[Previous entry: "‘Nagas not demanding self-determination’ The Morung Express"] [Next entry: "NSCN (IM) says rival’s ‘panic understandable’ The Morung Expres"]

08/08/2007: "This is in response to an article written by Mr. Y.Wangtin, Deputy Kilonser (Khaplang Group), under the caption “Open letter to NNC Leader”, who is a frequent writer trying to mislead the Naga’s and defaming our leaders image, through his malicious writing being feted by the RAW’s of the India, is highly questionable and unwanted."

Response to Mr Wangtin. Toi writes

This is in response to an article written by Mr. Y.Wangtin, Deputy Kilonser (Khaplang Group), under the caption “Open letter to NNC Leader”, who is a frequent writer trying to mislead the Naga’s and defaming our leaders image, through his malicious writing being feted by the RAW’s of the India, is highly questionable and unwanted.

I would like like to share a few words to Mr. Y. Wangtin in a very clear and simple English so that every Naga’s could well understand. Mr. Wangting, you are saying that we must be one in defence of Sovereign Nagalim, well guarded from the jaws of our adversaries. But, who are the adversaries? It is you and Khaplang group who are adversaries collaborating with the Indian, fighting against your own brother’s. Yes, you are right the infamous Shillong Accord was out rightly rejected and condemned by our leaders. When and where did our leaders kill the innocent people?, substantiate your claim. It is Khaplang who went against the wishes of the people and he waged an abortive military coup on our leader’s, it was in the year 1988, on behalf of his Indian pay masters, and now you are saying our leaders created a bloody situation in Nagalim, after the signing of the infamous Shillong Accord?. Shame on you, Mr Wangtin. History never dies.

Its good that you understood, the political talks of the Naga’s are been held at the highest level, without any pre-condition and in the third country. It is the issue that convince the people, our leader’s never tried to convince the people taking their name’s or organization. It is the people’s movement and the people’s are solely behind our leader’s. It is also good that you understood that your group are having a cease fire with the Indians at Jt. Secy (Home) level, just to discuss about your group grievances and arms and ammunition to be supplied to your groups, to fight against your brothers who are really committed and works for the Naga’s. The GOI will not enter into political dialogue with your group since you all are in their hands, they know that your group does not carry any political issue.

Mr. Wangtin, what do you know about Sovereign Nation or an Independent Nation? Do you think that the Naga’s can enjoy being divided or dis-integrated?. What’s the use of use of Independent when there is no land to govern? What are you talking about Independent without self determination? Naga’s need self determination, where we can govern ourselves. Hey, Mr. Wangtin even a layman like me appreciate the good works of the International Community around the World, like the NISC,PNSD,NSG etc..etc. because they are doing a lot for the Nagas, so why you can’t appreciate them, and how can you say that they are non-existent organizations, you are still in a cocoon, “come out”.

Yah, we Naga’s and I myself appreciate the unceasing works of our leader’s and at the same time securing a place for the Naga’s into a World body like (UNPO), we congratulate them and wish them further success. Why not you? In order to get membership into UNO there are certain procedures/structure’s and even their our leader’s have reached up to the General Assembly, the final stage. What are your doing for the Naga’s? You, stay there in Mon and you will secure membership in the UNO.

Lastly, a few words to you. Mr. Wangtin, wipe out your crooked mindset, your nature of instigating for selfish interest, and an antagonism. A true revolutionary is opposed to snobbish mentality. Things need viewing in their right perspective. But, a wicked man like you takes jaundiced view of them and keep them tilted. You belong to a true Machiavellian mould. Do not over reach yourself, the World we live in is not the easy, for the truth and martyrdom are above the graves you dug. What a shame trying to deceive the World? Shatter the illusion that you can bluff the Naga’s and the World through Hippocratic pronouncement, and please do not ever use the word “NAGA”, if you want to write such kind of an article, because the word “NAGA” is so dear to the Naga’s.
Dated the 8th August 2007 Aqhe Swu, Bangkok.
PRAYER SUPPORT REQUIRED The Tangkul
In line with the resolution adopted in the latest meeting of the British Parliamentarians for Self Determination (PNSD), in the near future the Naga Advisory Panel will go to the Welsh and Scottish parliaments under the banner of the PNSD. Hence, we need the prayer support of the Naga Nation lovers so that we can successfully tell the right of the Naga people to self-determination in the two august houses.

