Northeast Rebels Face Heat After Operations in Myanmar

GUWAHATI: Militants from Northeast are facing heat following the operation launched in Myanmar. Several militants belonging to anti-talk faction of ULFA are coming back and surrendering in Assam.

Security forces have also alleged violation of ceasefire ground rules by NSCN-IM.

Recently, some members of the anti-talk faction of ULFA which is also known as ULFA (Independent) surrendered before the police. This included Monikanta Sonowal alias Adarsh Asom who surrendered in Tinsukia district of Upper Assam. Last week Bhaskar Bora alias Thumung Asom and Nijan Doley alias Ninja Asom had also surrendered.

Tinsukia Superintendent of police, Shiladitya Chetia told ET, “In last one month around 20 cadres of ULFA and Songbijit factions of the National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) have surrendered. However around 15 of those surrendered are from anti-talk ULFA.”

“Several of them have come from camps in Myanmar. These cadres are taking advantage of opportunity provided by the government and they are disillusioned by the militancy,” he added.

Anti-talk faction of ULFA, Khaplang faction of NSCN and Manipur based militant outfits have camps in Taga inside Myanmar.

Surrendered rebel Adorsh Asom said that due to the operation, food has become scarce in the camp. “All supply lines are snapped. I had to walk for eight days to reach Tinsukia from Myanmar.”

Anti-talk ULFA has awarded capital punishment to some cadres who attempted to flee the camp. Around three cadre members, Lalit Asom, Ashwini Asom and Rhino Asom alias Rubul Moran were killed in Myanmar. Anti-talk ULFA’s commander in chief, Paresh Baruah has confirmed some cadres were awarded capital punishment for fleeing the camp with weapons.

North eastern insurgents have suffered massive casualties following coordinated operation launched by the armed forces of Myanmar and India in February this year.

A senior official in intelligence wing, who do not want to be named told ET, “We have inputs that insurgents have suffered massive casualties in the operation.”

After camps of Indian militant outfits got dismantled in Bangladesh following operations by the Bangladesh government, Myanmar is the main base of these outfits. From this base they have launched series of attacks on armed forces and civilians in the past.

Army has also alleged that militant outfit, NSCN-IM has violated the ceasefire. Public relations officer (Defence), Tezpur, Harsh Wardhan Pande stated that during the routine aerial recce some suspected temporary hutment-type structures were observed in the forests of Sihai Khunou/Khamasom in Ukhrul district in Manipur .

“Troops confirmed the existence of an unauthorized camp of NSCN(IM) in that area. The Commander requested the villagers and Pastor to inform NSCN(IM) cadres to vacate the camp immediately as it is an unauthorised camp and is in gross violation of existing ceasefire ground rules,” Pande said

The Chairman of Ceasefire Monitoring Group was briefed about the prevailing situation and existence of unauthorised camp of NSCN(IM). It was confirmed by the Chairman that instructions have been issued by the group to immediatel vacate the NSCN(IM) camp. Accordingly, Assam Rifles troops contacted the villagers to confirm that the camp is vacated. The area has been reinforced by additional troops and the unauthorised camp is under constant surveillance by air and other means.

“Aerial reconnaissance on April 27 revealed that the camp has not been vacated. The onus for inconvenience to villagers is entirely due to the irresponsible actions by NSCN(IM) cadres, the security forces have shown great restraint. Despite extreme restraint shown by Assam Rifles troops, no action has been taken by NSCN(IM) to vacate the unauthorized camp. This is a serious violation of Ceasefire Ground Rule by NSCN(IM). The onus for further escalation rests with NSCN(IM) hierarchy, if the unauthorized camp is not vacated immediately,” the PRO added.

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Source: ET

Image Courtesy: Hans India

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