North East Security Watch

[nandu]

Huge cache of arms seized from DHD in Assam

A huge cache of arms, including 28 AK-47 rifles, belonging to insurgent outfit DHD(J) was unearthed in central Assam's North Cachar Hills district, police said today.

A joint team of police and Army recovered 48 assorted weapons buried in a jungle at Thana Lambra in Haflong police station area late last night following interrogation of arrested Dima Halam Daogah (Jewel Garlosa) faction leader Niranjan Hojai.

The recoveries included 28 AK-47 assault rifles, eight SLRs, five M-16 rifles, two M-21 rifles, three pistols, one OG rifle and a grenade launcher, police said.

During interrogation by National Investigation Agency (NIA) which recently arrested him from Indo-Nepal border, Hojai gave the lead to the buried arms in the jungle.

Jewel and 12 others were produced in a local court here yesterday in connection to the multi-crore N C Hills Scam and were remanded to 14 days police custody.

The ethnic underground group DHD-J had unleashed violence in the hill district and are demanding a separate "Dimaraji" state.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/other-states/article509472.ece

 

[Oracle]

ULFA intensifies extortion drive in upper Assam
CORRESPONDENT
DOOMDOOMA, July 9 – At a time when efforts are being made to facilitate peace talks between the government and the banned ULFA, the outfit has intensified its extortion activities in upper Assam, specially in Tinsukia and Dibrugarh districts. The outfit has served extortion notices on the tea planters and traders demanding amount between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 25 lakh.
Two recent incidents in Tinsukia district laid the truth bare. On June 17, suspected ULFA militants created terror in Bajraugpur tea estate situated at Misimikata of Talap under Doomdooma police station. On that day, two militants came to the tea garden office, and burnt down documents opened fire with Ak-47 at the residence of the TE manager. The manager Indra Kumar Baruah had a narrow escape in the incident. Later, it was learnt that ULFA had demanded Rs 10 lakh from the garden and the garden authority did not pay the money.

Similarly, in another incident, suspected ULFA militants burnt down two trucks and the motorbike of the manager of Luit tea estate on July 1 at Phillobari Bijuliban area under Pengeree police station. The manager of the garden Sandhan Kr Tamuly, assistant manger Bhaskar Charingia Phukan and two labourers of the garden were beaten up by the militants. The outfit had asked the owner of the tea estate DC Roy to pay up Rs 10 lakh which they letter never paid, leading to the incident.

According to information, several businessmen of Tinsukia district have left the State after receiving extortion notice from ULFA. On the other hand, taking advantage of the situation, some youths involved in anti-social activities have also started demanding money from the businessmen in the name of ULFA.

http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/detailsnew.asp?id=jul1010/state05

 

[Oracle]

Assam CM invites ULFA chief to join politics

Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Thursday invited United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa to join politics, saying that let him serve people through politics.

"Let Rajkhowa join politics if he wants to serve people," Times Now quoted Gogoi, as saying.

Gogoi's comments follow the verdict of the TADA court here, which granted bail to him in view of the state government's decision not to oppose his bail application as a part of the government's policy to take the peace process forward.

The banned ULFA chairman is likely to be released from jail on Friday, a year since his arrest after being nabbed by Bangladesh security agencies and handed over to Indian authorities.

The special TADA court, which heard his bail plea today, had deferred the hearing thrice earlier, as the court had sought reports from the home and political department in this regard.

Most top ULFA leaders including ULFA ideologue Bhimakanta Buragohain, vice-chairman Pradip Gogoi, publicity secretary Mithinga Daimary, cultural secretary Pranati Deka and deputy commander-in-chief Raju Barua have been already released on bail.

Source

 

[sandeepdg]

Ulfa chief freed, ready for unconditional talks


GUWAHATI: A year after his arrest, Ulfa chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa walked out of prison on New Year's Day, raising hopes for an end to decades of violence in Assam.

"We are ready to hold unconditional talks with the government," said Rajkhowa, one of the founders of Ulfa, which launched a bloody campaign for a 'sovereign Assam' in 1978. The Ulfa boss was released from the Guwahati Central Jail where he had been kept since his arrest in Bangladesh in December 2009. On Thursday, a designated TADA court gave him bail after the state government did not oppose his release.