Secondly, it is reiterated that Vikishe is neither a Sumi nor a Naga; he is an impostor created by people who entertain a nefarious design to destroy the Naga people from within and without. Hence, till a genuine name and address is furnished in full and we are provided with the means to know his true identity, this whole deceptive drama of identity theft should not be encouraged. Also, since I am neither a British MP nor one of its staff members, I do not enjoy the privilege of talking on behalf of the PNSD. If one has queries about the PNSD, one should contact its Secretariat in London or its Chair (Lord Nazir Ahmed, House of Lords, Westminster, SW1A OWP).

Time and again NSCN Chairman Swu recounted that, in order to defeat Naga nationalism through firstly weakening the will power of the dominant community, the Sumis were furtively demonized by the Indian intelligence agencies during the height of the Naga resistance movement before the NNC/FGN unceremoniously killed the Naga people’s mandate and signed the Shillong Accord in 1975 (we are very glad to know that these days some factions of the NNCs/FGNs have disowned that shameful accord which sowed the seeds of fratricidal killings among the Naga brothers and sisters). Then the Indian intelligence agencies chose the Tangkhuls as their next victims. Once again, especially after some of the major ministerial portfolios were given to our deserving Sumi freedom fighters, we are witnessing that the Sumi community is being surreptitiously targeted. These hydra-headed monsters are showing their ugly faces with the twin purpose of discrediting the Sumis and bringing about a split between the Tangkhuls and the Sumis. Hence, knowing the dirty habits of the Indian intelligence services and their collaborators, it should not come as a surprise to the Nagas that the authors of the diatribe against the PNSD have intentionally chosen a Sumi-sounding name “Vikishe” for their notorious game in Nagalim and beyond. As such, people like non-Naga Vikishe must be thoroughly condemned and their writings must be immediately thrown into the dustbin. Remember that if by the grace of God the PNSD becomes stronger and the NSG (UK) gains further grounds in propagating the right of the Nagas to self-determination, the enemies of our nation will become more desperate and we will see much higher number of deceptive write-ups and evil articles under fictitious Naga names in newspapers and internet sites.

Also, since the true identities of most of the users of the Naga news websites are unknown and there are many enemies out there who are hell-bent on harming the national interest of Nagalim, the NSG (UK) joins the NISC and other concerned persons like Thohe Pou in humbly requesting the Naga webmasters to be careful and patriotic. Also, for obvious reason, unless in face-to-face meetings, taking opinion polls on sensitive national issues like “Nagas are Nagas/Indians”, Nagas of Nagaland State support/do not support the southern Naga students taking the HSLC exams under the NBSE”, etc. through unsafe websites should not be/have been conducted.

Thirdly, the NSG (UK) praises the leaders of Socialist India and Socialist Nagalim for extending the Indo-Naga ceasefire indefinitely as desired by the peoples of both countries. It is our hope and prayer that the leaders of the two nations will respect the cries of the suffering Indians and Nagas for just peace and establishment of true friendship based on the sincere recognition of each nation’s God-given right to self-determination which occupies the most honoured position of the UN Charter, that is, Article 1 (One). The Bible says: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9). Let us all value the God-given ongoing peace process.

