October 2004 Militancy
From WikiAssam
A series of indicriminate and targeted killings began on October 2, 2004 in Assam and Nagaland. Security agencies have asserted that the NDFB is responsible for some of them. The ULFA has taken the responsibility for a few other incidences. Some incidents, like the explosions in Dimapur, Nagaland, are unexplained.
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Context
October 3 is the the NDFB Raising Day.
On Spetember 22, 2004, a meeting of intelectuals Jatiya Mahasabha organized by the AJYCP passed a resolution that asked (a) the Government of India to begin peace talks with the insurgent organizations and (b) the insurgent organizations to stop their violent methods, among others. This meeting was held in the context of an explosion triggered by the ULFA in Dhemaji on August 15, 2004 that killed 13 people. The ULFA asserts that talks can take place only on the issue of sovereignty of Assam.
In December 2003, the Royal Bhutan Army had begun military operations to destroy the camps of the ULFA, NDFB and the KLO in the forests of Bhutan. Though the camps were destroyed and some insurgents were killed or captured, many others escaped. The NDFB in particular suffered the most.
Events
ULFA claims responsibility
The ULFA has claimed responsibility on five incidents allof which were attacks on security forces.
- Police station, Baihata Chariali -- 3 policemen injured
- Police station, Jagiroad -- 2 civilians injured
NDFB claims responsibility
Speculations on Nagaland explosions
- Hongkong Market, Dimapur, Nagaland --
- Railway Station, Dimapur, Nagaland --
Though no evidence has been found, security agencies have speculated in public that the Dimapur bombings were the doings for ULFA which has a close link with NSCN(K). The NSCN(IM), presently in negotiations with the Government of India and a bitter rival, has accused the NSCN(K) of involvment which has been refuted (TC). Amongst the others, these two incidents are the most intriguing. Some of the official reactions below are clearly speculative.
Officers of the Army intelligence speculate the involvement of jihadi elements (TC).
The Director General of CRPF speculates that the ISI is involved (Hindu).
Nagaland Police is following leads pointing at an NDFB involvement TC.
Arrests
PTI reports that some persons were arrested by the Indian Army's 94 Field Regiment on the basis of ISI connections, and who have allegedly confessed to their involvment in the Dimapur blasts [1]. No date is given on when the arrests took place. Another ISI operative arrested by Assam Rifles from Niuland will be subjected to a Lie detector test by the Nagaland Police
Counter Insurgency
The Unified Command in Assam has intensifying the Operetion Rhino II with the use of helicopters and gunships to eliminate insurgents hiding in jungles [2]. The plans began with the movement of a brigade from Shillong into Assam.
