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11/06/2008: "IM dubs Nagaland Govt, AR as partial The Sangai Express/Newmai News Network"



IM dubs Nagaland Govt, AR as partial The Sangai Express/Newmai News Network

Dimapur, November 06 2008: The Isak-Muivah group of the NSCN has accused the Government of Nagaland and Assam Rifles of playing a partisan role while dealing with the UG groups.

In a statement issued to the press tonight, the NSCN-IM has said that the Assam Rifles and the government of Nagaland have been showing leniency to the rival NSCN-K group.

Pointing out an instance, the NSCN-IM said that on November 5 the Assam Rifles had nabbed three cadres of the NSCN-K in Kohima along with sophisticated weapons travelling in a Bolero jeep ( NL 10-3685 ) that belongs to the government of Nagaland but no drastic action was initiated against the NSCN-K cadres.

However, two NSCN-IM cadres were arrested from Dimapur and booked under National Security Act (NSA) by the Government.

Terming it as a serious case, the NSCN-IM alleged that the partisan role played by the government of Nagaland and Assam Rifles have come out in the open.

''In the first place one point has to be made clear vis-a-vis Assam Rifles's projected duty in the name of dealing with erring factional cadres not observing ceasefire ground rules and which goes against maintaining peace in the local area.

NSCN will not stand against Assam Rifles during doing its duty.

But if the same yardstick is not applied to everyone for the same case then it becomes an issue that cannot be overlooked under any circumstances,'' stated the NSCN-IM in a statement.

Pointing to the Government registered Bolero jeep allegedly used by the NSCNK cadres, the NSCN-IM asks, ''What immediately draws our attention is that this is a state government vehicle.

Who sanctioned this vehicle to be used by K-group for anti-social works ? And who is the authorized owner of the vehicle ? These two questions have to be answered by the state police and Home department.

Because crimes goes on unabated in Kohima and Dimapur in the hands of K-group.

The abduction of four businessmen from Agri and Jail Colonies in Kohima on November 5 is just the latest case in point among many such cases''.

Among the three apprehended from the state government vehicle one is identified as Isak Sumi, the K-group military spokesperson.

But what matters most is the leniency extended to any arrested cadres of K-group.

Had the three been NSCN members NSA would have been applied.

This is the tragic state of treatment meted out by state police in collaboration with AR and intelligence agencies against NSCN.

Recently, two NSCN members, Akato Sumi and Hureya Sumi whe were apprehended from Dimapur were booked under NSA.

What further irked the NSCN is the manner of raiding the areas of suspected NSCN places in Kohima and Dimapur.

But taking shelter in the false reports of its intelligence sources about the hideouts of K-group, raids are hardly conducted against the K-group,'' further alleged the NSCN-IM statement.

The outfit then questi-oned, ''When businessmen are abducted to be slaughtered if the demanded amount is not paid, what greater crime is the state government looking for that warranted immediate action under NSA?''.

What manner of public security measure is the state government adopting to ensure public security, particularly the businessmen who have been placed at the receiving ends, it added.
Press Release
6 Nov.2008

A serious case of state government and Assam Rifles playing a partisan role is coming up in the open if the recent incidents are of any indications. In the first place one point has to be made clear vis-à-vis AR's projected duty in the name of dealing with erring factional cadres not observing Ceasefire ground rules and which goes against maintaining peace in the local area. NSCN will not stand against AR during doing its duty. But if the same yardstick is not applied for the same case then it become an issue that cannot be overlooked under any circumstances.

The story of state security forces not playing impartial role has to be unfolded to drive home the point without fault and blemish against NSCN, on 5 Nov. the 26 AR nabbed three NSCN_K cadres along with sophisticated weapon and ammunitions from Cathedral area, New Minister's Hill, Kohima, after intercepting a white Bolero bearing registration No. NL 10-3685. What immediately draws our attention is that this is a state government vehicle. Who sanction this vehicle to be used by K-group for anti-social works? and who is the authorized owner of the vehicle? These two questions has to be answered by the state police and Home department. Because crimes goes on unabated in Kohima and Dimapur in the hands of K-group. The abduction of four businessmen from Agri and Jail Colonies in Kohima on 5 Nov. is just the latest case in point among many such cases (many cases not reported).

