SSB reveals timber smugglers' funding to NDFB

From our Correspondent

KOKRAJHAR, March 11:  In a new revelation, the SSB that has been keeping eyes on the preservation of forests and its resources, besides being engaged in counter insurgency operations, said that smugglers funding the NDFB cannot be ruled out.

In continuing joint operations carried out by the 16 Bn SSB stationed at Ranighuli, the troops of the unit have seized two illegal saw mill machines and apprehended four persons on Monday at Balajhar and Bathabari villages under police station of Runikhata and forest range Runikhata of district Chirang which are about 17 to 19 kms away from the IBB in Chirang.

AKC Singha, commandant of 16 Bn, SSB, Ranighuli stated in a press release on Wednesday that a special joint search operation was launched under the command of the Commandant of 16 BN in the jungle and village areas of Kasungdwisha, Samodwisha, Udalguri 1.2.3.and 4 Udalguri, Khoula Bazar, along with forest range officer and DFO Chirang (SH Brahma) based on specific information received about illegal saw mills operating in the Balajhar and Ranipur Bathabari areas.

He said that the operation party reached Balajhar and Bathabari villages where these illegal saw mills were operating and apprehended four persons (workers and laborers) along with two saw mill machines and two diesel generators from each location and huge quantity of wooden logs. The forest department and other relevant firms are estimating the total worth of the seized logs.

Singha said that the areas where the operation was carried out were militancy-affected areas and one apprehended person was also a surrendered NDFB cadre. This clearly showed that there was a link of funding to NDFB through these mills, he said.

The commandant of 16 BN assured to the public of the Indo-Bhutan border that the unit was trying its best to restrict the crimil activities in the areas. He also appealed to the locals not to get involved in deforestation activities as it was important for maintaining ecological balance of the environment. Those engaged in illegal trade of forest products, cutting of trees and illegal activities would not be spared, he added.