Cries of "Arabinda Rajkhowa Zindabad" and "Ulfa Zindabad" greeted Rajkhowa as he stepped out of the prison at around 8.15am. He was welcomed by members of his family and nearly 50 Ulfa sympathizers. "There are no differences within Ulfa over the peace process. We are ready to hold talks without any pre-conditions. But the government has to free all jailed leaders, including Chitraban Hazarika and Sasadhar Choudhury," Rajkhowa told reporters.

Hazarika and Choudhury are Ulfa's foreign and finance secretaries. Rajkhowa pressed for participation of Ulfa general secretary Anup Chetia in negotiations. "Chetia is currently in the safe custody in Bangladesh. Since he has an important role to play in the peace process, I ask authorities to get him back to India from Bangladesh as soon as possible," he said.

Rajkhowa also hinted about the possibility of Ulfa commander-in-chief Paresh Baruah joining talks. Baruah, who is reportedly holed up in Myanmar, has refused to be a part of the peace process as long as the government does not agree to discuss the Ulfa's demand for a sovereign country. Rajkhowa thanked the Jatia Abhibartan, a citizens' forum, for facilitating the peace process between Ulfa and the government.

CM hopes for peace on Ulfa front

Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi, while expressing his delight over the release of Ulfa chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa, on Saturday said that he hopes for the beginning of peace talks between the two sides. "I am happy about his (Arabinda Rajkhowa) release. And with this a message is also given that with peace talks the matter could be resolved," Gogoi said. He added that the state government would not wait for Ulfa commander-in-chief Paresh Barua for talks, but he is welcome to join in.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/...r-unconditional-talks/articleshow/7203572.cms

 

[LurkerBaba]

ULFA military chief in China: Top UNLF leader

New Delhi: Paresh Baruah, the military chief of the banned outfit United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), seems to be enjoying hospitality in China as his presence in the neighbouring country has been confirmed by the arrested head of a Manipuri militant group.

United National Liberation Front (UNLF) chief RK Sanayaima alias Meghen, arrested last month in Bihar by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), confessed during interrogation that he had met the elusive 'commander-in-chief' of ULFA during the 2010 Shanghai World Expo.

Highly-placed sources said the Manipuri militant leader also told NIA investigators that both of them had intensive talks in Shanghai about the activities of the two outfits, future plans, arms procurement, and the casualties suffered during the offensive launched by security forces.

The Shanghai World Expo was held between May 1 to October 31, 2010.


Sources said 54-year-old Baruah has been mostly based in Yunnan province of China bordering Myanmar but he frequents northern Myanmar's Kachin areas.

Interestingly, External Affairs Minister SM Krishna had informed the Rajya Sabha last month that India had taken up with China the issue of Baruah's presence in that country in the wake of reports that Chinese authorities have issued a visa to him.

"Government has seen media reports of such visit. The matter was taken up with the Chinese side, which has denied his presence in China...," Krishna had said.

The ULFA leader, against whom an Interpol Red corner notice was issued on February 14, 1997, has been steadfastly opposed to any peace dialogue with the government to bring a lasting peace in insurgency-hit Assam, even though most of his colleagues including 'chairman' Arabinda Rajkhowa are ready for talks.

Centre's interlocutor PC Haldar on Wednesday indicated that the dialogue with the ULFA may begin in the next few weeks as the government and the outfit's leadership were inching closer to start the parleys.

Rajkhowa, after a meeting with Haldar on Thursday appealed to the government to facilitate extradition of ULFA's general secretary Anup Chetia from Bangladesh in the interest of the peace talks.

Though Rajkhowa was mum about Baruah's participation in dialogue, Haldar said, "It is not about holding talks with Paresh Baruah or anybody else. For us we are holding talks with the ULFA, not with individuals."

 

[Oracle]

13 ultras surrender in Manipur

Sobhapati Samom
IMPHAL, Jan 17 – Thirteen hardcore militants of five underground groups including a self-styled commander and captain have surrendered to Assam Rifles officers at their headquarter at Mantripukhuri near here on Monday.
The self-styled commander Ningthoujam Ranbir Singh alias NRK Singh of the banned Kangleipak Communist Party (Oken) and self-styled captain Thokchom Sanahalba Singh of the proscribed Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup were among the surrenderees.

