Minister of State for DONER remarks that Assam violence not a Hindu-Muslim clash; Centre concerned over arms with surrendered ultras; Central team visits relief camps in violent affected districts of Assam; Naga outfit calls off blockade in Manipur; Bodol
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    • According to reports, Paban Singh Ghatowar, the Minister of State (independent charge) for Development of the Northeastern Region said that the ethnic violence in Assam which led to an exodus of thousands of northeastern people from other parts of India was not a Hindu-Muslim clash. But it did betray a trust deficit among people living in Bodo tribal areas. It would be worth noting that over 400,000 people were uprooted and over 75 killed in the terrible violence between tribal Bodos and Bengali-speaking Muslims which broke out in Kokrajhar in July this year and spread to other areas. The clashes led to the most unexpected exodus of northeastern people from Bangalore, Pune and Chennai after anonymous messages vowed to avenge the killing of Muslims in Assam. Ghatowar agreed the recent clashes were related to disputes over land rights. 1
    In another development, reports noted that the Central Government is concerned over the availability of illegal weapons with the surrendered militants or militants under cease-fire agreement and requested the Assam Government to deal with the matter as such weapons can be used in ethnic clashes as well as for committing crimes. According to reports prepared by the security agencies, almost all the militant groups under cease-fire agreement have been violating the ground rules of such agreements and they are keeping sophisticated weapons illegally. This issue was raised by the MHA in meetings with the State Government on several occasions, but till date, no strong action has been taken by the State to launch an all out offensive to seize such weapons. The recovery of one AK 56 rifle from the possession of senior member of the pro talk faction ULFA leader Hira Sarania on August 20, 2012 once again brought into focus the fact that such illegal weapons are being used for criminal activities. 2
    Reports noted that on August 21, 2012, a seven-member Central team consisting of joint secretaries on visited several relief camps in strife-torn Korakrajhar, Chirang and Dhubri districts to take stock of the situation. The team visited more than 81 relief camps spread over the three districts including those at Bilasipara and Majpara in Dhubri district. The team took stock of the situation and interacted with the camp inmates. The inmates, the sources said, told the members of the team that there were adequate relief materials. The team was led by the joint secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Shambhu Singh, S S Mathur, joint secretary drinking water, K K Srivastava, joint secretary disaster management, Ravi Mittal, joint secretary planning commission, R S Shukla, joint secretary health, Navin Prakash, joint secretary food, and Rajesh Bhusan, joint secretary rural development. 3
    Reports noted that United Naga Council (UNC), which had imposed a 96-hour economic blockade on national highways in Manipur from August 20, 2012 midnight, called off the blockade on August 21 with immediate effect. The Centre had agreed to hold talks on the issue with the UNC on August 29, 30 or 31, according to the convenience of the Naga outfit. A representative from the Manipur Government was also likely to attend the meeting. The UNC had called the economic blockade to press their demand for an alternative arrangement for Nagas in Manipur as they wanted to “dissociate itself” from the Manipur Government. However, official sources confirmed that buses and trucks with essential items were plying on the national highways with security escort vehicles. 4
    According to reports, an Assam legislator Pradip Brahma who belongs to the Bodoland Peoples' Front (BPF) was arrested on August 23 for his role in the ethnic violence in the State. Soon after his arrest, the district administration imposed an indefinite curfew in Kokrajhar district from 5 am. But hundreds of BPF supporters defied the curfew and came out to the streets and blocked railway tracks at several places, including Kokrajhar railway station, demanding Brahma's immediate release. The legislator was held after seven cases were registered against him in Fakiragram and Dotama police stations in Kokrajhar district. 5 Meanwhile, reportedly, four militants from the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM) have been arrested in Tripura. The guerrillas were held on August 22 evening after entering India from Bangladesh. 6
    In other developments, according to reports, Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh was appointed the Director General of Assam Rifles on August 25, 2012, the major counter-insurgency force in the North East. Lt Gen Singh has been appointed on deputation basis for two years or till his superannuation from Army or until further orders. Lt Gen Singh was commissioned in 1975 in the Bihar Regiment and in his career spanning over 37 years. 7

    Reports noted that Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) chief Champion Sangma has been remanded to fourteen days judicial custody by a local Court. Champion has been under police custody for the past one month and was quizzed by sleuths from the intelligence department both from the Centre and State police. 8

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