Massive hunt on to b top NDFB (S) rebels Bidai and Batha

From our Correspondent

KOKRAJHAR, Feb 13:  The security forces are continuing the search operation against the anti-talk faction of the tiol Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB-S) in Kokrajhar district, including the dense jungle in Kuchugaon along Indo-Bhutan border. Such operation was also carried on Friday near Indo-Bhutan border in the jungle at border pillar no.128 in Kokrajhar district.

Assam Police conducted an operation under the command of the top police officer of Kokrajhar along with high-ranking officers from Kokrajhar and Gossaigaon, against the NDFB-S leaders- G. Bidai, Batha and Mwdan who are suspected to be hiding in Bhutan along with 20-25 associates.

Talking to media persons, Kokrajhar Superintendent of Police, SP Saikia said that the security forces had intensified operation against the NDFB (S) after the December 23, 2014 massacre of Adivasis due to which the militant group was facing existential problems as the all-out operation against the militant group had been taking place in different locations in the Kokrajhar and Chirang districts. He said that timber smugglers were providing ration and food to Bidai and his 20-25 associates who are hiding inside the Bhutan territory. He said the security forces would not excuse the timber smugglers if they are found deep inside the jungle and they would be arrested for helping the militant group. Saikia said the police and other security forces would continue to deal with the militant groups in the district and the region.

The NDFB-S massacred over 70 Adivasi people on the eve of Christmas on December 23, 2014 in Kokrajhar and Sonitpur which left over a lakh people, of both Adivasi and Bodo communities, homeless in the backlash. He said that the Assam Police, paramilitary, CRPF and SSB had been restoring normalcy, peace among the people of the area. Strong security measures had been taken deal with the terrorists. Nowadays, the NDFB(S) has become weaker than before. Many top leaders had been killed, arrested and cadres were also decreasing in number, and sophisticated arms and ammunitions had been recovered from them during security forces operations, he added.