The other surrendered militants were from KCP (Oken), People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak, United National Liberation Front and United Naga People's Council and handed over a huge cache of arms and ammunition which included two AK Rifles with magazines, one M-16 rifle with magazine, eight pistols with magazines, one Lathod with four bombs,14 live rounds of AK 47, 45 live rounds of Pistol, 10 live rounds of M-16 and one Kenwood Radio set.

Maj Gen CA Krishnan, Inspector General of Assam Rifles (South) speaking on the 'home coming' ceremony of the militants assured that the government will ensure in providing a way for their future life under the existing surrender policy.

Last year, 83 militants of various underground outfits had laid down their arms and surrendered to Assam Rifles.

Source

 

[Oracle]

ULFA general council meet likely in Feb
Correspondent
NALBARI, Jan 20 – The much-awaited executive body meeting of United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) was held at a secret location in Nalbari district today after about eight years.
The executive meeting reportedly passed five resolutions including the decision to hold the general council meeting within the month of February. However, the ULFA leadership maintained secrecy regarding the decisions of the executive body meeting.

A high-level ULFA leader on condition of anonymity said that the ULFA leadership this morning gathered at the Charia residence of deputy commander-in-chief Raju Barua and then left the village for a secret location. Sources further said that executive body meeting, presided over by ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa, was attended by vice-president Pradip Gogoi, deputy commander-in-chief Raju Barua, foreign secretary Sasha Choudhury, finance secretary Chitraban Hazarika, adviser Bhimkanta Burhagohain, publicity secretary, Mithinga Daimari, women wing chief Kaberi Kachari, cultural secretary Pranati Deka and executive member Anu Burhagohain. It is said that the meeting continued for more than one hour and was attended by two-thirds majority members of the executive body of the outfit.

The sources added that the executive meeting decided to send a letter to ULFA's commander-in-chief Paresh Barua to invite him to join the proposed peace talks. They also decided to mount pressure on the Union Government for handing over ULFA's general secretary Anup Chetia, who is in the custody of Bangladesh government. The ULFA will ensure the participation of Chetia in the general council meet.

It may be mentioned here that the ULFA's last executive body meeting was held in Bangladesh in 2003.

Source

 

[Oracle]

Division in ULFA comes to fore
Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Jan 22 – The security agencies are apprehensive of the sudden activities of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) commander-in-chief Paresh Barua and according to intelligence inputs, the ULFA leader has also instructed his loyalists to go for fresh recruitments.
Highly placed security sources told The Assam Tribune that Barua kept a low profile for some time but he has become active after news about preparations by the pro-talk group among the ULFA leaders for holding a meeting of the Central committee of the outfit started appearing in media. Sources pointed out that from the statements of the ULFA C-in-C, the division in the ranks of the outfit on the issue of talks has come out in the open.

Sources said that by releasing a photo of him along with his armed supporters, Paresh Barua tried to prove his strength, but at the same time, it was a "tactical mistake" on his part. The security forces did not have Barua's latest photograph and the faces of most of his supporters were not known to the forces. But after the release of the photo, the faces of some of the hardcore militants including that of Bijoy Chinese are now known to the forces, sources pointed out.

Commenting on the strength of the faction headed by Paresh Barua, sources pointed out that more than 80 persons with sophisticated weapons were with the ULFA leader in the photo released to the media recently, while majority of the ULFA cadres in the camps in Myanmar are still with Barua. There are fence sitters among the ULFA members who may change their loyalty at any given moment and it is an established fact that fresh recruitments, though in small numbers, are still going on. Under the present circumstances, the strength of the anti-talk group of the ULFA cannot be undermined, sources said.

Sources, however, said that though the ULFA leaders who are favouring talks, were not operationally very active for some time, they have hold over the cadres and a good number of cadres including those belonging to the 709, 109 and 27 battalions of the outfit have come forward in support of the peace talks.

Source

 

[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]

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]

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]

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

 

[Oracle]

ULFA meet
Correspondent
TEZPUR, Jan 29 – The last and final executive council meeting of ULFA on peace negotiation will be held tomorrow at an undisclosed location in Tezpur. Top ULFA leaders will take resolution on several decisions regarding peace negotiations at this meeting. According to sources, ULFA will induct several top leaders of 709 and 109 battalion in the executive meeting.
Recently freed jailed ULFA leaders are away from the people after holding a series of executive meetings this month. People of Assam, who favour a settlement on this problem, are in total darkness as top ULFA leaders, including their publicity secretary, are not providing any feedback.

