Sunday, November 28, 2010

NDFB bomb threat

The National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) yesterday threatened there would be a bomb blast in the coming 48 hours ahead of today's one day international cricket match between India and New Zealand in Guwahati, Assam, according to the Mumbai Mirror.

Friday, November 26, 2010

Incredible AP

Tehelka reported on the Indian Government's strategy to develop tourism in Arunachal Pradesh and other disputed areas to thwart the claims of other countries on those regions last week.

Foreign Secretary: Burma important for northeast

In a recent address on India's foreign policy challenges, Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao called Burma an "important neighbour" and said that enhancing the two countries' "connectivity as well as security cooperation is vital, particularly in the context of our north-eastern States and our Look East Policy".

Deepened Maoist interest in northeast?

Further to previous reports of expressions of support from Maoist groups for northeast Indian insurgents, the Assam Tribune this week ran an article stating that sources in the Ministry of Home Affairs have suggested that Maoists may be seeking to establish bases in the region and that security agencies suspect northeast militants of supplying weapons to Maoists.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Widows of Manipur

TwoCircles.net, a website focussing on Indian Muslims, but also covering marginalised India more broadly, today carries a piece on the plight of the widows left behind by the ongoing violence in Manipur, including a number of personal stories.

Manipur: drug haul

Hueiyen Lanpao yesterday reported that 1000 kg of marijuana has been seized by the Assam Rifles in the Senapati district of Manipur.  The report does not speculate on the source or owners of the illicit drugs.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Talks between Mizoram and HPC-D

The Mizoram Government will hold talks with the Hmar People's Convention - Democrats next month.

The Hmar People's Convention - Democrats (HPC-D) seeks Hmar self-government in sections of Mizoram, Manipur and Assam.

No mercy in prosecuting NDFB

The Times of India quotes Home Minister P Chidambaram saying that that security forces should "go all out" in their efforts to apprehend National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) rebels.  The NDFB claimed responsibility for the massacre of 23 Hindi-speaking people earlier this month.

Naga progress due to cooperation with Burma: Hindustan Times

The Hindustan Times ran an interesting editorial earlier this week on Burma, and India's engagement with different elements within that country, crediting the progress in reconciliation with Naga insurgents to a decision by the Indian government to cooperate with Burma.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

UNLF establishes microfinance scheme

NDTV reported this week that the United National Liberated Front (UNLF) has established a microfinance scheme in Assam and Manipur, presumably to increase its popularity with the local populace.

The UNLF is one of the oldest insurgent groups in Manipur.

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Military build-up in Arunachal Pradesh

The Financial Times (free registration required to view their articles) reports that India has formed a new military battalion in Arunachal Pradesh, the Arunachal Scouts, designed to reinforce the defences of that state, claimed by China to be part of South Tibet.  The move comes just days before the 14th round of border dispute settlement talks between India and China.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

21 dead: NDFB rampage

Reports are today coming in of a series of shootings, allegedly by members of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB), in northern Assam.  The death toll stands at 21.  The attacks appear to target Biharis and coincide with US President Obama's visit to India.

UPDATE: the death toll has since been updated to 24.

The South Asia Intelligence Review ran an assessment of the episode last week.

Sunday, November 7, 2010

BJP visit Nagaland

The Morung Express reported on a visit to Nagaland by the BJP 'North East India Sampark Cell' (NEISC) national convenor earlier this week.  The NEISC, established in August this year, is the BJP's effort to facilitate the "emotional integration" of the northeast with the rest of the country.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is India's main opposition party.

Upgrade of northeast Indian airfields planned

Air Chief Marshal P. V. Naik announced this week that a number of airfields in India's northeast will be upgraded.  Three of the airfields slated for an upgrade are in Assam (Tezpur, Chabua and Guwahati).

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Bodo arrests in Bangalore

The Deccan Chronicle reported the arrest of five members of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland in Bangalore last week in a joint operation between local and Nagaland police.

The National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) is based in Assam.  It signed a ceasefire agreement with the Governments of Assam and India in 2005.  The individuals arrested are reportedly from an NDFB faction that does not accept the ceasefire.

Monday, November 1, 2010

Joint declaration between Maoists and Manipuri group

Security agencies have reportedly unearthed a declaration jointly issued by the Revolutionary People's Front and the CPI-Maoists in which the two express mutual moral support and extend offers of material support for the other's cause.

The Communist Part of India - Maoist (CPI-Maoist) is the main group behind India's Maoist or Naxalite movement.  The Revolutionary People's Front is based in Manipur.

ISI agent arrested in Tripura

Sify news reports that an ISI agent was arrested by the Border Security Force as he crossed the border into Tripura from Bangladesh last week.  The agent reportedly told interrogators he was sent by a Bangladeshi opposition party leader.

Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is the Pakistani Government's main intelligence agency.