Among the three apprehended from the state government vehicle one is identified as Isak Sumi, the K-group military spokes person. But what matters most is the leniency extended to any arrested cadres of K-group. Had the three been NSCN members NSA would have been applied. This is the tragic state of treatment meted out by state police in collaboration with AR and intelligence agencies against NSCN. Recently, two NSCN members, Akato Sumi and Hureya Sumi whe were apprehended from Dimapur were booked under NSA. What further irked the NSCN is the manner of raiding the areas of suspected NSCN places in Kohima and Dimapur. But taking shelter in the false reports of its intelligence sources about the hideouts of K-group, raids are hardly conducted against the K-group.
When businessmen are abducted to be slaughtered if the demanded amount is not paid, what greater crime is the state government looking for that warranted immediate action under NSA? What manner of public security measure is the state government adopting to ensure public security, particularly the businessmen who have been placed at the receiving ends.

Issued By: MIP/GPRN

Explosives seized from bus in Assam The Hindu
Sibsagar (PTI): Explosives were seized from Assam's Sibsagar district today and two persons taken into custody, official sources said.
Troops of the 316 Field Regiment early this morning recovered three gelatin sticks, nine detonators and fuse wire from a bus at Sonari. The bus was bound for Mon district in neighbouring Nagaland, the sources said.
A Naga woman was picked up in this connection, the sources said.
An alleged ULFA conduit, Bhogeswar Panging, was also arrested from Senimora village of the district last night.
Nagaland University under the scanner The Telegraph
New Delhi, November 5 (The Telegraph): A central inquiry has found Nagaland University guilty of financial irregularities and negligence, setting the stage for action against its top officials and triggering introspection on Delhi’s policy of showering the Northeast with apex educational institutions. Union education minister Arjun Singh has put his seal of approval on the fact-finding committee’s report, top government officials said.
The human resource development ministry now plans to approach President Pratibha Patil, the Visitor to Nagaland University, for disciplinary action against university officials named in the report, possibly as early as next week, an official from the department of higher education said. Nagaland University vice-chancellor K. Kannan, registrar T. Vihienuo and controller of examinations Tongpang Ao have been named in the report, he added.
“The central fact-finding committee has largely corroborated charges levelled by the Nagaland University Teacher’s Association earlier this year. We are ready to press ahead with action against the accused,” he added. Kannan is the second vice-chancellor at the university to be embroiled in allegations of corruption. His predecessor G.D. Sharma had left amid a battery of such allegations. Speaking to The Telegraph from Kohima, Kannan called the allegations against him a conspiracy by “those who want to run a parallel administration.”
The report details how Rs 43 crore from an allocated amount of Rs 45 crore was allegedly spent on building infrastructure on campuses that lack proper approach routes, rendering the construction largely useless. It questions why Kannan, as the vice-chancellor, did not intervene to ensure proper use of the funds. As Visitor, Patil has the final say on any action to be taken based on the report. Sources said the President is expected to endorse strong punishment against the offenders as the inquiry was set up under her order. The HRD ministry was initially not keen on investigating the allegations.
HRD ministry officials said the controversy surrounding Nagaland University was a pointer to an increasingly generic pattern involving universities in the Northeast — an absence of Delhi’s writ over them. Some officials at Manipur University, for instance, face allegations of funnelling money meant for laboratory equipment to militant outfits in that state, an HRD ministry source said.
“The truth is that managing a central university in the Northeast, especially in states like Nagaland and Manipur, is extremely hard. The Centre started new universities in troubled areas like the Northeast too hurriedly,” an official said, arguing for a “gradual approach” to setting up central institutions in such areas. “Simply, our policy was: start a slew of institutes in the Northeast and then let them handle it. That may need a re-look,” another official said.
Unlike other parts of the country, each northeastern state today has a central university. Sikkim University was created last year. The Rajiv Gandhi University in Itanagar and Tripura University in Agartala were also converted into central universities last year. The Centre took over Manipur University in 2005, while Mizoram University was set up as a central university in 2000. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has promised Assam a “world-class university” and IIM Shillong started classes this year.

FNR fifth reconciliation meet Nagarealm.com
DIMAPUR, NOV05 [NPN} : The fifth meeting of the Naga political groups (factions) and Forum for Naga Reconciliation was held on November 4 and 5 in Dimapur to explore and create options and find ways to strengthen the ongoing journey of common hope.