Source

 

[Oracle]

Hydel projects to thwart Chinese designs
Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Jan 31 – The Union Ministry of Power (MoP) has argued that the timely grant of environment and forest clearances for the proposed hydel projects in Arunachal Pradesh is crucial to ensure India's right over the Brahmaputra, which is facing a grave danger of being diverted by China. This has been reported by the energyline india.com, an Internet portal on the country's power sector in its latest issue.
In a recent communication to the Cabinet Secretariat, the MoP has demanded that the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) act fast on consideration of projects being proposed in the Siang river basin of Brahmaputra to facilitate their speedy execution.

Besides, quick green approvals for projects in this hydropower rich State are also required if the country is to achieve its target of nearly 1,50,000 to 2,00,000 MW of fresh capacity addition over the 12th and 13th Plan periods, so as to sustain an annual growth rate of nine per cent for the economy, said the MoP communication, as quoted by the power sector portal.

In another report, the portal said that the MoP also brushed aside the apprehensions expressed by the Arunachal Pradesh Government regarding the safety of the dam at NHPC's 2,000 MW Subansiri Lower project, claiming that all the relevant recognized institutes of the country were consulted to set the design parameters for the project.

The MoP maintains that the Central Water Commission (CWC), Geological Survey of India (GSI), Central Soil & Materials Research Station, Delhi and Central Water and Power Research Station, Pune as well as IIT Roorkee, have all checked and approved the project parameters, with regards to all safety aspects as well.

Besides, considering the fact that the entire Himalayas lie in a Seismic Zone-V, extensive survey and investigation activities are carried out post allocation for all the hydel projects, to prepare their Detailed Project Reports (DPR), which are then vetted by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) for concurrence.

While doing so, the CEA also examines various technical aspects, including the dam safety and design of various structures in consultation with CWC and GSI.

Further, site specific seismic studies are also carried out for all the hydel projects and put up before the National Committee on Seismic Design Parameters for their recommendations, thereby leaving no room for any potential danger, said the repot of the portal referring to the claims the MoP.

Source

 

[Oracle]

Centre may extend ULFA ban
Spl Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Jan 31 – Even as the decks are being cleared to hold peace dialogue with ULFA, the Centre is all set to extend the ban on the militant outfit for another two years under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
An Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Tribunal today issued notices to Chief Secretaries of Meghalaya and Nagaland

Government to make submissions. The case is now scheduled to come up for hearing on February 14. The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Tribunal sought the opinion of Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland, besides Assam on the Centre's proposal.

The case had last come up for hearing on December 24, when all the parties were asked to submit their opinion within a month. ULFA, too, has been given one month time to submit their opinion before the Tribunal. The militant outfit has so far not given their opinion though it has time till February 13 to do so.

The case came up for hearing today in Mukta Gupta Tribunal, when Assam Government sought some time to submit a few documents in support of its bid to extend the ban. The Counsel for Arunachal Pradesh was also present, while the Union Government represented by its Counsel, additional Solicitor General AS Chandok.

All the four States are expected to seek further extension of the ban on ULFA. The dreaded outfit was first banned in 1979. The ban was last extended in April 2009, when all the States sought further ban on the outfit. The same year neighbouring States were for the first time asked to give their opinion.

The Union Government supports classifying ULFA as a "terrorist group" due to its "terrorist skills", which is posing a challenge to the security of Assam and other neighbouring States, the Tribunal was told.

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) had last year decided to extend the ban on ULFA taking note of the activities of the outfit and refusal of its military chief Paresh Barua to come on board and sit for talks.

Source

 

[Oracle]

ULFA general council meet concludes
CORRESPONDENT
NALBARI, Feb 1 – Finally, the general council meeting of the banned militant outfit United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) concluded at a makeshift camp of Helacha in Nalbari district late last night. The general council meeting was attended by the representatives from the all four battalions of the outfit including 709, 109, 27 and 28 battalions besides the central executive body.
The general council meeting presided over by chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa was attended by adviser Bhimkanta Buragohain, finance secretary Chitraban Hazarika, foreign secretary, Sasha Chaudhury, deputy commander-in-chief Raju Baruah, cultural secretary Pranati Deka, publicity secretary Mithinga Daimary, women wing chief Kaberi Kachari commander of 709 battalion Hira Sarania, commander of 109 battalion Gulit Das, second commander of 28 battalion Haren Phukan. The other leaders of the outfit who attended the general council meeting are Phanindra Medhi alias Lebu, Sarang Patowary alias Akash Thapa, Plaban Hazarika, Indrajit Medhi, Biju Deka, Mukul Pathak, Nirupam Barman, Runumi Chetia Phukan.

