India to get back Ulfa leader Anup Chetia from Bangladesh

Shillong: 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, a senior union home ministry official said on Monday.

“He (Chetia) should be reptratriated to India by July 15 or a few days before that,” Shambhu Singh, joint secretary (north east) in the Union home ministry, told IANS.

Chetia is wanted in India for various crimes including murder, kidnapping and extortion. He was arrested in Assam in 1991, but was freed by the state government.

Ulfa leader Anup Kumar Chetia. AFP

On 21 Decemebr 1997, the Ulfa general secretary was arrested from Mohammadpur in Dhaka for illegally entering Bangladesh and for illegally carrying foreign currency and a satellite phone. He is under detention after completion of his jail term.

Chetia sought political asylum in Bangladesh on three occasions – in 2005, 2008 and in 2011. He also applied to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for political asylum in Bangladesh, contending he had been fighting for a sovereign Assam.

But later the separatist leader who is fighting for a “soveriegn Assam” sought that his application for political asylum in Bangladesh should be cancelled and he be returned to India.

“He wanted to come back to India after much persuasion by his family members and friends. He wanted to be part of the ongoing peace talks between the government (of India) and the Ulfa,” Singh said.

Chairman of Ulfa’s pro-talk faction Arabinda Rajkhowa on several occasion had asked the Indian government to seek Chetia’s repatriation from Bangladesh to deportation to India.

On 13 May, Chetia in his petition submitted to Rajshahi Central Jail, where he has been in detention, said, “Earlier, I wanted to stay in this country. I have changed my mind and I have decided to live the rest of my life with my children in my country (India).”

The prison authorites forwarded the petition to the Bangladesh home ministry.

India has long been demanding Chetia’s deportation but Bangladesh has been saying that the issue needs to be settled by the court as he had sought political asylum.

India and Bangladesh had signed an extradition treaty earlier this year.

Although Bangladesh never officially acknowledged handing over of the several top Indian rebels leaders to India since Sheikh Hasina took office of the prime minister in January 2009, it is now an open secret that Dhaka facilitated their arrests by capturing them and later handing them over to Indian authorities.

Those handed over include Ulfa chairman Rajkhowa, deputy commander-in-chief Raju Baruah, self-styled foreign secretary Sasha Choudhury, finance secretary Chitraban Hazarika and other leaders of the outfit, as well as National Democratic Front of Bodoland chief Ranjan Daimary, and in the recent time Garo National Liberation Army chief Champion R Sangma.

Ulfa, Centre Eye Settlement

By Nishit Dholabhai

New Delhi, Mar 8 : Ulfa and the Centre today hinted they are nudging towards a settlement rooted in "Assam's identity" for which the government might amend the Constitution.

A seven-member Ulfa delegation led by Arabinda Rajkhowa today met home minister Sushil Kumar Shinde after an hourlong meeting with Union home secretary R.K. Singh and interlocutor P.C Haldar.

Singh said a lot of "core concerns" were discussed in the meeting.

However, no one from the Assam government participated in the "tripartite" talks.

"Whatever will be worked out will come out of the core issue of identity…It is about preserving the identity of Assam," said senior Ulfa leader Sashadhar Choudhury.

Choudhury said the government appeared to be "in the mood and position" that a settlement would be worked out soon.

Besides Rajkhowa and Choudhury, Raju Barua, Pradip Gogoi, Mithinga Daimary, Pranati Deka and Chitrabon Hazarika attended the meeting.

The talks were held at North Block, where chief minister Tarun Gogoi is tackling dissidence within his government, chiefly from young Turk Himanta Biswa Sarma.

The talks were termed positive and a lot of ground was covered, Singh added later.

His sentiment was echoed by the Ulfa leaders who sent out positive signals.

On Ulfa leader Paresh Barua's reported comment that the current lot of Ulfa is "ex-Ulfa", Rajkhowa shot back: "Those are his personal views".

The home secretary also did not deny that the government is ready to amend the Constitution to grant safeguards for the "identity" of people in Assam.

Ulfa has been pressing for Scheduled Tribe status for some tribes like the Morans and Muttocks of Upper Assam, to which both Paresh Barua and Anup Chetia belong.

The negotiation also includes issues that could lead to safeguarding of "indigenous" communities.

The question of expansion of the Ulfa team, with the inclusion of Chetia, also came up during the discussions.

Chetia is currently lodged in a Bangladesh jail and his petition ' seeking asylum in that country ' is pending in court.

Choudhury, however, said Chetia has to be extradited as the "situation in Bangladesh is not good". Bangladesh is headed for elections by December this year.

Ulfa hopes and the government wants to extradite Chetia before that.

The Awami League-led government has been a consistent facilitator in resolving India's militancy problem in the Northeast.

NIA Decides To Go After Manipur Insurgent Oufit

By Vicky Nanjappa

The Union government has decided to crack down on the operations of the Manipur-based Revolutionary Peoples' Front. The National Investigation Agency will soon draw up a comprehensive plan to neutralise the various modules of this group.

The Revolutionary Peoples' Front, which enjoys strong links with extremist groups based in Bangladesh, is becoming a menace for the central government. The Front, while seeking 'liberation' for Manipur, has been involved in as many as 15 disruptive incidents this year. It has also opposed major decisions like the Union government's efforts to extract oil.

The RPF is the political wing of the People's Liberation Army. The RPF has today positioned itself as a government-in-exile -- with its own social welfare and finance departments -- and operates out of Bangladesh. The RPF is purportedly trying to unite all the ethnic tribal groups in Manipur.

The dossier on the RPF, prepared by the Intelligence Bureau, says that the group had started off by fighting for social causes. It had spoken out against the consumption of drugs and alcohol via a sub-group called the Special Task Force. It had also opposed the use of Hindi as an official language

The Revolutionary People's Front was formed in 1989. Today it has four divisions -- Sadar Hill West areas of the Valley of Manipur, Sadar Hill areas in the eastern Valley, the entire hill areas in Manipur and the entire Imphal area.

RPF has enjoyed considerable political patronage till now and this has forced security agencies to stay away from it. Bangladesh's Directorate General of Forces Intelligence and the Inter Services Intelligence have both kept an eye on this group to further their agenda on Indian soil.

