Bodo militants attack which killed 55

[Hindustani78]

http://zeenews.india.com/india/two-injured-in-blast-in-nagaland_1962743.html
PTI | Last Updated: Thursday, December 29, 2016 - 20:30

Kohima: Two persons were injured and four vehicles damaged in a bomb blast in Dimapur, police said on Thursday.

The incident took place last night on the New Dhansiri bridge road in Dimapur, they said, adding the bomb was made of gelatine sticks and packed with sharpnels.

Two passers-by were injured in the blast, police said.

They were rushed to a hospital, while one who was critically injured, was referred to Guwahati, they said.

Four vehicles passing the area were damaged in the blast, police added.


First Published: Thursday, December 29, 2016 - 20:30

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.hindustantimes.com/india...-six-months/story-o8cft8XctxCLzdyZYSQebJ.html
Updated: Jan 03, 2017 14:34 IST

The Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) has been extended for another six months in Nagaland.

“The Union home ministry, in a notification on December 30, extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958, in the entire area of Nagaland for another six months,” a Nagaland home department official said.

The notification issued by the home ministry’s joint secretary Satyendra Garg said the Centre was of the opinion that the area comprising the state of Nagaland was in such a “disturbed and dangerous condition that the use of armed forces in aid of the civil power is necessary”.

Rights groups, various civil societies and political parties, especially the tribal-based parties in Northeastern states, described the law as “draconian” and have been demanding its withdrawal as the act gave huge powers to the army and para-military forces to conduct operations anywhere in the disturbed areas without any prior notice.

The AFSPA is also in force in Manipur (excluding the Imphal municipal council area), some parts of Assam and in several districts of Arunachal Pradesh.

Manipur’s Irom Sharmila Chanu was on hunger strike since 2000 demanding the repeal of the Act but withdrew the strike in August, 2016.

The Left-ruled Tripura in May, 2015 withdrew the AFSPA which gave sweeping powers and judicial immunity to security forces in conflict-hit areas. The law was enforced in the state 19 years ago to curb terrorism.

The central government, various political parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress hailed the Tripura government’s decision.

The Centre and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) had entered into a ceasefire agreement in August, 1997. Around 60 rounds of talks were held to end the insurgency that was said to have claimed 25,000 lives since 1947.

The central government had also appointed interlocutor RN Ravi to continue the peace process with the NSCN (IM). The NSCN (IM) has been fighting for an independent Nagaland for over six decades. But since the peace talks began, it has scaled down the demand to a “Greater Nagaland”, including parts of three neighbouring states to unite areas inhabited by around 1.5 million Nagas.

Three Northeastern states -- Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh -- have opposed the demand.

The Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (I/C), Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh calling on the Governor of Manipur, Dr. Najma Heptulla, in New Delhi on January 03, 2017.

Ministry for Development of North-East Region
03-January, 2017 16:32 IST
Dr Jitendra Singh discusses Manipur situation with state Governor Dr Najma Heptulla

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh called on the Governor of Manipur, Dr. Najma Heptulla, here today and discussed the prevailing situation in the State.

Dr. Jitendra Singh brought to the notice of the Governor that during the last few weeks, there have been a series of representations from different sections of Northeastern society, expressing their concern and at the same time, also offering inputs and suggestions. He said, he has been, from time to time, placing these inputs before the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and the concerned agencies. The Central Government is not only keeping a close watch on the recent developments in the State but is also constantly offering all kinds of possible cooperation and assistance to the State Government, he added.

Dr. Najma Heptulla shared her observations and experiences about the recent developments in the State. Dr. Najma Heptulla said she has been personally interacting with different sections and groups, both from political as well as social spectrum, in a sincere bid to ensure peace and amity in the region.

Dr. Najma Heptulla also gave a brief resume of the discussions held by her with different members of the State Government including the Chief Minister and her assessment of the situation as it prevails today. She also shared the written chronological record of various meetings held by her and the deputations received by her during the last two to three months.

Dr. Jitendra Singh assured the Governor that he would continue to keep in regular touch with her and seek her inputs. At the same time, he said, he will also convey the Governor’s observations to all the concerned in the Union Government.