In their continued commitment to reconciliation, 35 participants comprising the Forum for Naga Reconciliation and various Naga political groups agreed to pursue creatively in overcoming hurdles and obstacles towards reconciliation. Recognizing that realization of Naga rights was the shared yearning that bonded all Naga people, participants upheld the Naga reconciliation as a process to address and overcome various political differences, so as to safeguard and strengthen historical and political rights of the Nagas.

The Forum for Naga Reconciliation expressed gratitude to leaders of Naga political groups (factions) for exercising their utmost restraint despite difficult circumstances; and for heeding to Naga peoples call for reconciliation, unity and peace. The forum implored the leaders of the Naga political groups to continue exploring all possible non-violent options to resolve differences and to building a consensus on a common hope.

The two-day meeting which concluded Wednesday was the fifth occasion that Naga political groups (factions) met together in Nagaland since September. According to Forum for Naga Reconciliation unlike previous meetings, the Forum for Naga Reconciliation and the Naga political groups (factions), participants spent overnight together in one house, engaged in formal and informal discussions and partook in devotion and prayer.

Naga leaders agree to overcome obstacles towards reconciliation. (Page News Service)
DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 5: The fifth meeting of the Naga political groups (factions) and the Forum for Naga Reconciliation was held on November 4&5 in Dimapur to explore and create options and find ways to strengthen the ongoing journey of common hope.
During the meeting, 35 participants comprising the Forum for Naga Reconciliation and the various Naga political groups agreed to pursue creatively in overcoming hurdles and obstacles towards reconciliation.
A press statement issued from the Forum for Naga Reconciliation informed that recognizing that the realization of Naga rights is the shared yearning that bonds all Naga people, the participants upheld the Naga reconciliation as a process to address and overcome various political differences, so as to safeguard and strengthen the historical and political rights of the Nagas.
Unlike past meetings, the participants of the meeting including the Forum for Naga Reconciliation and the Naga political groups (factions) spent the overnight together in one house, engaging in formal and informal discussions and partaking in devotion and prayer.
Meanwhile, the Forum for Naga Reconciliation has expressed gratitude to the leaders of the Naga political groups (factions) for exercising their utmost restraint despite difficult circumstances; and for heeding to the Naga peoples call for reconciliation, unity and peace.
The forum further implored the leaders of the Naga political groups to continue exploring all possible non-violent options to resolve differences and to building a consensus on a common hope

March against riots, blast in Bodo belt
- Absu demands crackdown on jihadis OUR CORRESPONDENT


Members of All Bodo Students’ Union join the protest rally at Bongaigaon in Assam on Wednesday. Picture by Eastern Projections
Kokrajhar, Nov. 5: Hundreds of people joined the rallies organised by the All Bodo Students Union (Absu) in Kokrajhar and Udalguri districts today to protest against the law and order in Assam, including the communal riots and blasts.
In Udalguri town, over 36 organisations, including some from neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh, marched from Nalbari field to Court field.
The protesters then gheraoed the deputy commissioner’s office demanding that the authorities make public the names of the alleged rapists of two women in the district and arrest them immediately.
They also shouted slogans against government spokesman and health minister Himanta Biswa Sharma and Udalguri assistant superintendent of police S. Parashar for their inept handling of the Udalguri violence and rape cases.
In the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) headquarters of Kokrajhar, hundreds joined the three-hour sit-in organised in front of the deputy commissioner’s office from 11am and submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh through the DC.
The demands enlisted in the memorandum include immediate army operations against Islamic fundamentalist forces and jihadis, adequate security for the people, deployment of more security personnel in the sensitive districts of Assam, particularly in the BTC area, and adequate compensation for the victim’s families.
Absu president Rwngwra Narzary said, “We demand an immediate crackdown on jihadis and Muslim fundamentalists. The government should immediately work out a policy against the fundamentalists”.
Bodo writer and former president of Bodo Sahitya Sabha Brajendra Kumar Brahma said the government should take strong measures against illegal migrants and check infiltration from across the border. In Guwahati, All Assam Students’ Union advisor Samujjal Bhattacharyya told a gathering at the Press Club: “We are not anti-Muslim, but we are anti-jihadi and these elements have become the greatest threat to Assam. It is the need of the hour that a full-scale army operation should be launched in the char areas where these elements are spreading roots.”
The meeting was organised by the Peoples Committee for Peace Initiatives in Assam and attended by representatives of several organisations, including the Asom Sahitya Sabha.
Social ills in Naga society surface morungexpress
Dimapur| November 6 : A plethora of social issues of common concern, for civil society organizations in Nagaland were brought to light at the FST (Foundation for Social Transformation) consultative meeting in collaboration with the NEZCC (North East Zonal Cultural Centre), held at NEZCC conference hall today. One of the curious findings that emerged was the startling information that certain politicians from the Mon areas are actually holding 10-20 pension cards meant for the destitute. This was unearthed by an NGO as presented in the day’s session.

