New militant outfit creates terror

DIBRUGARH, July 29: Arunachal Pradesh, a State that has been known for its serene natural beauty, is gradually transforming into a state of extortion and hub of militant activities. A newly formed militant outfit known as National Liberation Council of Tani Land (NLCTL), which is presently in nascent stage and has forty to fifty cadres, has been trying to create a sense of panic among the non-Arunachali people by serving extensive extortion notes to them. They also demanded two crore rupees from a section of contractors engaged in laying of railway tracks in Arunachal Pradesh. A large number of people, who hail from other States but are residing in Arunachal Pradesh, have fled with their families due to mounting pressure by the militants in recent times. Several non-Arunachali businessmen of Naharlagun and Itanagar including a Manager of Food Corporation of India (FCI), posted at Seppa, the headquarters of East Kameng district, left the State due to the extortion demands.

The Tani ethnic group comprises of Adi, Nishi, Abar, and other ethnic communities of Arunachal Pradesh and is spread over the areas of Tawang, West Kameng district, Papumare, Kurung Kume, upper Subansiri, lower Subansiri and upper Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh. The people who fled from the Arunachal Pradesh alleged that the militant activities are increasing in the State with tacit support of the local police. Meanwhile, Assam police are keeping strict vigil at Moinajuli area in the Asom-Arunachal border following mounting tension over the construction of police outpost in Asom. SOURCE: THE SENTINEL