PTI
GUWAHATI, JANUARY 12
Twelve militants of NDFB-Songbijit, which was behind the December massacre of over 70 people in lower Assam, were apprehended during a joint operation by security forces in Manas reserve forest in Chirang district along the Indo-Bhutan border.IGP L R Bishnoi said today that the 12 militants, including two who were on the wanted list, were apprehended in the joint operation by police, SSB and CRPF yesterday along with a huge quantity of arms and ammunition. The operation had been launched on January 8 and the arrested ultras include NDFB-S Panbari 'platoon commander' B Jakrup and its central council accountant '2nd Lieutenant' Bey Rumolu who carry a reward of Rs five lakh each, besides the underground outfit's 13th battalion 'deputy commandant' B Simang and its central council member N Phulersa, Bishnoi said. The others are its Chirang platoon second in charge self-styled 'sergeant major' N Chage, 'section commander corporal' B Aorai, its '13th battalion corporal' M Jahor, 'lance corporal' Khoiram Doira, 'section commanders' Sujilang and B Thouren, besides cadres G Kala and B Aogao, he said.The seizures include four AK-56 rifles, five pistols, one 303 rifle, one .315 rifle, four grenades, 12 magazines and 784 rounds of ammunition, the IGP added.
39 NDFB(S) militants arrested since December massacre
Anti-insurgency measures by security forces have led to the arrest of 39 militants belonging to the banned organisation National Democratic Front of Bodoland (Songbijit faction) and 8 linkmen in Assam.
Security forces have come down especially hard on the separatist militants since the massacre in December, in which members of the NDFB(S) opened fire on innocent villagers in the Sonitpur, Kokrajhar and Chirang districts of Assam, leaving over 80 people killed. Inspector General of Police LR Bishnoi told the media that security forces have gunned down a most wanted terrorist in the Kokrajhar district and have captured several high profile terrorists, including the self styled Joint Publicity Secretary, platoon commander of Panbari among others. According to reports, the National Investigating Agency (NIA), which is investigating the recent violence, is likely to interrogate some of arrested terrorists.
After the attacks on December 23, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had termed the spate of violence 'an act of crafted terror', confirming that operations will be launched against the NDFB(S) . In a meeting with Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and other senior state officials, Singh had assured that the NIA will probe the case thoroughly. The ministers also stated that the Centre will provide Assam with additional companies of security forces.
