Security forces gunned down six NDFB militants in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district on May 19. Police sources stated that the militants who took shelter inside the thick jungle opened fire as the security forces advanced towards the rebel camp. The exchange of fire continued for more than three hours in which six militants were killed. Earlier on May 18, two NDFB militants were killed in Chirang district1.

In Assam’s NC Hills district, four Dimasas were gunned down by unidentified gunmen on May 19. Police sources indicated that the killings could be the fallout of ethnic clashes between the Dimasas and the Zeme Nagas2.

Reports meanwhile noted that the NSNC-IM had launched a recruitment drive in Assam in a bid to expand its territorial influence. The NSCN-IM’s plan came to light after security forces busted its temporary camp in Assam’s Dhemaji district on May 17 and apprehended two of its cadres from Nagaland. Sources also indicated that many youths from West Siang district in Arunachal Pradesh and the bordering areas of Assam had joined the NSCN-IM recently and were being trained at Camp Hebron, the NSCN general headquarters located in Dimapur. Government sources in Arunachal Pradesh cautioned that if the activities of the outfit were not checked, the state could turn into a haven for the militant outfit3.

In Manipur meanwhile, in order to facilitate tripartite talks between the Centre, the State Government and the KCP(MC) Lallumba group, a Joint Monitoring Group was set up on May 204.

• 1. “6 NDFB men gunned down,” Telegraph, May 20, 2009, at http://telegraphindia.com/1090520/jsp/northeast/story_10990742.jsp
• 2. “Violence flares up in hill districts,” Telegraph, May 20, 2009, at http://telegraphindia.com/1090520/jsp/northeast/story_10993238.jsp
• 3. “NSCN-IM bid to recruit Assam youths,” Telegraph, May 19, 2009, at http://telegraphindia.com/1090519/jsp/northeast/story_10985645.jsp
• 4. “Peace talk with Lallumba group,” Sangai Express, May 21, 2009, at http://thesangaiexpress.com/News_pages/Local_page-05.html