KUKNALIM

Professor Timothy Kaping, President, Naga Support Group (UK) 8 August 2007
Nagas prepared to protect frontiers Morung Express News
Mokokchung Thousands of Nagas turned up to attend a public meeting called by the Ao Senden this morning at 7:00 AM at the Mokokchung town police point. The public meeting was called by the Ao Senden in the backdrop of the All Assam Students’ Union reportedly planning to march up to Longtho under Tzurangkong range on August 8. The Tzurangkong range falls under Mokokchung district of Nagaland. It is also reported that the mob led by AASU has plans to dismantle the Tzutepela check-post in Tzurangkong area. It was resolved at the meeting that the ownership of the Ao Nagas over their land is undeniable and that not even an inch of Ao land shall be allowed to part from the ownership of the Ao Nagas. The Ao Senden further reiterated its resolution adopted on July 11, 2007 and called upon all the villages in the Ao Naga country to be prepared for any eventuality in the event of an Assam-Nagaland border crisis. It was also resolved that the Ao Senden may convene emergency public meetings as per the demands of the situation. Furthermore, all the village authorities were directed to be prepared with necessary equipments and volunteers to deal with the impending situation, if need be. It may be mentioned that the Ao Senden has initiated and dispatched some volunteers to all the vital posts in Tzurangkong on 6th August to support and assist the Ao Naga border villages.
The Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung Abhishek Singh who also spoke at the meeting on behalf of the Government said that he is maintaining a good rapport with his counterpart in Jorhat on this particular issue. He said that the Government will not remain a mute spectator if the AASU proceeds with its reported march to Tzurang. He also added that additional police forces have been rushed to Tsutapela check gate and necessary measures have been taken so far. He also hinted the district administration might need the assistance of the general public if the situation worsens. Although the public meeting ended calmly, the proceeding was held in an uneasy setting with the angst of the people boiling up by the minute at the news of the AASU’s plan. Most of those gathered for the meeting expected a drastic move by the Ao Senden, even to the extend of going down to Tzurangkong with arms, dispersed with discontentment and some even termed the resolutions adopted as too mild and insignificant.
Seen in the picture is a sentry tower at the Assam Police outpost at Longtho, under Tsurangkong range of Mokokchung district, Nagaland. This Assam Police outpost is situated along the Mokokchung-Mariani highway, twenty-two kilometers into Nagaland from Maraini Zero Point, and sixty-three kilometers from Mokokchung.
AASU firm on ‘border march’ Meanwhile in a UNI news report filed from Mariani in the Assam-Nagaland border, the All Assam Students Union (AASU) remained firm on the ‘border march’ slated for August 8. Refusing to budge, AASU joint secretary Nilutfar Rehman, who visited the areas today, said the student body would go ahead with the march come what may.
“There’s no question of backtracking. It is the duty of the administration to arrange the security as we are moving in our own territory,” he said adding around 2,000 activists from the district and nearby areas are expected to take part in the march to the New Chuntia border outpost from here, as per the UNI news report.
Be ready with us – NSCN-K to NNC Morung Express
Dimapur, August 7 (MExN): The NNC is asked by the NSCN-K to prepare “together with the NSCN” in defense of the Nagas and the land for the matter that Th. Muivah is all set to sign another accord similar to the Shillong Accord. Making an appeal to “be one in defense” to the council, the NSCN-K also affirmed to enter into political dialogue only when the prime ministers of India and Myanmar ‘agrees to sit in the presence of third parties.’
Dy. Kilonser of the NSCN-K, Wangtin Naga, in a letter to NNC leaders appealed “we must be one in defense of sovereign Nagaland well-guarded from the jaws of our adversaries.” According to the note, Nagaland has seen bloody history after the signing of the Shillong Accord. Th. Muivah had at one time stood against the 1975 accord, however, today, he ‘has completed all formalities to sign a similar accord’ the Kilonser explained.
“The declaration of indefinite ceasefire with the GoI clearly shows their game plan and where they are heading for; therefore we must be ready to face any situation or eventualities” the NSCN-K stated. Taking a potshot, the Kilonser stated that the NSCN-IM had always ‘boasted’ that their dialogue is at the prime ministerial-level but has spent ten years with Padmanabhaih, “a retired bureaucrat.”
The NSCN-IM will achieve nothing other than surrender before the GoI by accepting an agreement under norms within the Indian Constitution, the Kilonser asserted adding that the rival group had also tried to convince the people that the NSCN-K’s talks are at “Jt.secretary level.”
On its position on the talks, the NSCN-K made clear that the organization would not enter into a dialogue with the GoI unless “it washes its hands and backs out from the terrorists’ clutches.” The NSCN-K will enter into a political dialogue only when both the prime ministers of India and Myanmar agree to ‘sit together in the presence of third parties.’
“…a time will come when Nagas will be compelled to pay back the terrorist with the same coins. Therefore, once again, I request you all to prepare yourselves to stand together with the NSCN in defense of the sovereign rights of the Nagas” the NSCN-K appealed to the NNC.
Open letter to NNC leader- Nagaland Post