Over the years, the RPF has gradually taken a more violent stance.

The NIA will have to deal with political interference as well as track the sources of funding for the RPF.

According to sources in the NIA, the outfit used to make do with donations, as several locals supported this cause. Today, it receives financial support from both the ISI and the DGFI. The group also owns a considerable number of sophisticated weapons and it may be enjoying the backing of State players.

The NIA will also have to deal with sympathisers of the RPF on Indian soil.

"We need to break the political links of the group and block their finances. We also have to look into the diplomatic issues involved in this case. The job will require at least a year since we need to first draw out a map of their operations and then get cracking on the case," said an official of the NIA.

Talks With ULFA Make ‘Tangible' Progress

By Vinay Kumar

ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa (right) comes out after meeting Union Home Secretary R.K. Singh in New Delhi on Monday.

“Tangible progress” was made at the tripartite talks held here on Monday among the Centre, the Assam government and the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA).

“There was tangible progress in the talks. Both sides were satisfied with the progress made,” an official release from the Union Home Ministry said after the second round of peace talks, held under the chairmanship of Union Home Secretary R.K. Singh.

While the ULFA delegation was led by its chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa, the State government was represented by Chief Secretary N.K. Das. Among others, P.C. Haldar, the Union government's representative for the peace talks; Ajay Chadha, Special Secretary (Internal Security), Home Ministry; and Shambhu Singh, Joint Secretary (Northeast), Home Ministry, were present.

The talks, lasting 90 minutes and held after six months, discussed several aspects of the ULFA's “charter of demands,” which sought, among other things, an amendment to the Constitution to find a lasting-solution to the three-decade insurgency in Assam.

“It was a very constructive and fruitful discussion. I think we have achieved very good progress…,” Mr. R.K. Singh told journalists after the meeting.

Satisfactory: Rajkhowa

Mr. Rajkhowa also termed the talks “satisfactory.” “We discussed all issues concerning Assam's peace and development. We all agreed to carry forward the dialogue process,” he said.

The observance of the ground rules, agreed to by both the sides; the surrender of arms; and a total halt to the operations by the security forces against the pro-talks faction of the banned outfit were some of the issues that came up for discussion.

The ULFA has sought an amendment to the Constitution for finding “meaningful” ways of protecting the rights and identity of the indigenous people of Assam.

ULFA's ‘foreign secretary' Sashadhar Choudhury said all contentious issues were discussed. He said the organisation requested the government to bring ULFA ‘general secretary' Anup Chetia back from Bangladesh. He is now lodged in a Dhaka prison.

In September last, the ULFA signed the suspension of operation agreement with the government, after agreeing to enter into talks. Mr. Rajkhowa and his core team met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Home Minister P. Chidambaram early last year.

ULFA's elusive ‘commander-in-chief' Paresh Baruah has consistently opposed the talks, pitching instead for putting “sovereignty” on the negotiation table.

Militant Outfits in Peace Process Flouting Ceasefire Ground Rules

Guwahati, Feb 13 : Militants outfits in the state, which are in peace talks with the government, have been flouting ceasefire ground rules at will. Since 2002, when the United People's Democratic Solidarity went into ceasefire, Assam Police have arrested 620 cadres of various outfits in talks on charges of extortion, kidnapping and other crimes.

The outfits have also violated the ground rules by carrying weapons outside the designated camps. In the last 9 years, police have seized about 180 weapons. It is mandatory for all these outfits to deposit all their arms before starting dialogue.

The cadres of the outfits, who stay in designated camps, are allowed to keep some weapons with themselves for guarding their camps but are not permitted to exhibit them outside the camps.

"If anyone of them is seen outside the camps with arms, we immediately arrest them and seize the weapons," a source said.

"There are six outfits in peace talks with a combined cadre strength of 3354 staying in 24 designated camps. The two Dima Halam Daogah factions - Nunisa and Jewel groups - are the biggest violators," the source added.

From the two DHD factions, the police have arrested as many as 462 cadres and have seized 82 weapons. The Nunisa group declared truce in 2003 while the Jewel faction entered the peace process in 2009. This group is the key player in the huge financial scam in NC Hills Autonomous Council by siphoning off development funds to its coffers. Two cadres of the outfits have also been killed in encounters with security forces, while in the peace process.

The Ulfa's pro-talks faction, which has declared ceasefire in October last year, have also been flouting the rules and 26 of its members have been arrested so far along with 18 weapons. Similarly, 46 members of NDFB (Progressive), which entered the peace process in 2005, have been arrested on charges of kidnappings and extortion. From them 37 weapons have been seized so far.

The Karbi Longri NC Hills Liberation Front (KLNLF), which declared ceasefire in 2010 has also flouted the rules for which police have arrested 22 of its cadres and seized 23 weapons. If these outfits are not enough, another nine outfits of the state - Kuki Revolutionary Army, United Kukigram Defence Army, Hmar people Convention (D), Kuki Liberation Army, Adivasi Cobra Military of Assam, Birsa Commando Force, Santhal Tiger Force, All Adivasi National Liberation Army and Adivasi peoples Army - have laid down arms in one of the biggest development on January 24. These outfits together have 1659 cadres, who will be put up in 18 new designated camps.

Northeast Militancy Dip Poses New Challenge

 Member of Hmar People's Convention (HPC), an armed group demanding self-rule in North-Cachar Hill district of Assam, meet traditionally dressed dancers during the arms laying down ceremony at Guwahati in the northeastern Indian state of Assam January 24, 2012. Hundreds of separatists in India's northeast handed over automatic rifles and other weapons to the home minister and senior paramilitary and army officers, signalling the government remains open to peace talks in the region.

Tezpur, Jan 30 : The steady decline in militancy across the Northeast has posed a new challenge for the army — tapping the energy of warrior communities to ensure that the region does not relapse into bloodshed.

Almost all militant groups in the Northeast have either disbanded or are on ceasefire mode barring some 150 guerrillas left with United Liberation Front of Asom (Ulfa) commander-in-chief Paresh Barua and some Manipur-based militants with diminishing firepower.