***

 

[Hindustani78]

http://zeenews.india.com/india/mani...-dates-announcement-naga-council_1964403.html

New Delhi: The United Naga Council (UNC) on Wednesday said that they will continue with the economic blockade despite the announcement of Manipur assembly elections by the Election Commission.


According to the UNC -- apex body of the Nagas based in Manipur -- elections cannot be held peacefully in the Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur until the prevailing problems are resolved.

"The blockade will continue. Solving of Manipur's problems has to be done through dialogue between the parties in conflict. So far, the government of Manipur has failed to respond politically.

"We have no other option but to intensify the blockade, no matter what the Election Commission has announced regarding the polls in the state," K.S. Paul, former President of the UNC, told IANS from Manipur.

The Election Commission of India on Wednesday said five states, including Manipur, will go to polls to elect their new assemblies between February 4 and March 8. Manipur will vote in two phases -- March 4 and 8.

Paul -- an active member of the UNC -- said the Manipur government has betrayed the Nagas of Manipur.

"We have been betrayed by the Manipur government, as it did not consult us on the creation of seven new districts out of our ancestral land. We do not know whether the situation will be conducive for holding free and fair elections in the Naga areas of the state," said Paul.

"Bulldozing the interests of the Nagas, particularly on the issue of our ancestral land, won't be compromised under any circumstances. We do not consider the Manipur government as a popular government, as the districts were created without consulting us," added Paul.

Tension has been simmering in Manipur due to an economic blockade called by the UNC in the state. National Highways (NH) 37 and NH 2 have been badly affected due to the blockade.

Although the blockade started on November 1 when the state government was planning to create new districts by bifurcating the existing Naga-dominated areas, it intensified after the government ignored the agitation and went ahead to declare Jirbam as a full-fledged district.

The state government also created new districts of Kangpokpi, Tengoupal, Pharzol, Kakching, Noney and Kamjongin.

According to the UNC, the creation of new districts out of Naga territory without their consent is a deliberate act to suppress the rights of Nagas in the state.

In December last year, Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju said the central government will extend all assistance to restore normalcy in the state.


Apart from sending 150 companies of para-military forces to Manipur when the blockade started, the central government also sent seven additional companies of para-military forces, a step condemned by the Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagalim-Isak-Muivah(NSCN-IM).


First Published: Wednesday, January 4, 2017 - 19:58

 

[Hindustani78]

http://zeenews.india.com/india/two-crpf-personnel-wounded-in-manipur-attack_1965295.html
IANS | Last Updated: Saturday, January 7, 2017 - 21:39

Imphal: Two CRPF troopers were seriously wounded when suspected insurgents attacked a group of paramilitary personnel in Manipur`s Imphal West district on Saturday evening, police said.


Both of them were evacuated to hospital where, according to hospital sources, their condition is stable.

Police said that the attack took place when the Central Reserve Police Force personnel, part of the security team of the Imphal West District Collector, had come out of the office to make some purchases in the market at Naoremthong.

There has been no claim for the attack. Police and additional personnel rushed at Naoremthong about 6 km from the state capital. However no arrest could be made.

According to police, apart from normal work of the district, the office is intended to handle election related matters in March assembly elections and the complex is strictly guarded round the clock.

Meanwhile a brother and sister were charred to death at Makhan village in Senapati district when a house caught fire on Friday night while they were sleeping, police said.

The deceased were identified as Jamkhen and his sister Merai.

Property worth lakhs of rupees were also destroyed. Fire fighters feel that electric short circuit may have caused the devastating fire.


First Published: Saturday, January 7, 2017 - 21:39

 

[Hindustani78]

http://zeenews.india.com/india/secu...r-500-loaded-trucks-into-manipur_1965567.html

Imphal: More than 500 loaded trucks and oil tankers were on Sunday escorted into Manipur capital Imphal from Assam by state and central paramilitary forces, beating a Naga-imposed blockade.

The 511 trucks loaded with fuel and other consumer items, building materials and medicines were escorted over 220-km throughout the mountainous National Highway-37 from Silchar district in Assam to Imphal.