Highly-placed sources of the outfit said that all total 180 cadres of the outfit in Army fatigue took part in the general council meeting. While the cadres sat on the ground, the leaders were on the makeshift dais.

Sources said that the ULFA chief Arabinda Rajkhowa informed the general council members that the proposed talk between the outfit and the Union Government is in the right direction. Sources further added that senior leader like Mama wanted talks on the issue of sovereignty. However, most of the leaders favoured the peace talks. The general council meeting reportedly discussed the issue passed in the central executive body meeting. The resolutions adopted in the general council meeting are likely to be published in a press conference to be held on February 5 next.

The sources further stated that at the end of the general council meeting, the outfit also organised a cultural show at the makeshift camp. In the cultural programme, ULFA chief Arabinda Rajkhowa, cultural secretary Pranati Deka, Hira Sarania and Mani Brahma sung patriotic songs while Mithinga Daimary recited a poem to enthrall the cadres.

However, ULFA's vice-chairman Pradip Gogoi was absent in the general council meet. Before the general council meeting, the ULFA flag was also hoisted by the chairman.

Source

 

[Oracle]

NE ultras must abjure violence: PM
Spl Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Feb 1 – Militant outfits of the North-east have to express desire for peace and show willingness to abjure violence for the Centre to respond positively in full measure in considering the demands.
Clarifying Centre's position, Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh said what is essential is a genuine desire for peace and a willingness to abjure the path of violence. "It is the commitment of our government, that if these two conditions are satisfied we will respond in full measure in considering the demands of various groups," he added.

"There has been fruitful engagement with several groups in 2010 and we wish to deepen this process of engagement this year," Dr Singh said.

The Prime Minister was delivering the inaugural address at the Conference of Chief Ministers on Internal Security here at Vigyan Bhavan on Tuesday. Chief Minister, Tarun Gogoi did not attend the Conference.

Acknowledging the decline in level of violence in the North-east, the Prime Minister said highlight of last year has been the change in the situation in the North-east. "The trend of declining violence and casualties continued in 2010, and I have been told that violence is at its lowest levels in many years," Dr Singh said.

"I have repeatedly stated that the Indian Constitution is a remarkably flexible instrument, capable of accommodating a diverse range of aspirations," the Prime Minister said.

Echoing the Prime Minister, Home Minister, P Chidambaram reported that there has been a dramatic change in the situation in the North-east. 2010 witnessed the lowest level of violence in many years.

Barring Assam and Manipur, the other States have shown remarkable improvement. No civilian was killed in Nagaland or Mizoram. No security personnel were killed in Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland or Mizoram. Nine insurgent groups are in talks with the Government or are poised to commence talks, Chidambaram said.

"The time has come to change our perceptions of the insurgent groups. So long as they are willing to talk and reach honourable and just settlements, we must treat their leaders honourably and fairly; we must give their cadres an opportunity to return to the mainstream of society and start new lives; and we must prepare the people for reconciliation. We hope to be able to conclude agreements with some of the groups in the near future," he said.

At the Conference, the Chief Minister raised the issue of ban imposed on mobile pre-paid connections in the North-east, the Home Minister told newsmen.

The meeting discussed the fragile security situation in the North Eastern Region and noted that the number of violent incidents in the NE States last year had come down from 1297 in 2009 to 773 last year. Similarly, number of security personnel and civilians killed, has come down significantly.

In Manipur, the number of civilians and security personnel killed has come down from 81 to 33 and 19 and six, respectively.

The conference further discussed the inability of the States to complete the projects for developments of infrastructure. Many States have been sanctioned funds for strengthening of infrastructure for capacity building. However, none of the State including Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura has completed the project.

The conference of Chief Ministers also reviewed construction of strategic border roads along Indo-Bangladesh and Indo-Bhutan borders. Assam and few other States have been asked by the Centre to expedite the advance preparatory work like land acquisition, statutory clearances to start the project by April.

