Security forces in northeast India's Assam state responded with a heightened state of alert after the banned outfit United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I) on Thursday (August 15) delivered a bomb threat.&nbsp;

In Assam's biggest city Guwahati, the police were seen having cordoned off several roads,&nbsp;including stretches of Zoo Road, the Ulubari-Rajgarh connecting road, and Narengi. