore. Upgradation of Sherkha- Bhagabazar Road at an estimated cost of Rs. 146.03 crore and length 115.20 Km. The targeted date of completion of all the projects is 2013- 2014.

The expenditure for the projects would be met from Plan Funds of NEC to the extent of 90 per cent of the approved cost and 10 per cent would be borne by respective State Governments.

Source

 

[Oracle]

Tripura approves Indo-Bangla rail link alignment
Correspondent
AGARTALA, Jan 28 – Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar on Friday said the State Government has approved the alignment for proposed rail link between Akhaura (Agartala) to Gangasagar in Bangaldesh.
The Chief Minister, who was speaking in the 21st Tripura Industries and Commerce Fair here today, said the Railway Ministry had placed the alignment report for the proposed rail connectivity seeking the State Government's nod.

"We have readily agreed on the proposed alignment as it will be feasible for both sides. Now, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be signed between India and Bangladesh and hopefully the work will flag off shortly", he said.

A joint survey to prepare the alignment for the 16 km Indo-Bangla rail link was carried out in September and later it was placed before the both governments for final decision.

The Chief Minister also made it clear that the construction of a bridge over river Feni in South Tripura district would also begin soon as the final alignment has already been made.

Referring to the Centre's query on whether the State Government is ready to take up the construction work, Sarkar said "If Centre fails to fund the project, the State will spend Rs 12 crore to get the work done".

According to the survey, the distant between Sabroom and Chittgong port stands at only 72 km, which will provide a major boost to the connectivity between the two sides.

The Chief Minister also underlined need to introduce air service between Agartala-Dhaka-Guwahati to explore potential in trade and commerce.

However, he criticised the Centre for delaying the face lift of Assam-Agartala National Highway (NH-44) even after Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh's announcement. "We want the Centre to expedite the work for better connectivity to the landlocked Tripura", he added.

Source

 

[Oracle]

11 Naga ultras surrender in Manipur
Correspondent
IMPHAL, Jan 28 – Eleven cadres of various Naga underground groups laid down their arms at a surrender ceremony held at Army headquarter at Leimakhong, around 25 km from here on Thursday.
Six cadres of the NSCN-IM surrendered with one G3 rifle and six live rounds, two 7.35 mm pistol, 0.22 pistol, one AK-47 rifle and two Chinese hand grenades. Two NSCN-K cadres surrendered with one 0.22 pistol and 7.62 mm rifle.

FNG/NNC cadres deposited three 7.35 mm pistols. The cadres laid down their weapons before Major General DS Hooda, GOC of 57 Mountain Division. Speaking on the occasion, Major General DS Hooda, complimented them for their courage and wisdom in choosing to become responsible citizens of the State.

Source

 

[Tshering22]

No night trains in Assam till Jan 30

Why stop the transport just because of a bunch of loonies? Oracle, if you have some of those pics of the new faster trains they started from Durgapur (I think), paste them. Can't the Railways introduce high speed trains in Assam and onwards? How long will they keep worrying about back-broken residue of ULFA scumbags? Bihar was in similar situation 10 years ago, but today it is an inspiration to all the states in east India. There has to be some solution to this mess. If Tibet railways can be constructed, then there is certainly no problem making platform for a (not bullet train) slightly faster train service (200-250 Kmph).

Six cadres of the NSCN-IM surrendered with one G3 rifle and six live rounds, two 7.35 mm pistol, 0.22 pistol, one AK-47 rifle and two Chinese hand grenades.

You see where this is coming from? How difficult it is for the GOI to take these matters up with Dragon eh? Chinese arms factories are state-run meaning that unless and until THEY intentionally sell to terrorists, no one can smuggle arms easily from them. That idiot Chidambaram has to learn to accept facts and pressure government to raise this issue of Chinese arms being seen more frequently in the custody of terrorists.

 

[Oracle]

Concern over China-ultra link
R Dutta Choudhury
GUWAHATI, Jan 29 – Growing links between the militant outfits with China has started ringing alarm bells in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), as in recent times China has started taking keen interest in the activities of the militant groups of the region. The Chinese interest came out in the open once again after Wang Qing, a 39-year old woman from China was detained and questioned by the security agencies.
Highly placed sources in the MHA told The Assam Tribune that Qing, who visited Nagaland posing as a journalist was detained in Dimapur and was later shifted to Delhi for questioning. Sources said that the lady was on a mission to assess the strength of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (I-M), including the cadre strength and the mass base of the outfit. India has informed China of her activities and she was deported back to China. "India did not want to create bad blood with China by arresting Qing but India's concern over such activities was informed to the Chinese authorities," sources added.

MHA sources said that majority of the active militant groups of the North East now want to solve their problems through talks and the changed situation in Bangladesh has also added to the problems of the militant groups. Under the circumstances, links with China would be beneficial for both as the militants need foreign help, directly or indirectly, while, on the other hand, it is always beneficial for China if trouble in the region continues. The questioning of Qing also revealed some vital information about the links of the militants with China and it is now clear that the militants are in touch with the Public Security Bureau of China.

Sources revealed that at one point of time, the militant groups not only received shelter in Bangladesh, but also received other assistance including Bangladeshi passports from the authorities of Bangladesh. But the changed situation in Bangladesh forced the militants to turn to China. It is a fact that the links with the militants with China was not new and way back in the early 1970s, the NNC received help from China, while, other militant groups also received help. But the situation started changing after the then External Affairs Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee visited China in 1978 and the relation between India and China further improved after the visit of the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1985. But of late, China has started taking interest in the activities of the militant groups. However, before providing direct or indirect help to anyone, China always sends its own people to carry out surveys of ground realities discreetly.