Security analysts say the last nail in the coffin of militancy in the region was possibly hammered in with the surrender of 1,695 rebels from nine armed groups in Guwahati last week.

“It was the beginning of the end of militancy in the Northeast, but it also left us with the huge task of motivating the youth in order to properly utilise their natural fighting spirit,” said a senior army officer on condition of anonymity.

Most communities in the Northeast — Nagas, Meiteis, Ahoms, Karbis, Dimasas, Bodos, Mizos, Nyishis and Noctes to name a few — have had a history of waging wars to fiercely protect their territories and their cultures.

Geo-political changes over the years in the region, however, “diverted their energies” into secessionism.

“The army has a greater responsibility today to be more people-friendly, acquaint locals with the opportunities it provides. People in the region are born fighters, and tapping their energy and spirit will go a long way in nation-building,” said Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi at a Fauji Mela here on Sunday.

Organised by the Tezpur-based Four Corps, the Fauji Mela was on a scale unprecedented in the country. Some 17,000 people turned up for the Mela that showcased multifarious combat actions as well as an aerial display by Sukhoi jets.

Lt Gen Shakti Gurung, GOC of Four Corps, said a series of workshops have been already organized by the army to motivate educated youth particularly from the backward districts to join the armed forces.

“We have spent about Rs 26 crore last year in various programmes under Operation Sadbhavana that included special training for recruitment drives, and motivating young people right from the school level,” Lt Gen Gurung said.

The Four Corps is responsible for securing most portions of the 1,080-km boundary that Arunachal Pradesh shares with China.

Biggest Arms Surrender To PC By 9 Rebel Groups

By Prabin Kalita


Guwahati, Jan 25 : Militancy-hit Assam was able to shirk off this tag on Tuesday with the biggest surrender of over 1,600 cadres of nine outfits in a day. However, a few remnant groups, including Ulfa hardliners led by Paresh Baruah, did not join the peace process.

An assortment of about 201 small and big weapons were deposited by the groups comprising five Adivasi, three Kuki and a Hmar outfit, before Union home minister P Chidambaram and chief minister Tarun Gogoi. Welcoming the cadres back into the mainstream, the home minister said, "We can build a great India, a great economy and we ask you all to join us in this glorious task of nation building."

Gogoi, on the other hand, reiterated his appeal to Baruah and his group to join the peace process. "Our doors are open for those who are willing to join the peace process but we will firmly deal with hardliners," he said.


Hailing the mega arms surrender ceremony, the home minister said, "Not often do we see so many groups, which have taken the path of militancy, returning to the path of peace, reconciliation and brotherhood. We believe that in our republic and democracy every voice deserves to be heard and all differences can be settled through talks and consultations."

Chidambaram said, "In the past couple of years, we have reached out to several outfits. We have signed the suspension of operation with the pro-talks faction of Ulfa, we have signed a memorandum of settlement with UPDS and negotiations with the DHD(J) are in the final stages. We expect a memorandum very soon, talks with DHD(N) are progressing well and talks with the NDFB (Progressive) will continue. Talks with the KLNLF are also progressing and the Ranjan Daimary faction of the NDFB has declared unilateral ceasefire."

The nine outfits, Kuki Revolutionary Army, United Kukigram Defence Army, Hmar People's Convention (D), Kuki Liberation Army, Adivasi Cobra Military of Assam, Birsa Commando Force, Santhal Tiger Force, All Adivasi National Liberation Army and Adivasi People's Army had earlier declared a ceasefire. Chidambaram added, "We assure you that the government of India and the government of Assam will treat everyone of you as equal citizens with honour and dignity."

Also present at the ceremony were the 4th Corps GoC Lt Gen Shakti Gurung, 3rd Corps GoC Lt Gen Dalbir, director general of police and chairman of the Operational Group (Unified Command), J N Choudhury, GoC, Red Horns division Major General R N Nairand GoC Red Shield Maj Gen Binoy Poonnen.

The additional director general of Assam Police (special branch), who was responsible for the arms surrender ceremony, said, "All major outfits have finally come to the peace process except a few remnants and deserter groups."

UPDS Lay Down Arms

568 cadres lay down arms

DIPANKAR ROY

Lengbart Ingleng, defence secretary of the UPDS, waves the outfit’s flag during the surrender ceremony in Diphu on Wednesday.

Diphu, Dec : The barrier broke just after the sun began its descent over the Karbi Anglong Sports Association stadium here today.

Hundreds of people — men, women and children — surged to the ground as soon as the ceremony to mark the laying down of weapons by the United People’s Democratic Solidarity (UPDS) cadres was over and the officials — both military and civilian — had left.

Eighteen years after they, most of them, at least, had found meaning and shelter in the deep jungles of Karbi Anglong district and even beyond, they returned amidst their own, to the mainstream today.

No one made any effort to stop the tears that flowed down their cheeks freely — neither the battle hardened cadres nor the people — as they hugged each other, some fiercely, as if making up for lost time.

“I am so happy,” said Preeti Teronpi. The pause follows in quick time. “These are tears of both sorrow and joy; joy because we have come back to our families and sorrow because we have left another (UPDS),” she said, dressed in battle fatigues and a new gamocha around her neck like several hundred of her male counterparts.

Munsin Hanse, son of UPDS deputy commander-in-chief, at the surrender ceremony in Diphu on Wednesday. Picture by UB Photos

Then came the band and the musicians and the celebrations began. The musician emerged from the shell of the militant to add his voice to the band’s singers; Vojaru Mukrang, joint secretary, political affairs, who had shed tears unabashedly some minutes ago surrounded by his people was now singing to them with gay abandon .

Kachesong pensi kelong; MoS, MoS kachetok aloh along; puani arni penkachesong; lahenlo kemang ason; arjatphipsi dolang hemprek kemang, the song went, meaning the struggle has achieved something but there is still a long way to go till statehood is achieved.

Before the tears and the music had come the apology.