I am taking this privilege to write this letter to you all that we must be one in defence of sovereign Nagaland, well guarded from the jaws of our adversaries. Naga people have come across bloody situations in Nagaland after the signing of the Shillong Accord. Blaming and maligning the said Accord, Th. Muivah's led large scale onslaught over the Naga leaders and most of the NNC workers felled victim of this bloody situations. However, Th. Muivah, who at one time stood against the 1975 Shillong Accord, has completed all formalities to sign a similar Accord. The declaration of indefinite cease-fire with the GOI clearly shows their game plan and where they are heading for. Therefore, we must be ready to face any situation or eventualities. This Th. Muivah group always boast themselves that, their dialogue is at prime ministerial level, but has spent their ten years time with Padmanabaiah, a retired bureaucrat. They will achieve nothing than surrender before the GOI by accepting an agreement under certain terms and conditions within the Indian Constitution. This group continues to convince the Nagas that NSCN (Khaplangs) dialogued is at Joint Secretary (Home) level and Indian Army supply arms and ammunitions to NNC and NSCN.
The NSCN, under the leadership of S.S Khaplang and N. Kitovi, have formally observed cease-fire with the Indian Army and it will not enter into dialogue with GOI, unless it washes its hands and back out from terrorists' clutches. The NSCN will enter into political dialogue only when both the Prime Minister of India and Myanmar agrees to sit together in the presence of the third party (parties). The Naga has nothing to do with the Indian Constitution, because it had its own constitution (Yehzabo) framed before the Indian Constitution. The case of India must know how to respect the other neighbor's i.e. free nations. Th. Muivah's assertion of self determination is an Indian feeding word. The Nagas do not seek self determination, because it became sovereign nation one day ahead of India's independence. The case of Indian aggression and invasion of free Nagaland had been misused by Th. Muivah for his integration and affiliation. The same group befooled the Nagas by using the names of non-existent organizations such as NISC, NSG, etc. These groups have nothing to do with Naga people's struggle for sovereignty because they can do nothing for the Nagas. Today, the Naga people appreciates Th. Muivah for admission into UNPD, but Naga case needs to be admitted only into UNO as Dr. A.Z Phizo tried during his life time and it will definitely be achieved.
So many NNC and NSCN leaders have been assassinated by Th. Muivah's group in the name of sovereignty. A day will come when Nagas will be compelled to pay back the terrorist with the same coins.
Therefore, once again, I request you all to prepare yourselves to stand together with the NSCN in defence of the sovereign right of the Nagas. Be aware of wild boar in the field.
Y. Wangtin Naga, Dy. Kilonser, Ministry of Home (Kilo) Affairs, GPRN NSCN-K
BJP cries foul over NE 'sheltering" of illegal B’deshi migrants Assam Tribune
Guwahati, August 7 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders have demanded the ouster of all illegal Bangladeshi migrants from Assam, saying that giving them shelter is illegal and unconstitutional.
"Our governments, especially the Tarun Gogoi-led government, gave them (Bangladeshi immigrants) shelter, which is illegal and unconstitutional. The BJP will definitely not take this matter easily," said Ramen Deka, a BJP leader.
Assam should not be used as a dumping ground for illegal migrants, Deka added. Party activists also held a sit-in at a busy junction in Guwahati on Monday, and accused the Congress-led government of sheltering illegal migrants.
Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi countered these accusations by saying that some 3000 people expelled by Nagaland, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, were in fact, Indian citizens.
"From Nagaland and Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, more than 3000 people have been expelled. Most of those people had inner permits and some did not have. And everybody has been found to be Indian citizens," Gogoi said.
BJP leaders maintain that illegal migrants pose a security threat and blamed the Central Government for the slow progress on the fencing of borders with Bangladesh. "The State Governments of Meghalaya, Assam, Tripura, Mizoram, West Bengal and the Union Home (interior) Ministry must take a very strong action now to check it. The border fencing progress is very slow," said Khiren Rijju, a BJP lawmaker from Arunachal Pradesh.
Over the years, illegal Bangladeshi migrants have swamped the tea-growing and oil-rich state in search of both work and food.
More than two years ago, the government estimated that there were as many as 20 million illegal Bangladeshi immigrants in India, and labeled some of them a security risk.
In the early 1980s, the powerful All Assam Students Union began a bloody campaign to push Bangladeshis back to their homeland.
Thousands of Bangladeshis, including women and children, were massacred by indigenous people who feared they would be reduced to a minority in their own land.
The government and the students' union signed a pact in 1985, but clauses on the deportation of foreigners have still not been implemented.
The campaign against the Bangladeshis has mushroomed into a full-fledged uprising against New Delhi's rule, while many rebel groups are still battling for independence.
India has fenced parts of its 4,000-kilometer (2,500-mile) border with Bangladesh, but officials say this has done little to deter migrants bent on leaving one of the world's poorest countries.
Planned move by Nagas to encroach on State land By A Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Aug 7 – The recent carnage by Naga miscreants in three border villages of Assam at Geleki was a “well-coordinated and planned attempt to encroach land within Assam through illegal means and violent activities.” The Nagaland Government, too, had a role in the disturbing developments.

