Northeast Diary 24-01-2004

Jawans gun down three Bodo rebels

Three NDFB militants were killed in an encounter with the army under Barpeta Road police station. Sources said the militants opened fire and attempted to flee when the army laid a trap for them. he jawans fired back, killing three militants. The army seized an AK-56 rifle, a Chinese assault rifle, ammunition and four Chinese grenades.

Devices found

Police unearthed a full switch, a pressure switch and a time pencil used in making bombs from the Gorsingpara reserve forest under Runikhata border outpost in Kokrajhar district on Friday. The police team was led by Runikhata border outpost in-charge R. Kalita.

Porn CDs

Mizoram police seized at least 473 CDs of pornographic films from 16 video libraries under Aizawl, Bawngkawn and Kulikawn police stations on Wednesday. Sixteen people were arrested during Wednesday’s raids but were later released on bail.

Surrender

Five NDFB militants, including self-styled corporal B. Bhudang, alias Bhuba of Bhanugaon in Dhubri district, surrendered before the army at Saraibil in Kokrajhar district. The other militants who surrendered are Binoy Basumatary, Balabati Narzary, Sombar Basumatary and Ganuram Basumatary from Bongaon in Kokrajhar.

Karbi protest

The Autonomous State Demand Committee, Karbi Students’ Association and Dimasa Students’ Association will organise a campaign from January 28 to February 10 to expose the “conspiracy of the ruling clique to suppress the struggle of the Karbis”.

Mizo merger

Barely a month after its formation, F. Lalthanzuala’s Mizoram People’s Conference (Progressive) party has decided to merge with the ruling Mizo National Front. MNF sources said the merger would take place at the Lunglie MNF sub-headquarters on January 26. The Hnahthial and Thingsai blocks of the MPC will also be inducted into the MNF on the same day.

Liquor haul

A Railway Protection Force squad, led by divisional security commissioner Lumding J.K. Satija, seized 217 caches of illegal India-made foreign liquor from the Lumding railway station recently. Nine persons were arrested in this connection.

Thumbs Up

To 14-year-old Vivek Purkayastha of Guwahati for being selected for the National Bravery Award, 2003