“We are fully conscious of the fact that every armed struggle has collateral damage and criminal tendencies that negatively impact society and the UPDS movement is no exception to the rule. There is no denying the fact that traders, government functionaries and even innocent individuals have had to suffer immensely because of our movement. It is, therefore, my solemn duty, on behalf of my organisation, to apologise for the pain caused by us intentionally or unintentionally… from today onwards, we pledge to stand by you and make Karbi Anglong a safer and better place to live in,” said UPDS chairman Longsodar Senar, addressing the people at the weapons laying down ceremony.

Senar recalled that they had embraced armed struggle to rescue the people from “oppression and neglect, to fight inequality and injustice”.

Defending the memorandum of settlement signed with the government on November 25, he said there was no reason to “grieve or grumble” just because it was not named “autonomous state” and instead, all should work to ensure its clauses were implemented sincerely.

While the arms were laid down symbolically only by some of the leaders, led by the chairman, the disbanding of the UPDS as slated did not take place.

Mukrang said the organisation would hold its last general council tomorrow and then announce the disbanding. “Nothing ceremonial. We will just issue a statement,” he said.

The UPDS handed over assorted weapons numbering 177 and ranging from the favourite of militants and security personnel alike, the AK series rifle (85), to a universal machine gun and a rocket launcher.

As for those who joined the mainstream today, there were 568 of them, including the top leadership and the cadres that included 22 women; the ranks ranged from colonel to lieutenant.

Among those present were Assam director-general of police Sankar Barua, GOC 4 Corps, Lt Gen. Shakti Gurung, and additional DGP (special branch) Khagen Sarma, besides other senior military, police and civilian officials.

Pointing at the uniqueness of Karbi Anglong, Khagen Sarma said the district has or has had the presence of several militant outfits, including Ulfa, erstwhile BLT, Kuki groups and others. “Hopefully, after the UPDS, others will also come forward,” he said.

Among the invitees of the UPDS was Niranjan Hojai, commander-in-chief of the DHD (J), from the adjoining Dima Hasao district.

“We are hoping we can also sign an accord soon,” he told The Telegraph. “Things are moving in the right direction,” he added. The DHD (J) has already laid down arms and has since been in talks with the government.

ULFA Demands Constitutional Amendments At Talks With Govt

Ulfa leaders during talks with Home Secretary R.K. Singh

New Delhi, Oct 26 : A charter of demands of the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), which includes constitutional amendments to provide Assam greater control over its natural resources, was discussed Tuesday with a central government team led by Home Secretary R.K. Singh during peace talks here.

"It was a very positive meeting. We have had a point-by-point discussion on our charter of demands," ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa, who led the six-member team of his outfit, told reporters after the 90-minute talks held at the North Block office of the union home ministry.

This is the second round of talks between ULFA and the centre, after a ceasefire was agreed to early this year.

"We hope that the positive attitude of the central government will continue and help in finding an amicable solution to our demands," he added after the closed-door talks.

P.C. Haldar, the interlocutor between the two sides, and senior officials of the ministry were also present.

The next round of talks would be held in November, officials sources told IANS.

The centre told the ULFA team that their demand will be discussed in detail in the next round when officials from different ministries would take part, sources said.

However, the ULFA leaders were non-committal about the surrender of their arms. Sashadhar Choudhury, self-styled foreign secretary of the ULFA, said: "We have not attended the peace talks with our arms. We are also not going to tell you where our cadres have kept the arms."

He said the planned camps, 'abanirman kendras', to provide designated shelter to the ULFA cadres, were not ready so far.

The charter of demands includes constitutional amendments to give Assam greater control over its natural resources, revenue generation, participation in the planning process, ensuring a secure demographic situation, besides accelerated and balanced development.

The minutes of the meeting will be notified in the gazette, official sources said.

ULFA and the central government entered into a ceasefire earlier this year after the rebel leadership was released on bail.

On Sep 3, the ULFA had signed a "suspension of Operation" pact with the government,.

Rajkhowa had led an eight-member ULFA team during introductory talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Home Minister P.Chidambaram in February.

ULFA, one of the biggest rebel outfits in the tea and oil-rich region of Assam, has fought for an independent homeland for Assamese since 1979.

At least 10,000 people, mostly civilians, have died in Assam because of fighting between government forces and rebels in the past three decades.

The much-hyped talks hit a major roadblock with ULFA's elusive commander-in-chief Paresh Baruah rejecting the initiative.

Baruah, said to be hiding in the Myanmar-China border area, in an e-mail statement said: "We cannot support the peace talks as the ULFA leadership led by Rajkhowa is under the influence of our enemy (government)."

But the ULFA chairman maintains that Paresh Baruah is not opposed to the peace talks.

HPC-D in For Vertical Split

Silchar, Oct 21 : The Hmar People’s Convention (Democratic), a breakaway faction of Hmar People’s Convention, is about to split into two factions.

Factional rivalry started within the outfit about two weeks back after its top echelons impeached its founder president, Lalhmingthanga Sanate, a 52-year-old Hmar community member from Manipur and a political science graduate from St Edmund’s College, Shillong.

The outfit has its strongholds in Mizoram and in adjacent Manipur and Cachar and Dima Hasao districts of Assam.

Insurgency watchers in Mizoram said Sanate’s ouster has not only fuelled factional rivalry in the otherwise close-knit rebel group, but has also created confusion within the intelligence community of the state.

Observers surmised that Sanate was ousted at the behest of leaders who had always been opposed to his soft stance during talks with the Mizoram government, adding that the same leaders were now rallying behind John F. Hmar, the outfit’s popular information secretary.

Hmar, according to the sources, is pitching for an autonomous district council, comprising Hmar-inhabited areas in Mizoram, as a condition for coming overground and laying down arms.

Mizoram chief minister Lalthanhawla had, however, vigorously opposed this.

The chief minister had made it clear that his government could only consider revamping the present district development council granted in 1994 to the HPC, then led by Hmingchungnung Lalhmingthanga.

There are at present about 5 lakh Hmar people in Mizoram.

In the meantime, the HPC (D), in a statement signed by information secretary John F. Hmar, has condemned the present wave of violence in Dima Hasao district since the killing of James Dimasa, the former home secretary of the militant outfit, DHD (J), near Haflong on October 13.

The outfit called for an immediate end to the violence and preservation of peace and racial harmony in the district.