Officials said that 531 more loaded trucks and oil tankers will be escorted similarly in the next trip.

A report aid supporters of Naga blockade in Manipur torched a truck loaded with rice bags near Kotland along the national highway on Sunday morning, but no arrest was made.

The United Naga Council imposed the indefinite economic blockade of the state on November 1 last year to protest the Manipur government`s plan to create two new districts in the state.

The UNC claimed several "lands of the Nagas" -- where they have been traditionally the inhabitants -- would be usurped by the new districts.

Meanwhile, prices of consumer and other items have increased considerably, with traders maintaining that transporters are demanding extra fares since supply vehicles remain stranded for days at Jiribam district headquarters while waiting for armed escorts.

The Manipur government had requested the Centre to intervene and facilitate tripartite talks to end the blockade, but there is no response as yet from New Delhi.


First Published: Sunday, January 8, 2017 - 21:21

 

[Hindustani78]

http://zeenews.india.com/north-east/outfit-threatening-manipur-editors-identified_1966024.html

Police late on Monday arrested Mohen Kangabam, 63, an active member of the Kangleipak Communist Party (Lamyanba Khuman), a proscribed militant outfit, and recovered some extortion letters and incriminating items from his house.

The threats were carried out by Corcom, an apex body of six outfits, a spokesperson for the para-military Assam Rifles here said.

"Mohen has confessed to his crime. He disclosed that he planted the hand grenade under the orders of L. Mangoljao aka Lamyanba Khuman, the commander-in-chief of the outfit, believed to be hiding now in Nepal," police said.

The special search operation was conducted under the supervision of S. Ibomcha, Additional Superintendent of Police (Operations), Imphal West.

P. Labango Mangang, Editor of Kangla Pao evening newspaper, told IANS on Tuesday that the Editors` Guild Manipur is yet to get an official statement from the police.

"Our appeal is that armed persons and others should not harass the scribes who are working amid constraints in this insurgency-affected state. We should be allowed to discharge our duty freely," he added.

Security was tightened in the district following reports that extortion threats may be made to the candidates in the coming elections, police said.


First Published: Tuesday, January 10, 2017 - 15:32

 

[Hindustani78]

http://indianexpress.com/article/in...ders-abducted-by-suspected-militants-4467904/

Eleven traders of Assam were kidnapped by militants from near the same spot about three months ago.
By: PTI | Tura | Published:January 10, 2017 3:31 pm

The traders, most of whom were from Assam, were, travelling to conduct business near the village of Gasuapara. (Source: Google Maps)

Suspected militants today abducted eleven traders, but eight of them managed to escape their clutches, near Gasuapara in South Garo Hills district of Meghalaya.

The traders, most of whom were from Assam and travelling to conduct business near the village of Gasuapara, were waylaid at about 6.30 AM, a police official said.

Eight traders managed to escape from the captors, he said.

The three traders who were taken at gun point by unknown militants, are all from Dalu in West Garo Hills district and have been identified as Tamal Dey (38) of Killapara, Dulan Mahanta (36) also of Killapara and Durgapada Dutta (35) of Chaipani.

“We rushed a team to the spot and were still awaiting details. Poor connectivity is causing problems. We can have a better idea of the people behind the kidnapping once we are able to confirm the details from the area,” Superintendent of police, South Garo Hills Anand Mishra said.

Incidentally, its was the local MLA who informed the police that some traders might have been kidnapped after some vehicles were waylaid by armed men.

Eleven traders of Assam were kidnapped by militants from near the same spot about three months ago.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://indianexpress.com/article/india/manipur-police-arrest-four-nscnim-militants/

The duo has been identified as Hongsha, 32, and self-styled Captain Ashang Hongsha, 42, of the same village, the police officer said.

Three cadres of NSCN(IM) and one sympathiser was apprehended from different locations of Thoubal district following three search operations by Manipur police commandos, a police officer said today.

In a search operation conducted at Tuisem village by state police commandos yesterday led by SP M Pradeep, at around 3 am, seven persons were apprehended for failing to provide authentic identity papers. Three of them turned out to be former members of NSCN(IM), the officer said.

