Election Commission to visit Tripura; ULFA linkman nabbed by BSF; Hunters killed by militants in Manipur; Meghalaya CM claims settlement with Garo rebels on anvil; India-Myanmar for better border ties; Nagaland to witness polls by March; Dedicated airline
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  • According to reports, the full-bench of Election Commission headed by Chief Election Commissioner V S Sampath would arrive in Agartala on January 5 to oversee the preparedness for holding assembly election slated for early next year, Tripura Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Ashutosh Jindal said. The visit of the full-bench of the Election Commission assumes significance keeping in view the next Assembly election. As per the convention, the EC visit the poll-bound State before announcing the election schedule. 1

    According to reports, the Border Security Force (BSF) nabbed a Bangladeshi spy and an ULFA linkman during an infiltration effort in West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya. The BSF, on receiving specific inputs, nabbed Gorango Hajong, who works as an agent for Bangladesh’s Directorate General of Forces Intelligence and is also an ULFA linkman. 2

    In another development, reports noted that two hunters, K Kuma and K Ramshang of Kongkan village, were killed reportedly by armed cadres of United National Liberation Front on mistaken identity at a remote village near the Indo-Myanmar border on December 28 sparked anger in Ukhrul town. 3

    According to reports, Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said on January 3 that a historic settlement is on the anvil to resolve the issues raised by rebel A'chik National Volunteers Council (ANVC) group. Negotiations with ANVC for arriving at a permanent settlement have reached the final stage. A tripartite meeting is being convened on January 5 in Shillong as informed by Union Ministry of Home Affairs. ANVC, a powerful rebel group fighting for the creation of a Garoland Autonomous Council, entered into a tripartite ceasefire with central and state governments on July 23, 2004. 4

    Reports noted that amidst reports of an all-out offensive against the rebels in the neighbouring country, India and Myanmar have decided to open a fourth Border Liaison Office (BLO) in Nagaland sector between Ukhrul, Manipur and Somra in the neighbouring country. The 18th national level meeting between Myanmar and India held on December 28-29 in New Delhi, while expressing satisfaction over opening of a third Border Liaison Office (BLO) between Changlang, India and Pangsau, Myanmar, decided to open the fourth BLO as well. Both the sides emphasised nurturing BLOs to promote cooperation between law-enforcement agencies of both the countries for peace and tranquility along the border. 5

    According to reports, the Election Commission of India (ECI) said on January 4 that Assembly elections in Nagaland will be held before the tenure of the present House expires. The current Nagaland Assembly term expires on March 18. A complete team of ECI arrived in Dimapur on January 3 and met top bureaucrats and leaders of political parties. There are 11.9 lakh voters in Nagaland of which six lakh are males and 5.9 lakh females. 6

    In other developments, According to reports, North Eastern Council (NEC) Secretary UK Sangma said that a new airline operator dedicated to the North East is set to take off by April 1. The bidding process for the services which has already begun is expected to have an operator with improved services and cheaper rates to fly in the North Eastern airspace. 7

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