India Urges Singapore To Freeze Bank Account Of Rebels

By PANKAJ SARMA

Niranjan Hojai

Guwahati, Oct 21 : The Centre has urged the Singapore government to investigate an account in a bank of that country which allegedly belongs to the Dima Halam Daogah (Jewel) .

An official source told The Telegraph that the ministry of external affairs has sent a letter of request to the Singapore government through the Indian embassy seeking a probe into the particular bank account, which was allegedly used by the rebel outfit for funding militant activities.

The Centre has also asked the Singapore government to take necessary steps like freezing the bank account.

The Centre moved the Singapore government after an investigation conducted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) into the money-laundering activities of the rebel group revealed that the account was allegedly opened by the self-styled commander-in-chief of the DHD (J) Niranjan Hojai under a fake name of Nirmal Rai about a couple of years ago. The ED has found that a huge amount of money was withdrawn from that account by Hojai, which was subsequently used to purchase arms and ammunition for the outfit and also for DHD (J) leaders’ travel to countries like China, Thailand, Malaysia, South Africa and Nepal.

Hojai holds a Nepali passport in the name of Nirmal Rai and he is suspected to have travelled to all these countries with the passport.

The source said that the ministry of external affairs moved the Singapore government on a request made by the Union finance ministry after the judge of special court, Kamrup issued a letter of request to investigate DHD (J)’s overseas bank accounts.

“If investigation by Singapore authorities proves that the bank account was opened by Niranjan Hojai and it was used for funding militant activities, then necessary action will be taken against him under the relevant provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA),” he said. He said that the DHD (J) leaders, including Hojai, had also bought landed property and invested crores of rupees in travel agency, hotel business, real estate and investment firms in Nepal from illegally acquired proceeds and extortion money.

A similar letter of request was also sent to the Nepal government by the external affairs ministry through Indian embassy in Kathmandu for attachment of these properties, the source said.

He further said that Niranjan Hojai is suspected to have visited China a few years back with an objective to develop rapport with the authorities there and to facilitate procurement of illegal arms from agents there.

The ED had registered a case against DHD (J) in December last year after the leaders of the group -- including Hojai and outfit’s chairman Jewel Gorlosa — were named by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in the multicrore-rupee fund diversion case of the Dima Hasao (formerly North Cachar Hills) Autonomous Council to the outfit’s coffers.

The ED is tracking the rebel outfit’s money trail and their overseas investments.

Investigations had also revealed that the militants with the help of their associates channelled crores of rupees siphoned off from development funds meant for the Dima Hasao district from Guwahati to Calcutta through two hawala operators, Rabi Agarwal and Imdad Ali.

“The money was converted into dollars in Calcutta by two Mizo conduits of the outfit, George Lawmthang and Malsawmkimi, before illegally transferring it to the DHD (J) leaders, including Hojai, in Nepal and Singapore through hawala channels,” the source added.

Manipur Seeks Jobs For Ex-Militants

By Sobhapati Samom

Imphal, Oct 11 : Manipur Government is discussing with the Central authorities to recruit the surrendered militants in the Central paramilitary forces for their rehabilitation.

State Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh said this while addressing the media persons in connection with a home-coming ceremony of four cadres of Manipur outfit United People’s Party of Kangleipak (UPPK) here this evening.

Ibobi said the State Government had approached the Union Home Ministry in this regard. He also informed that the priority of the recruitment process will be given to the surrendered militants who fulfil crieria.

Priority will also be given to those surrendered in the recent past. The State Government has taken up the initiative with a view to expedite the rehabilitation process of the surrendered militants, the Chief Minister added.

Welcoming the four UPPK cadres who laid down three sophisticated German made Heckler Koach-33 automatic rifles and Myanmar automatic rifle A-1 along with three magazine and 260 ammunition, he also informed that the State Government is seeking review of existing Centrally sponsored surrendered policy.

State’s police chief Y Joykumar, DGP, who also attended the homecoming function along with his senior police officials also said that some of the surrendered militants have already cleared the recruitment criteria.

Police sources in Imphal said around 240 militants belonging to various armed groups have laid down their arms and joined the mainstream in the last two years. Presently, a verification process of the surrendered militants is on for proper implementation of rehabilitation scheme, it added. So far 106 of them have been verified.

Manipur's People's Liberation Army Reaches Out To Maoists, J&K Militants

By Hakeem Irfan

Alleged PLA members Dilip Singh (left) and Arun Kumar.

New Delhi, Oct 8 : The Delhi Police on Friday claimed that the banned People's Liberation Army of Manipur was conspiring to form a 'strong united front' against India along with the Maoists and the Kashmir-based militants.

The nexus came to light following the arrest of two militants of the outfit. N. Dilip Sing and Arun Kumar Singh Salam were nabbed from Paharganj on October 1.

They had been in the Capital for four days and had submitted their identity documents to the owner of the hotel they were staying in. On the basis of information provided by the duo, the Manipur Police arrested three more persons in Imphal.

Dilip, 51, is the head of the PLA's external affairs wing while Arun, 36, is a lieutenant. The special cell said Dilip came to Delhi from the North-East while Arun came from Pune, where he runs a travel agency.

Following the arrests, the Pune police raided Arun's house and seized a laptop and documents containing, among other things, PLA's proceedings in code language and information on intelligence units and security forces. Books on Maoist ideology, guerrilla warfare, battle psychology and counter insurgency were also seized.

"They came to Delhi as both had been instructed by their superiors to discuss the modalities regarding providing logistics, weapons and communication training to the Maoists," special commissioner (special cell) P.N. Aggrawal said.

"The PLA had also provided logistics, training, weapons and communication system to the CPI (Maoist) and had trained their cadre in Jharkhand and Orissa in 2009 and 2010, besides planning to conduct two training camps for the Maoists next year in Myanmar," he added.

The special cell said the laptop and documents seized from the duo revealed that the PLA and the Maoists had agreed on a joint declaration intending to form a 'Strategic United Front' to extend support to each other in their struggle to overthrow the government at the Centre.

After the formation of such a front, their intention was to form a 'Strong United Front' that would include the CPI (Maoist) and the militant outfits in the North-East and Kashmir.