They have been handed over to Pallel Police station for verification, the officer said. Four SSBL guns and one weapon were recovered during the operation, the sources said. In another operation carried out yesterday at Khangshim village in Thoubal district, one sympathiser and a captain of the militant outfit was also arrested.

The duo has been identified as Hongsha, 32, and self-styled Captain Ashang Hongsha, 42, of the same village, the police officer said. HOngsha was in constant touch with cadres stationed at Dimapur’s Hebron Camp, the officer added.

The commando team also recovered one .38 pistol with four live rounds and one mobile handset.

Meanwhile, another police team, carried out a search operation at Serou locality, leading to the arrest of yet another two cadres of the same outfit identified as Bungdon Bingham, 29 and Setlun Shungjong, 23. The state force managed to recover one .32 pistol loaded with one live round, by the police, the officer said.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://zeenews.india.com/india/manipur-militants-fire-upon-trucks-convoy-kill-one-man_1966746.html

Imphal: One person was killed and three others were injured in a militant ambush of a convoy of trucks and oil tankers moving long National Highway 37 towards Imphal capital city in Manipur on Thursday, officials said.

The unidentified person died on the spot. The injured were given initial treatment at a nearby hospital. As their condition became serious, they were later shifted to Imphal.

"Over 500 trucks and oil tankers were coming from Jiribam towards Imphal escorted by central paramilitary personnel. The gunmen opened fire at the trucks and other vehicles at Lukhambi," a state police official said.

Following this attack, all the vehicles were stranded on the highway as the drivers refused to ply without adequate security coverage.

Once some additional personnel arrived, the drivers moved on their vehicles towards Imphal.

The central leaders and Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju are blaming the Manipur government for the ongoing economic blockade of the state imposed by the United Naga Council (UNC).

However, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh told IANS he had requested the central government to arrange a tripartite talks with the Naga organisations to resolve the crisis.

Both the Manipur government and the United Naga Council are imposing preconditions, and as a result the negotiations have not yet taken place.


First Published: Thursday, January 12, 2017 - 21:44

 

[Hindustani78]

The incident took on a disturbing dimension as the UNC, which has imposed an indefinite blockade against Manipur since November 1, said the Manipur forces had carried out the ambush.
http://indianexpress.com/article/in...singh-seeks-report-on-manipur-ambush-4473948/
By: IANS | Imphal | Updated: January 14, 2017 3:48 pm

Home Minister Rajnath Singh has sought a report on Thursday’s ambush on National Highway 37 in Manipur in which one person was killed and three injured, officials said on Saturday. Two of the injured persons are in the ICU of a private hospital in Imphal.

The incident took on a disturbing dimension as the United Naga Council, which has imposed an indefinite blockade against Manipur since November 1, said the Manipur forces had carried out the ambush.

However one wounded victim said: “About eight tribals in combat fatigues climbed down from the nearby mountain and opened fire at us. Speaking tribal dialect, some of them mocked us and opened fire again.”

Meanwhile, police investigation has not made any headway and no arrest has been made. No underground organisation has claimed responsibility for the ambush.

Trucks, oil tankers and private vehicles ply on NH 37 under CRPF escort. “Manipur had sought 60 companies of the central paramilitary personnel to escort the vehicles and gain area domination. However the centre has despatched just 29 companies,” officials said.

Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh told IANS that from the very beginning, Manipur has been urging the central government to set up a highway protection force since NH 2 and 37 are the only lifelines of Manipur.

“However the centre maintains that as law and order is a state subject Manipur should deploy its forces along the highways,” he said.

On Friday there was a total shutdown of markets, government offices, educational institutes and other facilities in protest against the ambush.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://zeenews.india.com/india/top-ministers-army-chief-review-manipur-situation_1967501.html

New Delhi: Top central ministers, along with security officials, today reviewed the prevailing situation in Manipur where a 75-day long economic blockade on national highways has crippled normal life.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat, Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi and other top officials closeted for an hour to discuss the situation in the Northeastern state.

Notably, Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi was also present in the meeting, leading to speculations of central government mulling some legal action.