FST along with YouthNet, YARD, Prodigals’ Home, Naga Women Hoho, Peace Channel, Bethesda, C-Cerp and several other NGOs based in Nagaland raised issues that are closely marked in Naga society and the need to address them. Apart from the many issues that were brought up, Prodigals Home’s startling data of “209 missing children” shed light on the problem of human trafficking, domestic servants and street children. All these issues were felt to have negative impact on the Naga society and with recent cases of girls being trafficked to places as far as Malaysia, the need to curb human trafficking was stressed upon.

Gender violence also roped in a heated discussion with several representatives pointing out the need to spread awareness on rights and addressing other gender-based issues. Work-related gender bias was highlighted in the discussion. Naga Women Hoho expressed the need for women in conflict resolution and participation of women in policy and public administration.

Drawing attention to the problem of stigma and discrimination, NGOs dealing with HIV/AIDS and drug addiction brought out the problem of fewer acceptances of former drug users into the society and also the lack of support from families.

Organizations like YouthNet and other like-minded organizations focused on the lack of “dignity of labour” amongst Naga youths and pointed out that youth empowerment schemes have failed due to political intervention. They also expressed deep concern for the rate of school drop-outs especially boys. An interesting finding presented by a Mon-based NGO working for the destitute revealed, politicians from that area were holding 10 to 20 pension cards meant for the destitute which was unearthed by the NGO.

Environmental NGO, C-Cerp pointed out that the hunting habits of the Nagas have led to extinction of many animals and bird species. While working against this, the NGO felt the lack of peoples’ cooperation. While issues were raised, suggestions to combat them were also put forward by several representatives. One of the felt needs was for NGOs to have research support documents to address issues and collect hard facts on existing situations.
The need for networking amongst the NGOs for better facilitation and approach to address issues was also suggested. Group discussions on the strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of participating organizations brought out many areas that can be worked upon and views exchanged for better understanding of issues and the solutions to them.

Govt to strengthen intelligence network Staff reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Nov 5 – The serial blasts turned out to be an eye opener for the Government and a decision has been taken to strengthen the intelligence wing of the Police. Meanwhile, appointment of a police Commissioner for Guwahati city may take some time, as “various aspects” will have to be examined by the Government before doing so.

Official sources told The Assam Tribune that the Government might engage a team of experts to suggest measures to strengthen the intelligence wing of the Police. Sources also said that the Government is also examining the possibility of engaging more and more “private informers” to act as force multipliers as only appointment of additional police personnel in the Special Branch of the Assam Police may not serve the purpose to the desired extent. Sources also admitted that frequent transfer of officers and men posted in the Special Branch might turn out to be one of the problems facing the wing and the feasibility of a separate cadre for the branch could also be examined in the days to come if required.

Sources said that a multi-agency intelligence sharing centre is operating involving the Police, Central intelligence agencies and the security forces involved in the counter-insurgency operations. The Government is of the view that the Centre should be more active with regular meetings between the intelligence wings of all the concerned agencies.

Commenting on the reports that the Government had prior intelligence input about the possibility of terror attacks, sources admitted that the State Government received a warning from the Centre that the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) might carry out attacks during the Dewali celebrations. But there was no pinpointed intelligence input about the possible targets of the militants as reported in a section of the media.

Though the State Cabinet took a decision to appoint a Police Commissioner in Guwahati city immediately after the serial blasts, sources said that the appointment might take some time. Sources admitted that a proposal for appointment of a Police Commissioner for Guwahati to strengthen the city police force was pending with the Government for quite some time, but all the pros and cons would have to be examined carefully before appointing a Commissioner. Sources also revealed that an officer of the rank of Inspector General of Police is likely to be appointed as City Police Commissioner.