The Minister for Border Area Development, Gautom Roy said this in the Assembly today in response to a discussion on ‘Protection of lives of people living near Nagaland border inside Assam and also their land and property from Naga invaders’ raised by Drupad Borgohain under Rule 50 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business.

“Regarding the recent spate in violence by Nagaland Government, the Government of Assam has taken up the matter with the Chief Secretary, Nagaland, vide DO letter No. BD.1/2005/149 dated 11th July 2007 and PLA/115/2004/368-A dated 5th July 2007,” Roy informed the House.

Roy said that in view of the seriousness of the situation, an integrated plan covering roads, electrification and communication, and border outpost (BOP) infrastructure was being drawn up immediately for each border district. “This is for effective security and better vigilance along the inter-State border by the respective Deputy Commissioners (DCs),” he added.

Announcing that Rs 10 crore had been proposed for revamping the BOPs, the Minister said that the DCs, Divisional Forest Officers and police had also been instructed to take prompt action in evicting encroachment as per law. The Village Defence Party, too, will be strengthened.

Among the steps already taken include intensified patrolling by security forces along the border, creation of a new BOP at Sonapur village, posting of an additional APBn company in addition to the regular BOP personnel in the border area of Sivasagar district. “A platoon each has been posted at Sonapur, Borhulla, Dhekiajuli and Saraisajia in Geleki,” Roy revealed.

Roy also said that for fixing the constitutional boundary between Assam and Nagaland, a local commission constituted by the Supreme Court had been working since November 2006, and that several rounds of hearing had been held.

Earlier, initiating the discussion, Drupad Borgohain demanded that the people in border Assam villages be provided with licensed arms to meet the threat of Naga miscreants, as the State Government totally failed to provide any semblance of security to the innocent people.

“The border areas present a picture of sheer neglect and apathy with little facility for transport, communication and basic civic amenities like potable drinking water, power, etc. The Government is turning a blind eye to the plight of the villagers who have been left to the mercy of the Naga marauders,” he said.

Borgohain said that as per the white paper of the State Government published way back in 1995, there had been rampant systematic and organized encroachment on reserve forests of Assam, destroying pristine forests in the process. “The white paper also noted that the Assam Government was trying to tackle the matter through ‘patience, tolerance and dialogue’ even as Naga police outposts and subdivisions were coming up on Assam’s land,” he said.

Holding both the Centre and the State Government responsible for the worsening situation, Borgohain said that the Nagaland Government was most uncooperative to settle the border dispute as per the Sundaram Committee recommendations. “It was not abiding by the committee recommendations. It was not even interested in a joint survey of the border,” he added.

Borgohain said that the demand for a greater Nagaland with Assam territory was historically incorrect, as none of the areas demanded by the Nagas ever witnessed Naga occupation. “The idea of a greater Nagaland has more to do with Assam’s natural resources like forests, tea, oilfields and coal than with any historical premises,” he said.

AGP legislator Pradip Hazarika said that taking advantage of the laxity of the Assam Government, Nagaland was setting up check gates and churches at Geleki. The BOPs exist only in name – devoid as they are of any infrastructure to meet the challenge of Naga incursion. “No one from the administration or the Government ever visits these neglected places,” he added.

Another AGP legislator, Binod Goala said that nine reserve forests in six sectors of the border was under widespread encroachment from Nagaland. He also levelled the serious allegation that the CRPF was in cahoots with the Naga miscreants and administration, giving them a free hand to continue with their anti-Assam activities. “The need of the hour is to have a collective stand cutting across party lines, as the territorial integrity of the State is under threat,” he said.
Holes in Dispur migrant figures - AASU pounces on ‘false’ statistics A STAFF REPORTER The Telegraph