Source

 

[Oracle]

Army pays homage to Patharughat martyrs
Correspondent
MANGALDAI, Feb 2 – 'In the history of the freedom struggle of India, the massacre of Patharughat is no less important than that of the Jallianwala Bagh in Punjab. In fact it happened well before the freedom movement and thus the poor farmers of Patharughat paved the way for the Indian freedom movement. But the people of the nation have very little knowledge about it. Fortunately things have now changed and people have started exploring this historical development," said Maj Gen Nav Kiran Santosh Ghei, GOC, Red Horn Division of the Army while paying homage to the 140 peasant martyrs at Patharughat in Darrang amid full military honours on January 29.
Speaking at the function organised by the 65 Field Regiment under Red Horn as the chief guest, Maj Gen Ghei further said that Patharughat is a symbol of freedom, sacrifice and unity and so we must take a promise that we would not let the rare sacrifices of the brave peasants for the noble cause of our freedom be forgotten.We should maintain this tradition of remembering these martyrs with more and more enthusiasm and involvement.

Earlier Maj Gen Ghei offered floral wreath on the martyrs' memorial tomb constructed by Indian Army a decade ago. Later talking to mediapersons, he informed of their future plan to construct a children's park at Patharughat in memory of the peasant martyrs under Operation Sadbhavana.

While addressing the august gathering, Kumud Chandra Kalita, Deputy Commissioner, Darrang appealed to the GOC, Red Horn Division of the Army to extend cooperation to the proposed national-level seminar on Patharughat Peasants' Uprising in New Delhi which is to be organised under the initiative of the Darrang district administration.

The ceremony was also attended by the Brigadier of 21 Mountain Artillery Brigade, VK Tiwary, Thaneswar Malakar, Deputy Commissioner, Udalguri, Superintendent of Police, Udalguri, Debojit Deori, Dr Nagendra Nath Sarma, president, Darrang Zila Sahitya Sabha and higher Army officials of Darrang and Udalguri along with hundreds of local people. Various patriotic cultural programmes were also performed to the mark the occasion. An all religious prayer meeting was also held at the beginning of the function.

Source

 

[ajtr]

ULFA may stick to 'sovereignty'​

Even as there have been speculations over whether the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) had given up its demand for sovereignty following release of its leaders on bail, the outfit Thursday gave clear indications that there was no chance it would forgo its "basic" demand.
In fact, ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa would probably ask the government to include the "sovereignty" issue in the first round of talks scheduled to be held in New Delhi on February 9 and 10.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had three years ago agreed to discuss all "core issues" with the ULFA. For the outfit "sovereignty" is one of its core issues.

"We have not taken any decision for giving up the demand for sovereignty. Nothing of that sort had come up when our central executive council and general council met recently," a senior ULFA leader, who refused to be named, told The Indian Express.

The ULFA central executive council met in Nalbari last week despite the absence of commander-in-chief Paresh Barua, who has refused to join the peace process, and general secretary Anup Chetia.

The Union Home Ministry last week fixed February 9 and 10 as tentative dates for the first round of talks with the ULFA. The outfit on Thursday said that it would make a formal announcement on the proposed talks on Saturday.

Union Home Secretary G K Pillai is likely to head the government side and Home Minister P Chidambaram is likely to attend the opening round on day one. Former IB chief P C Haldar, who is the Centre's interlocutor, will also be present. Haldar has already held several meetings with Rajkhowa and other ULFA leaders in the past few weeks.

The Centre is understood to have convinced ULFA leaders to sit for the "preliminary" discussions without any preconditions from either side. Rajkhowa, who was released on bail on January 1, had written to Assam CM Tarun Gogoi, expressing willingness to sit for talks without preconditions.

 

[Rage]

6 WWF volunteers abducted at Manas
Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Feb 7 - Security operations are under way in an area under Manas Tiger Reserve to extract six young volunteers abducted by an unidentified armed group on February 6. According to official sources, local people have joined efforts in seeking the release of the three women and three men who were volunteering for WWF-India near the Ultapani area of Kokrajhar district.
According to an WWF-India personnel, the six volunteers are Syed Naushad Zaman of Golaghat, Srabana Goswami of Guwahati, Gautam Kishore Sarma, Pallavi Chakravarty of Shillong, Pranjal Saikia of Nagaon and Tarali Goswami of Nalbari.

The volunteers were working as a team in a WWF-India survey on Tiger Occupancy in the Manas Tiger Reserve and were collaborating with a local NGO. Yesterday two others who were also abducted were released, but the six WWF volunteers were held back, he added.