State mourns blasts deaths Correspondent Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Nov 5 – Assam today witnessed mass participation in the State mourning of the victims of the Thursday serial blasts with people coming together to remember those innocents who lost their lives and offer prayers for the wounded. Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi led the State in the mourning and participated at a condolence meeting at the State Secretariat along with all other senior officials and employees wearing black badges.

Assam Governor SC Mathur and all offices and staffs of Raj Bhawan also observed the State Mourning Day at the Raj Bhavan complex to pay respect to the departed soul of those killed and to pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. .

As the clock struck 11’O clock, sirens blew across the State and the entire Assam observed one minute of silence, remembering the 82 people killed and silently praying for the recovery of the over 800 injured in the nine synchronized blasts in four towns. All vehicles on the roads stood standstill at their respective places expressing their solidarity to the cause.

“I have never seen such a thing in the State after the historic Assam Agitation,” said Ratul Bhuyan, a private bank employee. National flags were flown half -mast and all Government offices got illuminated with candles in the evening. It needs mention here that the State is already witnessing daily lighting of candles in memory of the victims since the Black Thursday. All-religion prayer meetings are being organised at all district and sub-divisional towns in the evening since the tragic incidents.

The Congress party also organised a silent procession in the city, with Chief Minister Gogoi and Assam Pradesh Congress Committee chief Bhubaneswar Kalita leading the mourners. The lawyers too observed a two-hour sit-in programme at the site of the CJM campus blast and offered floral tributes to the deceased, including the three advocates killed in the blast.

Various other organisations also came out to protest the serial blasts as well as express their solidarity with the victims and their families.
Members of the All Assam Muslim Council and the employees and students of Guwahati College also took out processions in the city, condemning the blasts and appealing to the people to help the administration in detecting the perpetrators.

Participants displayed placards mentioning the peace teachings of Islam saying ‘there is no place for violence in Islam’. The artists’ community of the State also organised peace meets at various places across the city, with all leading personalities from cinema, music and culture participating in it.

The artistes sang songs of peace and love to erase the horrid memories of the blasts and provide solace to the affected. Citizens’ meets were also held as people came out united to protest the dastardly act urging for peace and harmony.

Hardly a week after, caution at a premium
Staff reporter
GUWAHATI, Nov 5 – Less than a week after the serial blasts in the city, some things seem to have gone back to normal. With lax monitoring of vehicles parked near busy intersections and public spaces with dense congregations, both public and administration are showing callous negligence.

Today, in the busy MG Road, vehicles could be seen parked on the northern side of the road. Some cars were parked not very far from the Fancy Bazar police station. There were no policemen to monitor the vehicles most of which did not have any occupants.

Near the bus stop serving the ferry services at Pan Bazar, the situation was slightly better. But here too vehicles, which included a number of two-wheelers, were parked with none to check about their owner’s whereabouts.

Perhaps the scenes were most compelling in the area close to Meghdoot Bhawan. Although a few police personnel could be seen in and around the area, parking of vehicles with no checks was the norm of the day. Less than a hundred metres away the deadly blast had snuffed out many innocent lives on October 30.

Ananda Chandra Baruah, a resident of North Guwahati, who was perturbed by the unregulated parking of vehicles in Fancy Bazar and Pan Bazar areas asked if the police were unaware of the situation and if they were aware the action that could be expected.

Even though the police and administration have been making noises about beefing security in Guwahati, the failure to take strong steps in keeping a tab on parked vehicles continues to be an Achilles heel.

“With haphazard and illegal parking there are more chances of subversive elements taking advantage. A strategy should be devised which allows vehicles and owners to be monitored,” said Devasish Thakur, an advocate in the Gauhati High Court.

Thakur was of the view that since there was no foolproof mechanism to check bomb attacks, there should be more efforts in minimizing risk factors like parked vehicles which could have malicious motives.

The Kamrup (Metro) Deputy Commissioner, Prateek Hajela told The Assam Tribune that in a meeting today he has asked the GMC to provide a list of areas it wants to use as designated parking spots, and that should be available within a week. Till then the traffic police have been instructed to strictly enforce parking laws in the city, he added.

Here it may be mentioned that haphazard and illegal parking of vehicles do not merely cerate a terror-friendly situation, but act as impediments to speedy movement of emergency vehicles. The first responders like ambulances and fire equipment in the recent serial blasts had to negotiate roads made narrower by vehicles parked in total violation of traffic laws, which also fueled public ire in cases.