The Ministers and top officials discussed how to reopen the blocked National Highway 2, the lifeline of landlocked Manipur, and restore normalcy, official sources said.

The top priority of the central government is now to reopen NH-2 which connects Manipur from Assam through Nagaland. While the other highway, (NH-37), is reopened, the Centre wants to reopen the NH-2 too as early as possible, the sources said.

Assembly election in Manipur is scheduled for March 4 and 8 and around 20,000 central security personnel have been sent to the northeastern state keeping in view the security situation in the wake of violence following the economic blockade imposed by the Union Naga Council (UNC) on the National Highways since November 1.

The UNC has imposed the economic blockade on NH-2 (Imphal-Dimapur) and NH-37 (Imphal-Jiribam) that serve as lifelines for the landlocked Manipur.

While NH-37 was partially reopened, there is no traffic movement on NH-2.

In a stern message, the Centre had told the Manipur government last month that it cannot escape responsibility for the "humanitarian crisis" arising out of the economic blockade by a Naga group and must work to end it, while making it clear that nobody will be allowed to take political advantage of the situation.

Home Minister Singh had written twice to Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh asking him to ensure reopening of the highway but it did not yield any result.

Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju too had visited the Congress-ruled Manipur as a central emissary but the highway has not reopened yet.Manipur as a central emissary but the highway has not reopened yet.

Rijiju had said it was completely unacceptable to have such blockades in which thousands of people were suffering and both the central and Manipur governments will work together to end it.

"The state government has not been able to end the blockade. It must end as soon as possible as law and order is the responsibility of the state government. Nobody will be allowed to take political advantage out of a humanitarian crisis where common people are suffering," he had said.


First Published: Sunday, January 15, 2017 - 23:03

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Home Affairs
18-January, 2017 20:54 IST
Chief Ministers of Manipur and Nagaland meet the Union Home Minister

On request of the Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh, the Chief Minister of Manipur Shri Okram Ibobi Singh met him here today.

The Home Minister expressed his grave concern over the continued blockade of National Highway-2 causing severe difficulties to the people of Manipur specially with regard to availability of essential commodities. Shri Rajnath Singh further stated that continued blockade is likely to adversely affect democratic process in the forthcoming elections by hampering movement of people, including election officials.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has been making repeated efforts to find a way to have the NH-2 opened. On 15th November, 2016, tripartite talks with Government of Manipur and United Naga Council (UNC) were called at New Delhi to discuss the economic blockade, which were not attended by Government of Manipur. On 22nd Dec., 2016, the Union Home Minister wrote to the Chief Minister of Manipur to discharge his Constitutional obligations of keeping National Highways open and ensure supplies of essential commodities. 40 additional Coys. of Central Para-Military Forces have been made available to Manipur as asked for by them in the month of December, 2016, in addition to 135 Coys. of CAPFs already stationed there. Despite these repeated efforts of the Ministry, nothing substantive seems to have been done to remove the economic blockade.

Shri Rajnath Singh stated that it is the Constitutional obligation of Government of Manipur to maintain public order in the State including maintenance of essential supplies and conducive atmosphere for holding elections. He called upon the Chief Minister to discharge this obligation responsibly, in the interest of people of Manipur. If more forces are required for this, that would be made available by Government of India. But it is critical that Government of Manipur should not be lacking in its will to restore normalcy.

The Union Home Minister made it clear that if Government of Manipur fails in its Constitutional duties, Government of India may have to explore other measures under the provisions of Constitution of India to ensure that difficulties of people of Manipur are alleviated. On request of Home Minister, the Chief Minister of Nagaland Shri T. R. Zeliang also met the Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh today. The Home Minister sought his cooperation in keeping the NH-2 open between Dimapur and Mao Gate and not to allow disturbance on this vital route.

*****

Ministry for Development of North-East Region
18-January, 2017 19:25 IST
Naga women's delegation meets Dr Jitendra Singh

A delegation of Naga women hailing from Manipur and representing the organization “Women for Just-Peace” met the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh here today and appealed for peace in the region.


