Army ready to tackle militants from Myanmar; Two leaders of separatist outfit Hmar People’s Convention Democrats (HPC-D) arrested in Assam; Centre urged to expedite National Front of Bodoland (NDFB) talks; 48 hour bandh hits Itanagar; Garo ultras kill two
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    • According to reports, the army is prepared to tackle any situation along the Indo-Myanmar border in the event of any infiltration of insurgents from Myanmar as stated by Maj Gen Binoy Poonnem, GOC, 57 Mountain Division. He was replying to question by media persons at a community hall inauguration near Leimakhong army headquarters, 20 km north of Imphal, Manipur. Earlier even the IG of Assam Rifles (South) Maj Gen UK Gurung had stated that the Assam Rifles troops are vigilant across the International border between India and Myanmar. 1

    In another development, reports noted that two top leaders of separatist outfit Hmar People's Convention-Democrats (HPC-D) were arrested by Mizoram Police in southern Assam. The Mizoram Police with the help of Assam Police arrested the self-styled army chief of HPC-D Lalropuia and his deputy Biaknunga near the Kumbigram Airport in Silchar in Southern Assam. Mizoram Home Minister R Lalzirliana while addressing the media said, "The HPC-D was one of the extremist groups in Manipur that had signed suspension of operations (SoO) agreement with the security forces in that state under the supervision of the union home ministry. However, its cadres were indulging in a series of violent and illegal activities in Mizoram." 2

    Meanwhile, Bodo National Council (BNC) has urged the Centre to release Ranjan Daimary and expedite the ongoing negotiations with the two factions of NDFB. A six member delegation of BNC led by chairman of BTC, Hagrama Mohilary called on interlocutor, P C Haldar and Joint Secretary (Norh-East), Shambhu Singh to press upon the Centre for early resolution of the peace process with NDFB (P) and Ranjan Daimary factions. 3

    According to reports, sporadic incidents of violence were reported in Itanagar as normal life was hit during the 48-hour bandh called from June 13, 2012 by three organisations in support of their demands. Educational institutions, business establishments, Central Government offices and banks remained closed while attendance in State Government offices was thin. The bandh has been called by the All Nyishi Youth Council, Arunachal Pradesh Abo Tani Clans Youth Organisation and Arunachal Pradesh Youth Forum demanding immediate cancellation of land certificates awarded to non-Arunachalees. 4

    Reports noted that suspected GNLA militants in Garo Hills gunned down a former cadre who surrendered to police early this year and also killed a village defence party secretary accusing him of working for the police. A big group of heavily armed GNLA militants on June 16, 2012 midnight went to the house of VDP secretary SK Sangma at Dajong gate near Mendipather in East Garo Hills and opened fire killing him on the spot. They left behind a note accusing him of being a dacoit and a police informer. At around the same time another group of militants from the outfit raided a small house on the outskirts of Nangalbibra police station in South Garo Hills. They attacked the house and shot dead their former colleague Sonaram R Sangma alias Chingkam for leaving the outfit. 5

    Meanwhile, reports noted that a 48- hour total bandh beginning from June 16, 2012 midnight in the Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur has been called by the United Naga Council (UNC) Manipur in protest against the government’s alleged failure to fulfill their demands. The decision to call the bandh has been taken in the recent Presidential Council meeting of UNC, said a statement of the Council. The bandh will also cover railway construction works particularly in Manipur’s Tamenglong district. The UNC statement, however, added the bandh was called to protest against the lack of sincerity of the Government of India (GoI) and Government of Manipur (GoM) in taking forward the tripartite talks regarding the alternative arrangement demand of the Council. The 48 hour total bandh would be followed by a series of other agitations if no response is forthcoming from the GoI and the GoM. It would be worth noting that the last tripartite talk was held in presence of State and Central officials on June 30, 2011 at Senapati district in Manipur. 6

    In other developments, according to reports, the Assam Police has launched a specialized force called Assam Police Rangers to launch specific operations against militants. Meanwhile, the Task Force created by the State Government for dealing with Maoists is planning to visit some other states where the Maoists have strong bases to study the problem. The Assam Police Rangers will operate directly under the Inspector General of Police (Law and Order). The personnel of the Rangers include around 120 police personnel specially trained for counter insurgency operations and the men of the force are deployed in insurgency infested areas of the State including Tinsukia, Sivasagar, Karbi Along etc. Sources said that with leaning of the Maoists in Assam towards Manipur based militant group PLA, their movement is likely to be concentrated more towards armed movement rather than mass movements. Though the Maoists are still not strong enough in Assam, they should be dealt with immediately to prevent the growth of left wing extremism. 7

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