ULFA not outside circle of suspicion, says think tank Assam Tribune PTI
SHILLONG, Nov 5 – Indicating that the ULFA has the capacity and intent to trigger the blasts that rocked Assam on October 30, an Asian think tank has said that even if the HUJI had carried out the explosions, it cannot do without the support from local groups.

“A HUJI presence in Assam was noticed in the recent past... both HUJI and the ULFA have remained closely linked to Bangladesh’s DGFI and Pakistan’s ISI. The group (HUJI) has often used Assam’s porous borders with Bangladesh to gain entry into India, but there is little to suggest that it has the capacities to execute an operation of the magnitude of the October 30 attacks without significant local support,” the South Asian Terrorism Portal (SATP) said in its latest report.

Quoting intelligence sources to claim that both HUJI and ULFA had reached an agreement to operate jointly in Assam, the report said the HUJI lacked its own network in Assam and it would need to rely on an existing local group with sufficient understanding and penetration of the target areas.

The report comes in the backdrop of forensic experts and investigation agencies indicating a ‘foreign hand’ in the blasts. Stating that the ULFA was very much inside the cirle of suspicion keeping in view precedent information of the group’s activities in the past, the SATP said with a visible decline in its numerical strength, the ULFA, since 2005, has resorted to employing mercenaries for planting explosives in crowded places.

“All four districts chosen for the serial attacks are known ULFA strongholds. Moreover, almost all the locations where explosives were detonated, barring the High Court premises, have been targeted by the group in the past,” the report indicated. –

CM shying from using the word ‘jehadi’: AGP Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, Nov 6: With Union Minister of State for Home Sriprakash Jaiswal blaming it on security lapses on the part of the Asom Government for the October 30 serial blasts in the State, AGP president Chandra Mohan Patowary today said the statement from the Union minister has proved the failure of the Tarun Gogoi-led Government to control law and order. The statement from Jaiswal, Patowary said, came close on the heels of Congress’ ally BPF president Hagrama Mohilary’s accusation against the State Government for its failure to tackle terror in the State.
Talking to newsmen here today, Patowary said Gogoi should not continue to remain in power even for a minute after such a statement from the Centre that is led by the Congress itself.
“Gogoi proudly claims from time to time that nowadays people of Guwahati roam about till midnight and take food at dhabas, and the peaceful situation has raised land prices in Guwahati, but now people can’t go to offices and markets even at 11 am due to security lapse. Is this Gogoi’s peaceful Asom?” Patowary questioned, and added: “Gogoi has all along been claiming over the last seven years that Asom is peaceful. If Asom is really peaceful, why does he have to take to the streets appealing to the people of the State to maintain peace and amity?”
Bringing a serious allegation against the Chief Minister, Patowary said: “In this hour of crisis, both the ruling parties and the Opposition have to fight terror unitedly, but Gogoi isn’t taking the Opposition parties into his confidence. Even after a week of the serial blasts, he hasn’t convened any all-party meeting on the serial blasts. The blasts killed over 80 people in the State, but Gogoi is still reluctant to use the word ‘jehadi’.”

Riot-affected farmers to reap paddy under security cover Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, Nov 6: With Udalguri and Darrang district violence-affected farmers still remaining in refugee camps, there are fears that miscreants might be reaping the ripe paddy in the fields. The affected farmers, on the other hand, cannot go to their respective villages due to the risk involved. The Cabinet subcommittee for rehabilitation of riot-affected people, however, assured the farmers of making all arrangements for enabling them to reap their paddy under security cover.
At meetings with the Cabinet subcommittee today, the camp inmates in Udalguri and Darrang districts said: “Our homes have been torched, and we are left with our paddy only in the fields. If miscreants cut and take our ripe paddy away, we will have to starve.”
In their response, Cabinet subcommittee chairman Dr Bhumidhar Barman and member Rihon Daimary said that the district administrations would provide security cover to the farmers now staying in camps so as to enable them to reap their paddy from Sunday next. They further said that the administration would also make arrangements for storage of crops after harvest. Barman asked the DCs and SPs of the two districts to provide security cover to the riot-affected farmers.
There are also reports that miscreants take away household goods of the riot-affected people now staying in camps. “A truck loaded with such goods was seized by the police recently and the stolen goods were given back to their owners,” Barman said.
Local MLAs Maneswar Brahma, Ilius Ali and Karendra Basumatary were also present at the meetings.

