National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) ultras arrested; Polls in three North-East states to be monitored by flying squads; Indo-Bangla rail projects to be expedited; Peace talks between National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) and Govt. of India
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    • According to reports, security forces in Assam's Kokrajhar district have nabbed two militants of the anti-talk faction of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) on January 14. The security forces have recovered two grenades, one pistol and some incriminating documents from the injured militants. 1

    In another development, reportedly, according to a poll panel official, the Election Commission of India will form flying-squads to check illegal arms, distribution of money and other unlawful materials during the assembly polls in Meghalaya, Nagaland and Tripura in February. District magistrates will head the flying-squad in each assembly segment to check illegal arms, distribution of money, liquor and other unlawful materials. The Election Commission will also deploy observers in each district of the election-bound states. 2

    According to reports, in keeping with the policy of improving connectivity between the North Eastern States of India and neighbouring Bangladesh, India and Bangladesh on January 16 firmed up plans to expedite the rail projects between the two sides. It has been decided to expedite the projects for opening rail links between Akhaura (Bangladesh) – Agartala (India), Chilahati (Bangladesh) – Haldibari (India), Shahbazpur (Bangladesh) – Mahishashan (India) and Birol (Bangladesh) – Radhikapur (India). India and Bangladesh also decided to examine the feasibility of establishing a rail link between Feni (Bangladesh) and Belonia (India). 3

    Reports noted that the next round of political dialogue between the Government and NDFB (P) faction is likely to be held later January, even as the Bodo militant outfit renewed its demand for creation of a separate State of Bodoland. A five-member delegation of NDFB (P) led by general secretary Govinda Basumatary on January 16 had their first interaction with Union Home Minister, SK Shinde. The rebel leaders urged the Union Home Minister to expedite resolution of their charter of demands. The meeting was also attended by senior Home Ministry officials including Joint Secretary (North-east), Shambhu Singh. 4

    According to reports, the expansion plan of the Maoist rebels in Assam and other parts of the North East region received a major blow with the arrest of Alok Bakshi, a central committee member of the Maoist rebels. Bakshi, who hails from West Bengal, was arrested in Visakhapattanam by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) with the help of Andhra Pradesh police. According to sources, the NIA has received permission from the Court to bring the arrested Maoist leader to Assam for questioning in connection with the else relating to the links between the Maoist rebels and Manipur based militant outfit People’s Liberation Army (PLA). 5

    According to reports, Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh has asked the central government to amend Article 3 of the constitution to ensure that the boundaries of Manipur state are not altered in attempts made to resolve the six-decade Naga insurgency problem. Article 3 deals with the formation of a new state by separation of territory from any state, or by uniting two or more states or parts of states. Ibobi, who led an all-party delegation from Manipur, met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde January 17 evening, urging them to amend Article 3 of the constitution by adding a proviso for a long-term commitment to ensure the state boundaries of Manipur are not disturbed. The Chief Minister’s demand for a long-term commitment comes in the wake of reports hinting that the central government has arrived at a settlement with the NSCN-IM to sort out the six-decade Naga insurgency issue. 6

    In other developments, according to reports, Guwahati is set to host the first ever International Tourism Mart of the North-East from January 18. The three-day event at the Sarusajai sports complex will witness the participation of a large number of nations and a matching assemblage of delegates. Reportedly, this will be the first international tourism mart to focus on a specific region of India. 7

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