In a memorandum submitted to the Minister, the delegation noted that, following the announcement by the Government of Manipur on December 8, 2016 to create seven new districts, there has been constant unrest and blockade resulting in considerable hardship to common people. They said, the Naga community and its women-folk seek a solution to end this impasse which is adversely affecting peace and communal harmony in the State.


The memorandum further observed that, irrespective of the respective positions taken by the Government of Manipur or the United Naga Council (UNC), the immense difficulties and hardships faced by the ordinary citizens and those travelling to the State must come to an end as soon as possible.


They expressed concern that the atmosphere of violence and agitation currently gripping the State of Manipur is an outcome of confrontation between different groups which needs to be resolved for restoration of peace.


In another memorandum, the delegation expressed the confidence that it is only the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi whose leadership can ensure an atmosphere of peace, honour and respect for the people of Manipur. It also said that the “Women for Just-Peace” looks forward to march along with India towards peaceful coexistence, progress and development.


Dr Jitendra Singh held a detailed interaction with the members of delegation and conveyed to them the Government’s keenness for restoration of peace and prosperity in the State of Manipur.


The delegation included Ms. Linda Newmai, Dr Gina Sangkham, Dr Achan Mungleng, Ms. T. Ningreichon, Ms. L. M. Tabitha, Ms. Thingreiphi and Ms. Wang Hring.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://zeenews.india.com/india/jan-12-ambush-handiwork-of-nscn-im-claims-manipur-police_1968992.html

Imphal: Manipur Police has blamed NSCN (IM) for the January 12 attack on a convoy of trucks in Lukhambi area in Noney district in which one person was killed and three others were injured.

In a press release issued yesterday, the Manipur Police has also refuted the allegation levelled by the outfit that the police personnel were behind the attack.

The charges by National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah), as reported in a section of media, are not true and the firing was carried under the operational command of two self-styled NSCN (IM) 'captains' of Lukhambi village, the press release said.

A man was killed while another three were seriously injured after suspected militants fired at a convoy of trucks on NH 37 at Khumji (Lukhambi) village in Noney district while heading for Imphal from Jiri town on the evening of January 12.

Following the attack, the police had hinted at the possibility of the involvement of Naga militants in the attack, stating "with so many undergrounds active in the area it is difficult to pinpoint one group but there is a possibility".

Yesterday, the NSCN (IM) had, in a statement to a section of media, blamed Manipur police for the attack and injuries and death.

The attack had taken place during the indefinite economic blockade imposed by United Naga Council (UNC) in Manipur since November 1 last year.


First Published: Friday, January 20, 2017 - 14:32

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...LFA-leader-Gagan-Hazarika/article17067888.ece
The NIA on Friday announced that they have arrested ULFA (I) leader Gagan Hazarika from Guwahati.

A statement released by the investigating agency said Hazarika alias Joydeep Cheleng was arrested on Wednesday.

Hazarika is a senior trained cadre, had joined the banned outfit in 2008 and acquired the rank of SS 2nd Lieutenant in ULFA (I).


He has been arrested when he was produced before the Special NIA Court, Guwahati from the District Jail Sivasagar, District- Sivasagar, Assam on Production Warrant and taken into Police Custody for six days.

His arrest is likely to throw light on the activities of senior leadership of the ULFA, including Chairman Mukul Hazarika and C-in-C Paresh Barua since he was closely associated with them during their visit /stay at camps of ULFA located in Myanmar, an NIA statement said.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh chairing an Inter-Ministerial meeting to review the supply of essential commodities in Manipur, in New Delhi on January 21, 2017. The Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas (Independent Charge), Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, the Home Secretary, Shri Rajiv Mehrishi and senior officers of Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas are also seen.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...smugglers-held-in-Manipur/article17073457.ece

Imphal January 21, 2017 13:54 IST
Two women arms smugglers and an illegal manufacturer of weapons were arrested and a six 9—mm pistols, five magazines and a live round seized by a combined team of Assam Rifles and Manipur police.

The smugglers Esther Haokip (22) and Chongboi Haokip (43) were held from their residences at Molnom in Churachandpur district on Thursday.

In another incident on the same day, security forces destroyed two small huts in Zipitang Reserved Forest locality and recovered one 9 mm pistol and other materials allegedly used in arms manufacturing. An illegal manufacturer of arms was also arrested, police said today.

Meanwhile, a team of Manipur police commandos, in a separate operation led by Additional SP (Ops) Ibomcha, arrested a militant of the proscribed outfit United National Liberation Front (UNLF) from Keisampat area in Imphal West district yesterday, a police official said.

The militant entered the Northeastern state from neighbouring Myanmar, he said.

The police team also learnt that the UNLF cadre had joined the proscribed outfit KYKL in 2002 before crossing over to UNLF the following year.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://zeenews.india.com/india/mili...g-assam-arunachal-pradesh-border_1969505.html
Guwahati: Militants ambushed an Assam Rifles vehicle, triggering an encounter along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border on Sunday morning.

An Assam Rifles vehicle was attacked by grenades and loud explosions were heard at Barabasti 12th Mile on NH-53 bordering Assam's Tinsukia district, a defence spokesman said.

Security forces retaliated and both are currently locked in an encounter.

Further details were awaited.


First Published: Sunday, January 22, 2017 - 11:28

http://zeenews.india.com/assam/two-...bush-by-militants-near-jairampur_1969681.html

Tinsukia: Two soldiers of the Assam Rifles were killed and two others injured on Sunday when militants ambushed a convoy near Jairampur on the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border, police said.


The security forces, however, launched a counter-insurgency operation immediately in the area and killed two of the militants involved in the ambush.

The attackers belonged to the United Liberation Front of West Eastern South East Asia (UNLFW), a joint platform of most of the northeastern militant outfits, including the anti-talk faction of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), National Socialist Council of Nagaland led by Khaplang (NSCN-K) and Coordination Committee (CorCom) of Manipur.

Assam Director General of Police (DGP) Mukesh Sahay said security forces had launched a counter-insurgency operation against the militants.

"Two of the militants involved in the ambush were neutralised later. The forces also recovered two weapons from their possession," said the DGP.

Tinsukia Superintendent of Police Mugdhajyoti Mahanta said 15 to 20 militants caried out the ambush.

Unofficial sources said the militants fled with some arms and ammunition of the Assam Rifles personnel after the attack.

The ULFA and NSCN-K had ambushed an army convoy in Tinsukia district in November last year and killed three soldiers.

Following the incident, the security forces had restricted the movement of vehicles on Jagun-Jairampur Road and intensified mobile check-posts. The Inter-state border between the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border and Assam-Nagaland border has also been put under intensified vigil.

Meanwhile, a joint statement by the CorCom and the ULFA faction claimed responsibility for the attack and that they undertook a joint attack on the security forces, code-named "Operation BARAK".

"A joint team attacked the 13 Assam Rifles at Warabasti area on Jagun-Jairampur Road and killed three soldiers and injured two or more and were able to recover three weapons, including two AK Rifles and one INSAS Rifle," said the statement signed by ULFA faction commander-in-chief Paresh Asom.


First Published: Sunday, January 22, 2017 - 21:30

Suspected militants attacked an Assam Rifles vehicle escoring tourists, killing two personnel and injuring several others at Jagun 12the Mile Barabasti near the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border. | Photo Credit: PTI
http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...ifles-vehicle-in-Tinsukia/article17077786.ece

Two soldiers were killed in an encounter with terrorists after an Assam Rifles convoy was ambushed while three terrorists were neutralised later in search operations at Bara area in Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh on Sunday.

The Assam Rifles vehicle was escorting three tourist vehicles while returning from Pangsau festival along the Assam-Arunachal border when it was attacked with grenades. A fire fight began immediately and intermittent firing is continuing.

“In the later search operations the security forces have been able to neutralise three terrorists. The combing operations are still on,” official sources said.

As the area has been cordoned off for the search operations, tourists have been stranded on the highway.

The attack is suspected to have been carried out by CorCom (Coordination Committee), the umbrella group formed by six banned underground organisations in the region.

The Pangsau festival is an annual winter event held in Arunachal Pradesh along the Indo-Myanmar border.