US, Australia issue travel restrictions to Asom By our Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, Nov 6: This being the season for offering best possible hospitality to tourists in the north-eastern region, Asom Government has opened most of its national parks, including the Kaziranga National Park, for visitors from November 1. Neighbouring Meghalaya has gone a few steps ahead of Asom by organizing the Autumn Festival so as to woo prospective tourists, both domestic and foreign, to the State. However, the recent serial blasts in Tripura, Manipur and Asom seem to have spelt doom for the States of the region, especially Asom.
According to official sources, the United States Consulate General in Kolkata and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs have already issued travel restrictions and advisories to all citizens of their respective countries travelling to or residing in Asom, Nagaland, Manipur and Tripura to avoid the areas affected by serial blasts. The United States Consulate General in Kolkata has even prohibited US Government employees from visiting Asom without permission.
The advisory, issued after the explosions in Asom, said: “American citizens residing in or visiting Asom should avoid the areas affected by the blasts. US Government employees are prohibited from travelling to Asom without permission from the US Consulate in Kolkata.”
A general travel advisory was also issued. “All Americans travelling or residing in India are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance, remain aware of their surroundings, monitor local news reports, avoid crowded places, and take appropriate steps to bolster their personal security. If unattended packages are spotted, American citizens should immediately exit the area and report the packages to authorities,” the advisory added.
In a similar travel advisory, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs has advised Australian citizens to reconsider their travel to Asom, Nagaland, Tripura and Manipur. “If you decide to travel to these States, you should exercise extreme caution as armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion and activities of terrorism regularly occur in these States,” the advisory said, and added: “Insurgent groups attacked civilians and bombed buildings.”
Although no such advisory for Meghalaya visit has been issued, tourist flow to the State may also be affected as both domestic and foreign visitors have to pass through Asom to reach the State.

