Assam Chief Minister claims militancy on a decline; President Pranab Mukherjee visits Imphal and Gangtok; Bandh begins in Manipur; Government of Assam to request for extension of ban on United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) and National Democratic Fron
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    • According to reports, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said on April 15 that there was a declining trend in militant violence in the state. He added that a coordinated action was needed with the northeast states like Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Meghalaya to stop transit routes, arms supply and shelters for militants. He said at a regional level, it was clear that coordinated action was needed in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and some parts of Meghalya if training, arms supply, transit routes and shelters of militants operating in Assam were to be choked. The Chief Minister also said that Myanmar remained a sanctuary for militants and there were efforts to reopen camps in Bhutan. 1

    In another development, according to reports, President Pranab Mukherjee made it clear that many parts of the north east have not got the full benefit of the process of development that was initiated through our five year plans and suggested this should be made up through collective effort and contribution. President also visited Gangtok in his two day Sikkim visit. 2

    According to reports, the Government of Assam has announced that it would ask the Centre to further extend the ban against two militant outfits – the anti-talk factions of ULFA and NDFB under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. The Assam government, while submitting documentary evidences on the outfit’s activities in Assam and neighbouring States, including Meghalaya, wants these organizations to remain banned. Although factions of both the Ulfa and NDFB are engaged in peace talks with the government, nevertheless, both the outfits continue to remain banned. 3

    Reports noted that the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women (UNSRVAW), Rashida Manjoo, will be visiting Manipur on April 28 during her proposed visitto the country from April 22 to May 1 next. The UN Special Rapporteur will be visiting the State on the invitation by the Civil Society Coalition on Human Rights in Manipur and the UN (CSCHR). The UNSRVAW will address violence against women broadly, focusing on both its causes and consequences according to the mandate. The Special Rapporteur will study the different manifestations of violence against women in the family, community, violence perpetrated by the State and violence in the trans-national sphere during the visit. 4

    According to reports, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on April 21 presented PM’s Award for excellence in Public Administration to Sikkim Government for extraordinary and innovative work done by Rural Management & Development department in the State. This is the country's highest award for excellence in public administration. Sikkim is the only State in the North East to get this award for excellence in public administration for the year 2011-12. 5

    In other developments, according to reports, a truck driver was shot dead by suspected hill-based armed militants on the Imphal-Jiribam road on April 17 night. Protesting the incident, a Joint Action Committee (JAC) formed by the locals of Samurou has called a 48 hour general strike. 6

    Reports noted that two ULFA militants, an Assam Police Commando personnel and a civilian were killed in an encounter between the militants and security forces at the Kordoigurigaon under Doomdooma PS on April 19. 7

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