Security tightened in northeast India ahead of Republic Day
By IANSSunday, January 24, 2010
AGARTALA/SHILLONG/AIZAWL - The three relatively peaceful northeastern states - Tripura, Meghalaya and Mizoram - have tightened security arrangements, especially along the India-Bangladesh border, ahead of the Republic Day, officials said Sunday.
The militancy ravaged states - Assam, Manipur and Nagaland - have already placed security forces on high alert to ensure that terrorists are not able to create violence ahead and during the Republic Day celebrations.
At least six major separatist outfits, including United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB), have called for a boycott of the Republic Day celebrations and also a general strike from 1 a.m. to 6 p.m. that day.
Outlawed groups are mainly active in Assam, Manipur, Tripura and Meghalaya.
“Quick Reaction Teams (QRT) are ready in all the district headquarters, airports, crowded places and important installations to swing into action as and when necessary,” said Tripura’s Director General of Police Pranay Sahay told reporters.
“Following the instructions of the union home ministry, a three-tier security systems has been put in place in all the airports across the northeast region. Frisking of people, and checks of vehicles and materials with dog squads has been intensified. Anti-sabotage drills are also on,” he added.
In Meghalaya, the banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) has also called a 24-hour shutdown from 6 p.m. Jan 25. However, church-goers, milkmen, media organisations and patients have been exempted from the purview of the shutdown.
“All-out measures have been taken across Meghalaya to foil any attempt by the subversive forces before and during the Republic Day celebrations,” Meghalaya’s Director General of Police S.B. Kakati said in Shillong.
The Mizoram government also has taken security measures after the reports of a little known militant outfit trying to create disturbances.
“We have deployed additional security forces in important locations and asked personnel to remain alert before and during the Republic Day celebrations,” Deputy Inspector General of Mizoram police L. Hrangnawn said.
Meanwhile, the Border Security Force (BSF) has deployed additional personnel along the 1,880-km India-Bangladesh border.