"We also seized documents detailing the PLA's daily expenditure on each individual," a police officer said.

Dilip had joined the PLA's armed wing as a sepoy in 1988 and was promoted to the rank of Captain in 2009. Arun joined the outfit in 1997 as a sepoy and became a lieutenant this June.

Meghen May Be Shifted To Tihar Jail

Guwahati, Sep 13 : If the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has its way, United National Liberation Front (UNLF) chairman Rajkhumar Meghen may soon be shifted to Tihar Jail where high profile politicians such as Amar Singh, A Raja and Kanimozhi are lodged at present.

Stressing the need for "immediate shifting" of Meghen to the jail in New Delhi "for security reasons", NIA has told the Union home ministry that the UNLF leader's stay in Guwahati central jail might allow him to keep his contacts alive with other Manipur-based militants. The NIA, in its plea, also said Meghen's stay in Guwahati would also help his aides to influence the witnesses.

On Monday, the special NIA court took up the matter after the Guwahati central jail moved the Centre's instruction. The court will hear the plea on Tuesday after it adjourned the hearing on Monday.

"The government pressed jail authorities to uphold the NIA prayer of shifting Meghen to Tihar on security grounds. The NIA has pleaded that Meghen's presence here may influence the witnesses. The prayer also said that it's easy for him to contact Manipur-based outfits by staying in Assam," said the militant leader's counsel, Asim Talukdar.

The counsel said he would raise his arguments against the plea in court on Tuesday. "If Meghen can contact militants and influence the witnesses by staying in the city's jail, then it is a total failure of the security system. Moreover, the witnesses are said to be protected by the authorities earlier," Talukdar added.

The sixty-five-year-old militant leader was 'captured' in Dhaka on September 29 last year by Bangladesh intelligence agencies though he had claimed that "he was kidnapped". Meghen was then kept in 'secret detention' for two-months and finally shown as 'arrested' by a special team of NIA at Motihari in Bihar on November 30 .

The UNLF had earlier claimed that its chairman was arrested by a combined team of Indian intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), and its Bangladeshi counterparts, from Dhaka and then handed over to India.

A member of the Manipur royal family, Meghen has been fighting for nearly 35 years since he left his home in Imphal to lead an armed fight for a sovereign Manipur.

UNLF is one of the most oldest and dreaded Meitei insurgent outfits. Formed in 1964 to fight for Manipur's liberation from India, the group is estimated to have 5,000 armed fighters. It is the only group that has managed to retain territory in some areas of Manipur's borders with Myanmar, despite repeated military offensives by the Indian army.

ULFA Chief Paresh Baruah Reportedly Shot At, Injured By Myanmar's Army

New Delhi, Sep 10 : The commander-in-chief of the banned United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), Paresh Barua, reportedly been shot at and injured by the Myanamarese Army soldiers in the jungles of northwest Myanmar.

Sources were quoted by NDTV, as saying that Baruah has survived the attack. The channel said he was with some rebels when he was detected by the Myanmarese army and fired upon.

The ULFA recently had unconditional talks with Indian Home Ministry officials in an attempt to usher peace in insurgency-hit Assam.

An ULFA delegation met Home Ministry officials and Home Minister P. Chidambaram in February and again last week.

Baruah, however, has skipped both of these meetings.

He is still at large issuing threats and carrying out attacks. He wants sovereignty as a pre-condition for talks.

‘For Northeast Peace, ULFA and NDFB Must Quit Garo Hills’

REBEL OUTFITS in the Northeast are falling apart, a phenomenon hitherto unseen in the region. And perhaps for the first time in the history of insurgency in the region, one rebel outfit has openly criticised others. The Achik National Volunteer Council (ANVC) of Meghalaya, that agreed to a ceasefire in 2004, has given a 20-day ultimatum to the Paresh Barua-led anti-talk faction of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) to quit its bases in the Garo Hills and stop helping the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA). A similar ultimatum has been issued to the Ranjan Daimary-led National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB). A day after ANVC issued this ultimatum, Ratnadip Choudhury caught up with the group’s spokesperson Torik Jangning Marak to know why the ANVC has dared to dare ULFA and NDFB. Excerpts from an interview.

Torik Jangning Marak, Spokesperson, ANVC

Photo: Avalok Langer

What made you issue an ultimatum to ULFA and the NDFB to leave Garo Hills?
First, these groups are creating chaos in the Garo Hills. Second, they are helping the GNLA terrorise Garo-populated areas by assisting in kidnappings, killings, extortions, etc. Third, they have foreign connections — they are hand-in-glove with Pakistan’s ISI. Fourth, they want to derail the ongoing peace process with the Indian government. Fifth, if they remain in the hills, they will disturb the peace initiative in Assam. Plus, they don’t belong in Garo Hills.

For seven years now, ANVC has been talking peace with the Centre to work out a solution to long-pending Garo issues. GNLA came up as an outfit with the help of NDFB and ULFA and made a similar demand with the support of both anti-talk groups. They want to derail us to prove their power. They have tried to confuse the government by adopting similar names as that of ANVC leaders. Demands, killings and kidnappings took place for which they kept blaming ANVC. We are serious about the commitments we make to the Centre on the table. We have endured for years in the jungle but all our endeavours to come to a peaceful solution seemed to have provided a way for the GNLA to rise. The only way out for restoring peace is to drive away all who are against this initiative. If it was not for the NDFB and ULFA (anti-talk factions), it would not have been as crucial as we see it today, and I assure you, if we do not take this step they will surely disrupt the ongoing peace process with the pro-talk groups in Assam.

When ANVC was active, it had links with both ULFA and NDFB, particularly after Operation All Clear in Bhutan. Why has the relationship petered out?
They did try to strike an understanding with us in the past. The scaling down is simply because we do not want our land and people to be exploited.

Reports say that it was the ANVC that helped Assam rebel groups build up bases in Garo Hills for easy transit to Bangladesh. After the ceasefire, does the ANVC own up to these actions?
This is not true, but we do not rule out other smaller elements that tried to crop up during the time with their help and taking our name to help them. People, especially on the border, are in a very pathetic state — they may do anything for a little sum of money, but ANVC has always been firm in not allowing any other organisation to set its base in Garo Hills.