Suspected Bangladeshi migrants in Guwahati. A file picture
Guwahati, Aug. 7: The number of Bangladeshi migrants detected in Assam differs on different days, depending on who is supplying the statistics.
Take your pick: chief minister Tarun Gogoi informed the Assembly yesterday that 12,914 migrants had been identified post-1985, Assam accord minister Bhumidhar Barman pegged the number at 42,449 today and his department scaled it down to 29,539.
A livid All Assam Students’ Union charged the government with misleading the Assembly with inconsistent facts and figures.
Armed with the information tabled by the government, the AASU leadership accused the Gogoi government of bowing to the “Bangladeshi lobby”. Adviser Samujjal Bhattacharyya, president Sankar Prasad Ray and general secretary Tapan Gogoi said the three sets of figures representing “identified” Bangladeshis were proof of the Congress-led government’s intentions.
The AASU leaders also picked holes in the chief minister’s claim during a news conference last week that the majority of the migrants pushed into Assam from Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland recently were Indian citizens. “I want to make it very clear that the government has verified the cases and it has been found that they are all Indian citizens. The government has decided to publish the list of names of those persons along with their address so that people know whether they are Indian citizens or foreigners,” Gogoi had said.
The AASU questioned how Gogoi could make such a statement when the home department, headed by him, informed the Assembly only yesterday that steps had been initiated to identify the migrants’ nationalities. It said the government’s contradictory statements had confounded the state.
Urging the Speaker to ask the government to explain the discrepancies in the sets of statistics tabled in the Assembly, Bhattacharyya said: “The Gogoi government has lied to the House, lied to the people and is clearly working against the state. I challenge Dispur to declare that all Muslims and Hindus who came from Bangladesh after March 25, 1971 should leave the state on their own.”
The AASU was not the only one going for the jugular. The day began on a bad note for the government when legislators of the Assam United Democratic Front, led by president Badruddin Ajmal, staged a demonstration in front of the Assembly gate against the alleged harassment of Muslims in the name of detecting Bangladeshi migrants. The legislators then entered the Assembly dressed in lungi and kurta to make a point — not everyone in this attire is a Bangladeshi.
A defensive government said it would convene a meeting with Opposition parties and organisations soon to finalise the modalities for updating the National Register of Citizens. Minister and government spokesman Himanta Biswa Sarma said Delhi has authorised Dispur to finalise the modalities.
A cabinet sub-committee will oversee the process, he added.
ULFA planning attacks, police on high alert Morung Express with Assam tribune

GUWAHATI, August 7: Recent recovery of explosives in different parts of the State and arrests of senior cadres exposed the attempts of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) to carry out subversive activities during the run-up to the Independence Day celebrations, which has kept the police and security forces on their toes. Highly-placed police sources said that the security forces also came across intelligence inputs, which exposed the gameplan of the militants. Sources said that the arrest of hardcore militant Bitopan Moran in Dibrugarh with four kilogram of explosives on July 24 once again proved that the ULFA was out to create disturbance in the Independence Day celebrations. During questioning by the police, the arrested militant admitted that his task was to plant a bomb in the field where the Independence Day celebrations was to take place and he was also asked to lob a grenade in a police station. Following the arrest of Moran, security of all the parade grounds has been intensified all over the state.
Sources revealed that the security forces came across disturbing intelligence reports about the attempts by the ULFA to create disturbance and the recent recovery of explosives including sophisticated Programmable time device switches only confirmed the reports. According to reports available with the forces, apart from trying to plant explosives on parade grounds, the ULFA leadership also instructed the cadres to target oil installations including pipelines, security forces and even Hindi-speaking people in the run-up to the Independence Day celebrations and the security of all the oil installations have been intensified. On the other hand, the KLNLF has also been planning grenade blasts in parts of Karbi Anglong.
Police said that according to information available, several members of C company of 28 battalion of the ULFA managed to penetrate into the upper Assam districts to carry out subversive activities despite the fact that the battalion as a whole, which is considered to be the strongest of the battalions of the militant outfit, suffered severe setbacks in anti-insurgency operations in recent past. The operations of the battalion are mostly masterminded by hardcore militant Jiten Dutta and it is suspected that he is operating from the bases of the outfit in Arunachal Pradesh. Sources also said that after the killings of hardcore militants including Debojit Konwar, Bipul Choudhury and Charan Majhi, most of the militants are on the run in upper Assam and they are adopting hit and run tactics.
On the other hand, most of the operations in lower Assam including in Guwahati city are being masterminded by dreaded militant Hira Sarania and though the security forces came very close to nabbing him on several occasions in recent past, he is still managing to hoodwink the forces. Sources revealed that the ULFA was using fresh cadres and semi trained cadres to plant explosives in Guwahati and it is difficult for the forces to identify them. The problem compounded with the availability of PTD switches, but on quite a few occasions, the militants got the timings wrong and bombs went off at middle of night or very early in the morning.
Police said that the members of the 109 battalion of the ULFA are mostly being used for transporting explosives from Bangladesh border to other parts of the State and according to information available, Drishti Rajkhowa and Antu Chowdang are involved in facilitating transhipment of explosives from Bangladesh to India. It is also reported that of late, the ULFA has started supplying weapons and explosives to other militant outfits of the region.
Source :Assam Tribune