Top cops visit Jorhat border areas, tighten security

NSCN(R) EXTORTION THREAT

FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT

JORHAT, Feb 17: Top Assam police officers on Friday visited the trouble-torn Assam-galand border areas in Jorhat district and took stock of the situation there, a day after NSCN (R) militants served extortion notices to 16 Assamese villagers with threat of murder if they refuse to pay.

Police sources said Inspector General of Police (Eastern Range) RP Mi visited the border areas, besides some other top police officials. The IGP directed intensification of security measures along the border areas and to ensure security of residents. Talking to The Sentinel, Jorhat Superintendent of Police Prasanta Kumar Bhuyan said, “We have intensified patrolling along border areas following the incident. However, the situation is still under control and no untoward incidents have taken place during the last 24 hours.” Meanwhile the Assam Tea Tribes Students’ Association (ATTSA) on Friday vehemently criticized the role of the State government and demanded security for common people residing along the Assam-galand border areas in the district. The ATTSA also submitted memorandums to the Jorhat Deputy Commissioner and Jorhat MP Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, seeking redressal of their demands. Meanwhile, tension continued to prevail along the Assam-galand border in the district after NSCN-R militants issued extortion notes to 16 villagers at Holonguri tea estate.