There are reports that the ANVC had taken ULFA’s help to set up base in Bangladesh. ULFA was linked to the ISI and the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence even then. Why did you not object then?
See, ANVC did not need ULFA, but ULFA needed ANVC to use Garo Hills as a corridor and to use it as their hideout for creating terror in Assam. ANVC did not endorse that idea.

How does ANVC see the GNLA?
Our mindset is different and training is focussed in such a way that we create leaders. GNLA is not our off-shoot, although some leaders like Soham were earlier a part of ANVC. We never treated him as an enemy. But they kept poking and attempting to disturb our cadres and the peace process. Now, they are threatening our own people with dire consequences and we have to take a stand. We have not come this far to see another form of exploitation.

The ANVC is in ceasefire from 2004. Do you feel that the GNLA’s overtones will disrupt the peace process in any way?
Yes, because ANVC wants peace and GNLA wants to disturb the peace. Where does this leave us? After seven years of ceasefire and putting up with all kinds of things we want something for our people.

The GNLA and ANVC locked horns over the 16 August bandh call. Now we are told that locals are feeling threatened. What’s your reaction?
People should not fear ANVC because we want to protect them; rather, they should fear GNLA, which is under foreign influence. They are becoming desperate and may do something silly to prove their ability. They started the fire, and we drew the line.

The peace negotiations between the Centre and the ANVC is going at a very slow pace.
We know what is going on and where the holes are, but do not want to comment on that. We will get there once Garo Hills is peaceful.

Will the ANVC step in if the Meghalaya government asks it to solve the GNLA problem? What would your stand be if Champion R Sangma (self-styled chairman of GNLA) also declares that his outfit wants to join the ongoing negotiation?
Nobody has authority over us, no one can tell us what to do. We are in a peace process and do not appreciate someone dictating terms. We make our decisions depending on the situation. For GNLA and even for Sangma, their only way out is to surrender.

When ANVC took up arms, the call was for a separate Achikland. Now you have scaled down the demand to an autonomous district council. Why? If negotiations fail, will the ANVC again resort to military action?
Scaling down the demand was not our idea but of society elders, and they had a point, they had a vision. They did not want Meghalaya to be divided further. Things cannot be expected to get better unless politicians change their attitude and take initiatives for the sake of the people. Armed struggle without political initiative is meaningless. We were made to look like clowns sometimes. But we can assure you this, seven years have taught us a lot and we are wise enough to make our own decisions now.

With inputs from Purbasha Bhattacharjee in Shillong

Ratnadip Choudhury is a Principal Correspondent with Tehelka. ratnadip@tehelka.com

Paresh Barua Calls For Independence Day boycott

Region on maximum alert, Ministry of Home Affairs sends a separate advisory for Assam

By Ratnadip Choudhury

Arabinda Rajkhowa

Guwahati, Aug 12 : The Northeastern states, especially Assam, Manipur and Nagaland have been put on high alert as 12 insurgent groups joined hands to boycott Independence Day celebrations. They have also called for a general strike on 15 August. The security establishment has been asked to take measures to ensure peaceful celebrations.

The joint statement issued by the United Liberation Font of Asom (ULFA) on behalf of the 12 banned outfits read: “India Government is trying to lure the people and the freedom fighters as well in the name of Peace Talk to the so-called Indian mainstream. We have experienced futile promises of India Government in Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, etc. and present process of Peace Talk in Assam and Nagaland is nothing but dilly-dallying to our struggle of national self-determination.” (sic)

Apart from ULFA an ‘anti-talk’ faction led by Paresh Barua, 11 other outfits that have also called for the bandh. Intelligence reports revealed that ULFA’s Commander in Chief Paresh Barua united the major terror outfits of the region. Apparently, they were using either the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang) or NSCN(K) , somewhere near Taka in Myanmar as the General and Command headquarters of all these outfits. The joint statement also targeted outfits in the region which were not against having talks with the Indian government.

Intelligence sources added that the Chief of All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF) Ranjit Debbarma has also joined Paresh Barua and SS Khaplang in Myanmar base. Debbarma earlier escaped from Bangladesh where the Sheikh Hasina government had launched a crackdown against Northeast Indian rebel outfits in the country. He moved to Hanoi from Bangladesh.

Assam has been specially alerted about possible attacks by Barua as a separate advisory has been sent by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The targets are security forces, crowded places, or Government buildings. Earlier, rebels have boycotted Independence Day and Republic day celebrations so the security forces are taking no chances this time around. DGP Y Joykumar Singh, Magalia state DGP and Nagaland state DGP told TEHELKA that there will be increased security. The Northeast Frontier Railway is planning to cancel all trains in the region on August 15. Airports and bus stations are also on high alert.

Ratnadip Choudhury is a Principal Correspondent with Tehelka.
rantadip@tehelka.com

Naga Rebels Gun Runners For Bihar Mafia?

Guwahati, Apr 20 : The Bihar mafia is getting its firepower from militants in Nagaland.

The arrest of a youth from Diphu railway station in Assam’s Karbi Anglong with arms and Rs 80,400 in cash today revealed that a section of militants and their linkmen in Nagaland, including the two NSCN factions, is selling second-hand sophisticated arms to the mafia in Bihar.

Dashan Poddar, 23, confessed that he was transporting the arms — one AK-56 rifle and two magazines — from Dimapur to Munger in Bihar to hand them over to Ramakant Singh, who is the kingpin of a local mafia group there.

According to a police source, the AK-56 rifle recovered from him was a used one and a Dimapur-based militant had sold it for Rs 3 lakh.

“Our investigation has revealed that mafia groups in Bihar are getting arms supply, including automatic rifles of AK-series, from Dimapur, the commercial hub of Nagaland. A section of militants in Nagland is clandestinely selling sophisticated arms to mafia groups and criminal elements in Bihar,” a police official said.

The gunrunners are mostly using the passenger trains to smuggle these firearms — a trade that offered a lot of money within a short period of time.