Seven held in connection with blasts By our Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, Nov 6: In a joint operation today, Nalbari and Baksa police picked up as many as seven people from Dhamdhama, Santipur and Baganpara in connection with the recent serial blasts in Guwahati. The arrested people have been identified as Chandra Boro (48), Arabinda Boro (32), Raju Boro (22), Bhupesh Boro (40), Rajesh Swargiary and Bhola Boro. The seven arrested people are under interrogation in Nalbari police station. The police team was led by Nalbari SP Jitmal Doley and Baksa Additional SP Rajen Singh.
According to sources, the seven were picked up by the police, as Dinesh Boro, owner of the Maruti 800 car that had been used in the blast at the CJM Court in Guwahati, had telephoned them many times. Sources claim that Dinesh Boro’s mobile phone has the records of his telephonic link with people in Bangladesh and Pakistan. Dinesh Boro said that he had sold his car to his nephew but the police could not trace him.
Meanwhile, a team of the City Police has left for Nalbari to bring the seven to Guwahati. In another incident, the police arrested as many as five cadres of the United Liberation Front of Bodoland (ULFB), a newly-floated rebel group, from Chirang district today. A 9mm pistol was seized from them.
Sorry state of affairs in Udalguri police set-up From our Correspondent Sentinel
MANGALDAI, Nov 6: There is an Asomiya proverb “Chor gole buddhi, barashun gole japi”, which has well been reflected by our government in the matter relating to the police administration in Udalguri district.
After going through the sorry state of affairs of administration both in police and civil in Udalguri district, Asom Governor SC Mathur during his visit to the affected areas of the strife-torn district of Udalguri few days back, rightly passed an comment that there was some lapse on the part of the police who even failed to anticipate the deteriorating situation due to lack of intelligence network. The observation passed by a dignitary none other than the Governor, the constitutional head of the State Government, surely have the basis.
The Sentinel way back on September 14 in 2006 carried a detailed news report on the poor condition of Udalguri district police, which unfortunately failed to draw the attention of neither the Chief Minister (who is also holding the charge of Home Minister) nor the bureaucrats both in civil and police. Had there been some attention of the State Government to improve the infrastructure and strengthen the man power in Police Department in Udalguri district, the recent incident of group clashes could have been averted or it could have been contained at the minimum level.
Is the police for the ministers, bureaucrats, police officials in the higher ranks or the people in general? Is it fair to have enough ‘men in Khaki’ only for the security (status symbol?) of the VVIPs and the officials? Will you believe that the district police in one of the most trouble-torn and sensitive districts of Asom has been functioning without an Additional Superintendent of Police, adequate staff in the intelligence branch and Police Reserve apart from the basic infrastructure? Have you ever heard that a civil Sub-Division has been functioning without the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) and even without a police station in the Sub-Division head quarter for a long period of four years?
Yes, anyone may find it hard to believe. But the district is none other than the Udalguri district under BTAD. Contrary to the tall assurances made by the State Government, the district police in Udalguri district under the BTAD has been functioning in a poor condition. The district police at present have been facing acute shortage of officers and men in all ranks.
The Superintendent of Police, Udalguri has six police stations under his control namely Khairabari, Kalaigaon, Tangla, Paneri, Udalguri and Mazbat. Though four years have passed, yet the Police Reserve, Motor Transport section, Special Branch, Crime Branch, are yet to be established. The district is functioning without a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP, DSB). While the post has been lying vacant since quite a long period, at the same time, the post of the Sub-Divisional Police Officer is also yet to be re-designated as the Deputy Supdt of Police (HQ).
On the other hand, the acute shortage of departmental vehicles in the district has also stood as a major problem. The shortage of ‘men in khaki’ in all the police stations can well be imagined with the scenario in Dimakuchi police out post under Paneri police station. This out post considered to be the most sensitive one with its location in the international border of Asom and Bhutan adjacent to thick jungles often used by the militants as their corridor, has been deployed with only one Sub Inspector, one Assistant Sub Inspector and two Constables. Similarly, the Paneri police station set up during the British rule about more than 150 years back, at present has been functioning with two Sub Inspectors, one Assistant Sub Inspector and 5 Constables against the sanctioned strength of 24 Constables.
Similarly, Lalpani police out post in the northern most border of Arunachal Pradesh under Mazbat police station has been functioning with only one Sub Inspector and three Constables that too without any departmental vehicle. Bhairab Kunda-the sanctioned police out post of Udalguri police station has been functioning in a pitiable condition with only one Asstt Sub Inspector and three Constables.
Similarly, the Kalaigaon police station, one of the oldest police stations in the State, created during the British rule with the sanctioned strength of 12 Constables, at present has been functioning with two Sub Inspectors, one Asstt Sub Inspector and five Constables only. Few months back, the government however posted one Additional Superintendent of Police in Udalguri.
The police administration in the newly created Bhergaon civil Sub-Division under Udalguri district has reflected even a poor picture. This Sub-Division is functioning without a Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) and a police station.
What is more serious to note that all the six police stations and eight police out posts of the district are functioning without any men of the State Special Branch headed by its IGP Khagen Sarma. Only one head Constable is looking after the intelligence matters of Panery and Tangla police stations, while one Constable has been engaged for two police out posts at Rowta and Lalpul. This is the way our intelligence is functioning.
These poor arrangements for the police in a newly created district, which is highly sensitive from the angle of law and order and insurgency related matters, no doubt, are the reflection of the negligence and indifferent attitude of the State Government as well as of the BTAD authority. The Udalguri district deserves special arrangements as it was created under the Schedule VI (modified) of the Constitution as per the clauses of the Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) signed between the Government of India and the leaders of the BLT.
At the same time, the role of the BTAD authority and the elected representatives to the State Assembly and the Parliament have been criticized for the failure in their part to raise this major issue in the floor of the respective Houses.
However, of too late, the State Government has appointed an officer as the SDPO in Bhergaon subdivision only on October 28. But as the additional forces deployed in Udalguri district as a time being arrangement, the situation is going to be more deteriorated unless the regular strength of the police stations and the out posts are increased. Significantly, few days back Ananda Prakash Tiwari, Superintendent of Police, Udalguri told The Sentinel that he has to start everything from zero level.
Will the Chief Minister, ministers and legislators or the police head quarters already over burdened with a number of Additional DGPs, IGPs and other senior officers listen to the sufferings of the people of this neglected district of Udalguri, which came to the national and international limelight for the recent group clashes? After going through this poor affair in the police administration in Udalguri, who is to be blamed? Is it a failure on the part of the district police administration or on the part of the State Government? Mr Chief Minister, Mr Spokesman of the State Government and Mr DGP, do you have any answer?




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