Two suspected militants killed in Assam; Centre waiting for written proposal from NDFB(R) for further formal talks; GNLA leader escapes; Maoists’ plan for North East comes in view; Former HNLC Chief held; Home Minister P. Chidambaram writes to ten Chief M
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  • According to reports, two suspected militants were shot dead by security forces in Goalpara district after they opened fire at a checkpoint. The exchange of gunfire took place when two motorcycle borne militants fired at a mobile check post jointly set up by the police and the army at a place called Sign Board in the area. According to Superintendent of Police Luis Aind, the two militants are yet to be identified and confirm their affiliation to any particular militant outfit. 1

    In another development, according to reports, the Centre is waiting for a written proposal from the Ranjan Daimary faction of the National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) for initiating the next step for formal talks with the outfit. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is unlikely to provide additional forces to Assam as per the request of the State Government. The Home Minister made it clear in the meeting with the Assam Chief Minister that the Centre would require a formal letter from the outfit expressing its desire for talks to initiate the next step like releasing Ranjan Daimary on bail. The issue of suspension of operations against the outfit will be decided only after formal talks begin. 2

    Meanwhile, according to reports, dreaded militant leader of the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) Sohan D Shira, escaped a police dragnet at Samanda village, 18 kms from Williamnagar in East Garo Hills district. A combing operation by CRPF deployed in East Garo Hills led to the discovery of a hideout of the GNLA on a hill- top across the river Simsang during which there were about 12 heavily armed militants who opened fire on seeing the security forces. The army chief of GNLA Sohan D Shira was present in the house at the time of the encounter along with another militant leader identified as Jenny, area commander of Williamnagar. This is the fifth time the GNLA chief escaped security operations launched against his outfit. 3

    According to reports, the Maoist rebels have designed a mega plan for the North East region as well as parts of Myanmar and Bangladesh. The plan has been unearthed by the security forces recently. Meanwhile, the police and security forces have also managed to get the names of at least a hundred Maoist members from Assam. The Maoists have designed a plan for creation of a confederation of states comprising the North East region, parts of Myanmar and the Sylhet area of Bangladesh. According to the plan, the states of the confederation would be created to represent smaller nationalities of the area. 4

    Meanwhile, reports noted that Meghalaya Police arrested surrendered ‘chairman’ of the Hynñiewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) Julius Dorphang along with seven others for alleged assault, intimidation and damage of private property. All the arrested surrendered rebels were produced before the court of Additional District Magistrate under Khliehriat Sub-Division SC Laloo and were booked under Sections 120B, 447, 506 and 379 of the Indian Penal Code. Laloo remanded the accused to five days’ police custody. 5

    According to reports, breaking his silence over stiff opposition to his pet project NCTC, Home Minister P Chidambaram today wrote to 10 non-Congress Chief Ministers, saying that countering terrorism is a shared responsibility and Centre will continue to work with states to fight the menace. In identical letters to the Chief Ministers, including West Bengal’s Mamata Banerjee, Chidambaram said the Union Home Secretary would convene a meeting of the police chiefs of all the states in this regard. 6

    In other developments, according to reports, four armed constables of 23rd IRBP and three civilians were injured when a mob of around 500 persons attacked Deithor police outpost. All the injured police personnel and civilians have been rushed to nearby Golaghat civil hospital after the incident. 7

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