The Telegraph had reported in its April 12, 2010 edition how the Northeast, with its poorly guarded borders with Bangladesh and Myanmar, has become a gunrunners’ gateway to India and the region’s assortment of active, “surrendered” or “ceasefire-bound” militants keep the trade flowing.

A police source in Karbi Anglong said today’s operation was undertaken based on a tip-off from army intelligence about a person ferrying arms and ammunition from Dimapur to Bihar by the Brahmaputra Mail.

“As soon as the train arrived at Diphu railway station around 6.30am, we swung into action. On seeing the security personnel approaching, Poddar disembarked from the train at the station with the bag containing the AK-56 rifle and magazines. He was apprehended by security personnel in civvies when he was loitering suspiciously in the platform,” the source said.

The police said Poddar, an unemployed youth from Bihar, was acting as an arms courier for mafia groups of Bihar.

“The mafia dons do not visit Nagaland to buy the weapons. They engage people, who usually do not arouse suspicion, for the job,” the source said.

The Assam police have contacted their counterparts in Bihar and Nagaland for further investigation of the case and to bust the racket.

A case was registered in this connection at Diphu police station and Poddar has been booked under Sections 25 (1A) and 27 of the Arms Act.

Source: The Telegraph

Inside The Rebel Camp: Video Captures First Footage Of Indian Insurgent Group

By Stella Paul

United Minority Liberation Army (UMLA) – one of the feared insurgent groups in India’s north east regions has finally decided to speak out. In its first ever media interview given to a small community media organization called Video Volunteers, UMLA has said that it took up arms only to ‘survive’ and ‘safeguard’ its identity.

The North East region of India is bordered by Nepal, Burma, Bangladesh and China and where dozens of tribal groups are fighting for independence from India, with whom they share very weak cultural ties.  United Minority Liberation Army (UMLA), an armed insurgent group fighting for a separate state for the Kuki people in Manipur, North East India. The story was reported by Daniel Mate, a community correspondent trained by Video Volunteers.

The leader of the insurgent group agreed to the interview only after he learnt that Daniel was himself a member of the same tribe, called the Kuki tribe.

“It’s the first time ever that this group has spoken to the media. They chose me because they trusted me. As a member of the same tribe, I understand what he is fighting for – a separate state just for the Kuki people within India. We are a minority tribe and we frequently face ethnic violence from other groups who deny our rights to the land and natural resources of our state…They said that I would present their views without any prejudice. Their commander agreed to see me and so I was invited to visit their camp and interview him.”

In this exclusive interview, the UMLA leader Commander K Khaling tells on camera his outfit’s goals, visions and strategies. The UMLA is one of the 17 armed member groups of the Kuki National Organization – an umbrella organization leading an armed struggle against Manipur government for a separate state within the Indian constitution. The group says that it uses gun only as a tool of self defense and to save its own identity. The groups claims that it faces frequent armed attacks from pro-government forces and other insurgent groups that oppose a state for Kuki people.

It is not known where Khaling lives today and, for his personal security reasons, he wants to keep it that way. For the interview, Mate had to spend 2 days in the rebel camp at a secret location. Mate not only met the Commander of the group, but also several other members of the outfit – both armed and without arms – and shoot their activities.

The UMLA, alongside other Kuki militant groups, has recently signed a tripartite suspension of armed operations with the state government and the Centre. The militants are now pressing for a political dialogue with New Delhi over its demand for the statehood. Khaling is regarded as a critical force for making the talks a success.

source: groundreport.com

ULFA For Solution Within Singh’s Tenure

By UMANAND JAISWAL

Arabinda Rajkhowa

Guwahati, Mar 2 : The Ulfa group led by chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa has requested Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to complete the process of dialogue and find a solution within his tenure.

The group revealed this to the Sanmilita Jatiya Abhibartan (SJA) during a meeting here yesterday. Ulfa had met the SJA to brief the latter about its meeting with the Prime Minister last month.

The request assumes significance as the Centre has not set any timeframe for completing the dialogue, which is expected to begin after the Assembly elections, scheduled for April 4 and 11 in the state.

Ulfa vice-chairman Pradip Gogoi told The Telegraph today that the group had made the request because it did not want a repeat of the NSCN (I-M)-Centre peace talks which have been going on since 1997.

Another reason is the Prime Minister himself. The group feels that Singh, who represents Assam in the Rajya Sabha, is well placed to “appreciate” the state’s problems and expedite the talks. “We have been very straightforward with the Centre. We want a permanent and amicable solution. Accordingly, we have requested the Prime Minister to wrap up the talks within his tenure. We don’t want lengthy talks like that of the NSCN (I-M). The Prime Minister was equally keen to arrive at a solution within his tenure. Even home minister P. Chidambaram was very positive, assuring us that the Constitution would be amended, if required,” Gogoi said.

Going by the group’s request, a solution can be expected by 2014, the year Singh’s second innings as Prime Minister ends, given that all other factors remain equal.

In his interview with editors of TV channels on February 16, Singh had ruled out quitting in the wake of scams and scandals that have hit UPA II. He had said he never felt like resigning because he had a job to do and there was a lot of unfinished business. “I have never felt like quitting, I will stay the course,” the Prime Minister had said.

The participants at yesterday’s four-hour meeting also discussed the status of the agenda the Abhibartan is preparing for the group. “We have requested the SJA to expedite the preparation of the agenda. We expect it within a month,” Gogoi said, reflecting the group’s urgency to get the talks off the ground.

Manmohan Singh

The chief convenor of Abhibartan, Hiren Gohain, said it would take a month or two at the most to finalise the charter of demands. “We had a formal discussion yesterday on what happened in Delhi and on the charter of demands. Ulfa has given us a wishlist which it feels can ensure the security and prosperity of the state,” he said.

Abhibartan had constituted six committees to prepare the charter of demands with each committee working on a specific area to secure the interests of the state. Of the six, three have submitted their reports. “We have got the reports on education, ethnic issues and demography-migration. The other committees are also on the verge of finishing their reports on constitutional arrangements, economy and administrative mechanism. Once we compile the reports, we will submit it to Ulfa which will take the final call on what would comprise the charter of demands,” Gohain said.