Replying to a question as to why the NSCN, which is under cease-fire agreement, would like to take help from China, sources said that the outfit is suspected to be involved in illegal trading of weapons and one senior leader of the outfit, Anthony Shimrey was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for his alleged involvement in gun running on behalf of the outfit. On the other hand, it is an established fact that the militant groups of NE are using the weapons discarded by the Chinese army as a part of its modernization drive and the possibility of China providing weapons to the NSCN cannot be ruled out.

Source

 

[Oracle]

Why stop the transport just because of a bunch of loonies? Oracle, if you have some of those pics of the new faster trains they started from Durgapur (I think), paste them. Can't the Railways introduce high speed trains in Assam and onwards? How long will they keep worrying about back-broken residue of ULFA scumbags? Bihar was in similar situation 10 years ago, but today it is an inspiration to all the states in east India. There has to be some solution to this mess. If Tibet railways can be constructed, then there is certainly no problem making platform for a (not bullet train) slightly faster train service (200-250 Kmph).

Tshering, the terrain in the NE is very difficult for search and comb operartions for the Armed Forces. It is diffcult than Kashmir. And ULFA is not that powerful a terrorist group now, as it used to be. But then there are NDFB and other terrorist groups. And in the scenario of important National Holidays, it does make sense to be alert.

New speed trains that have been introduced from Durgapur does not have operations in NE states. They may have services till Guwahati, but that is not known to me.
In remote places of NE, where-ever there is a rail connection, all those are British built and is maintained by NEF Railways now. Check this:

"1903" clearly is engraved on the top of the tunnel , which means built in "1903"

The problem is that GoI has woken up from sleep a little too late regarding the NE states. Only Dimpaur has a train station in Nagalan, Mizroam and Arunachal does not have any. There are though various projects on papers, I hope they become reality soon.

You see where this is coming from? How difficult it is for the GOI to take these matters up with Dragon eh? Chinese arms factories are state-run meaning that unless and until THEY intentionally sell to terrorists, no one can smuggle arms easily from them. That idiot Chidambaram has to learn to accept facts and pressure government to raise this issue of Chinese arms being seen more frequently in the custody of terrorists.

I really do not know if GoI has taken these matters up with the Chinese. However, Chinese influence in most NE states through their proxies a.k.a domestoc terrorist groups cannot be neglected.

 

[Oracle]

Scams in NE States may cross Rs 50,000 cr: BJP
Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Jan 29 – Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national secretary Dr Kirit Somaiya today alleged that the amount of corruption in the eight Northeastern States in the year 2009-10 may cross a whopping Rs 50,000 crore, of which Assam has a share of nearly 40 per cent.
Somaiya, on a tour of the Northeast as a part of the fact finding committee of BJP, claimed that the party has legal documents and other evidences that would be put up in the Parliament to demand a thorough CBI probe into all these scams.

Addressing the media here, he said that the committee consisting of party MP Bijoya Chakravarty, BJP general secretary Tapur Gao and himself would submit its detailed report on corruption in the Northeast to party president Nitin Gadkari on February 11 at Delhi.

The committee had visited various parts of Arunachal, Assam and Manipur.

"On February 15, the report would be submitted to the President of India urging her to take action against fraudulent politicians. If required, we would also move the court on certain issues that include PDS scam of Assam," said Somaiya.

"We would also inform the President that in spite of strictures and exposures by the CAG, the Congress governments at the Centre and in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur are not taking action."

Lambasting the Tarun Gogoi- led State Government for deep-rooted corruption in the State, the BJP leader said that misappropriation of fund and fraud in the government system are becoming a routine in Assam. "Despite the special inspection report by the CAG that unearthed large-scale misappropriation of fund in the NC Hills, the State government did not bother to respond to the CAG queries," he added.

Citing the examples of misappropriation of rural development fund in Morigaon (Rs 52 lakh), siphoning of NREGA fund at Phemachi Zilla Parishad (Rs 38 lakh) and other embezzlements brought to light by the AG's report, the BJP leader demanded a CBI investigation of all the misappropriations pointed out by the special inspection report. Also flaying the union government for not taking proper steps to control the unabated price rise of all the essential commodities, he said that rise in the prices of onion up to Rs 80 per kg is a big scam of the UPA government that helped the unscrupulous section to pocket thousands of crores of rupees.

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Rio urged to deal with "Frontier State" demand

KOHIMA, Jan 29 – Congress Legislature Party (CLP) in Nagaland has urged the Neiphiu Rio Government to address the sensitive issue of separate State demand by Eastern Nagaland Public Organisation (ENPO) without further delay.
The CLP issued a statement expressing grave concern over the demand for creation of "Frontier Nagaland" comprising four border districts of the State after its meeting in Dimapur yesterday.

The opposition Congress asserted that the matter should not be shifted to the bureaucrats alone but should be handled politically by the State Government as it is delicate and involves the aspiration of a large section of the Naga people.

The opposition legislators said a political panel instead of an administrative committee is imperative to instil the confidence among the Eastern Nagas.

Considering intricacies of the issue, the party asked the State Government to take bold political decisions to resolve the problem. The CLP pointed out that the common perception was that the presence of substantial political leadership (in eastern part of Nagaland) had not made any difference in equitable presence of bureaucracy in key positions and proportionate employees in the government establishments.

Maintaining that elected members have the constitutional obligation to protect and preserve the integrity of the State, the Congress said the DAN Government should have taken concrete political steps to address the issue.

Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha MP, Khekiho Zhimomi said the demand for a separate State is a slight setback to the Naga political struggle for unity and integration but the grievances of the Eastern Nagas could be resolved by the DAN Government under the leadership of Rio.

He told newsmen at the sidelines of a function near Dimapur that the development and employment need of the border tribes could be redressed to the level of their maximum satisfaction. – PTI

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