They had better the heck do something about this soon.

Paresh Barua rejects ULFA talks with Govt

Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Feb 7 – The split with the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) has widened with the hardline faction of the outfit hitting out against the pro-talk group. The hardliners headed by commander-in-chief Paresh Barua also made it clear that they would not be a part of the process of talks.
In a statement to the media, publicity wing in charge of the ULFA, Arunodoi Dohotiya said that a meeting of the ULFA was held in the general headquarters of the outfit on February 5 and 6 to discuss the present situation. The meeting was attended among others, by Paresh Barua and Jiban Moran, the statement said.

Paresh Barua's colors exposed. Any faction, negotiating from a point of weakness and refusing to engage in pro-peace talks with the stronger, is an agent of a foreign hand.


Paresh Baruah with his Money and Gun supreme struggle

: Priyanuj Gohain, February 08, 2011


While entire Assam is holding its breath for the peace talks between Government and ULFA leaders to officially commence in few days, the most debated question have been whether the talks would be fruitful without ULFA C-in-C Paresh Baruah faction participating in the same. There is no doubt that Paresh Baruah's actual involvement in the talks was important, – but the avid question is why exactly he has kept himself away from the process although there was scope of discussing Sovereignty of Assam in the name of unconditional talks.

One the best footballers that Assam had produced, Paresh Baruah himself had opposed the decision to held the National games in Assam, an event which would have promoted not only sports but also tourism and a chance for economic growth. So much so that the several retired and current sportsmen had to request Baruah publicly for lifting the ban on the games.

Paresh Baruah has been quoted as a hard nut, a merciless rebel highly esteemed in the International spree and he has been able to hide himself from every intelligence agency of the world inspite of being a World's Most Wanted. At one end when hardcore rebel leaders like Prabhakaran of LTTE, could not escape from Intelligence and was traced, when even Bin Laden was traced on occasions, Baruah has been living in complete secrecy. A trait which has bewildered Government, Intelligence agencies of the world throughout years and decade. He had successfully positioned himself as a mystery man, an enigma. But to do this, he had cut himself off completely from his organization's grass root and middle leadership level, the most important section for driving a tight organization. Due to his self created mysterious image, Baruah has unknowingly created only a Frankenstein.

Baruah's extra-merciless attitude, his bashing of Assamese Intellectuals at various periods of time (example the recent media conflict with Dr Hiren Gohain) has only set him back with regards to public relations. In fact he has never been able to explain the killing his own nephew who was also a cadre of the outfit, carried at Baruah's orders for yet unknown reasons. The question is if his own elder sister cannot have a reason for her son's killing, what stand does others, – the common people stand for an explanation or atleast a condolence all the killings that has ripped Assam due to violence's carried out at his orders. This very Mercenary character of Baruah has hit him badly and his public appeal has suffered a huge unrecoverable loss.

However he seems to have understood this of late and is now trying hard to make amends by publishing his own photos and videos of Bihu dancing (an appeal to showcase himself as a common Assamese).

Few years back, when Prabhakaran and LTTE were wiped away, there was an article published in a vernacular newspaper of Assam. The article depicted and illustrated how and why the LTTE had failed and it was written none other than by Paresh Baruah himself. And now when ULFA struggle itself is on the edge, can the same man analyze his own acts and organization in not only constitutional terms, but also in terms of future strategy, diplomatic and political policy.

At this critical situation when suffering of the population has reached its heights, – lack of employment, lack of democracy, peaks of corruption, sky rocketing cost of living, ethnic clashes and lack of justice, the common people is only looking with hopeful eyes at the pro-talk ULFA leadership to gain & bring some conclusive peace and rights to the cause of Assam. Whether this last hope washes away or succeeds, it depends on the actions of the Paresh Baruah Fraction as well. Although Baruah keeps on making big claims, whether he truly represents the blood of those 12,000 martyrs of Assam who has sacrificed their lives in this armed struggle will be proved only when he comes together with the current Assamese aspiration for peace and conclusion. But if he chooses to continue with more bloodshed, violence and stray away from public aspirations once again, it will prove that he has only been blinded and deluded by power, not love for his motherland. This is what Late Parag Kumar Das alerted ULFA about long time back, – the abuse of Power gained through Money and Gun.


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