Migrant workers fleeing on large scale in Western Meghalaya; Border pillars surveyed by both officials of India and Bangladesh; Centre-ULFA peace talks to be held; Assam-Nagaland border meet held; Border fence work at Moreh put on hold following objection
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  • (JUNE 24-30)

    According to reports, hundreds of panic-stricken migrant labourers have started fleeing the insurgency-ravaged Garo Hills region in western Meghalaya after eight coal miners were killed. According to a government official, up to 5,000 migrant workers, mainly from Assam, have left several areas of Garo Hills, fearing fresh attacks on non-indigenous workers. It would be worth noting that June 23rd night's gruesome attacks on the coal miners took place after a mob turned violent while protesting an alleged bid to molest a mentally-challenged girl on June 21 night at Tura, the district headquarters of West Garo Hills. 1

    In another development, according to reports, joint survey of the border pillars along the India-Bangladesh border by officials of both the countries is on and repairing of the pillars found to be damaged will take place immediately after the completion of the survey. A team of Government officials of Bangladesh are camping in Mankachar in Dhubri district to take part in the survey. On the other hand, a team of officials from India are camping in Sherpur in Bangladesh for the same purpose. 2

    Reports noted that the pro-talk group of ULFA has brought in a big delegation of twenty seven members to take part in what is being described as a crucial round of dialogue on June 26. The ULFA delegation led by Chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa, which arrived on June 24, has been holding preliminary discussions with Centre’s interlocutor, P C Haldar. The talks would be chaired by the Union Home Secretary. It has been learnt that the two sides are in the advanced stage of resolving the contentious issues contained in the charter of demands presented by the group in August 2011. 3

    In other developments, reports noted that a two-day joint meeting of the Border Peace Coordination Committee of Assam and Nagaland with the co-mediators was held at Chumukedima near Dimapur in Nagaland on June 21 and 22. 4

    According to reports, the setting up of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) and ongoing border fencing work has been put on hold at Moreh following objections raised by Myanmarese Government. According to sources, the Myanmarese authorities have asked Government of India to stop the construction of ICP at Moreh when Union Home Ministry officials visited the State recently, according to Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh. 5

    According to reports, United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) general secretary Anup Chetia, who has been in a Bangladeshi jail since 1997, would be repatriated this month to India according to a senior Union Home Ministry official. It would be worth noting that India and Bangladesh had signed an extradition treaty earlier this year. 6

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