Fear of factiol clashes in BTAD

By Our Staff Reporter

Guwahati, March 11: Police in the four districts of Bodoland Territorial Council has been put on alert in the wake of inputs of possible factiol clashes in the run-up to the council elections slated for April.

Director General of Police Khagen Sarma said though the NDFB(S) has been “weakened” following intensified operations by security forces, there is likelihood of factiol clashes arising out of political rivalry.

“We are getting such inputs. We have put the police on alert. There are additiol forces already operating in the BTAD. If needed, we will pump in more forces,” Sarma said.

The BTAD has a history of pre-poll violence. Over a dozen violent incidents were reported in the four districts ahead of the Lok Sabha elections last year in which over 150 people arrested. Thirty two people were killed in violence in May last year.

The areas are also yet to come out of the shock of the December 23 massacre in which Bodo militants massacred over 80 people.

The revolt within the ruling BPF, coupled with the inroads made by the BJP and emergence of a formidable altertive led by MP Heera Sarania are bound to make the elections a jittery affair.

The DGP also said the Ulfa was also trying to carrying out strikes in the run-up to the banned outfit's ‘army day’ that is observed on March 16.

“The GNLA has already carried out an attack yesterday at Garo hills. There are chances that the Ulfa might also try to indulge in such acts. We are on alert,” he said.

He, however, ruled out any threat from Maoists elements in the State even though he admitted presence of such elements. “Three Maoists were caught in Barak Valley recently. We are on the look-out for another Maoist who was part of the group. Of course, there are some organizations espousing their cause. But as of now there is no threat from them,” the DGP said.

Asked as to how jihadi activist Suze Begum could avail bail, Sarma said she had been in judicial custody for the maximum limit of 90 days. “Her being out of jail is not much of a challenge. But she has been kept under surveillance. We need to gather more evidence. It is taking time because there are intertiol ramifications to the issue,” the DGP added.

In a late evening development, the galand government said the report has been misquoted.

“Definitely we have submitted a report. It has been misquoted. Investigation is on. It is for the court to decide,” galand Chief Minister TR Zeliang said.

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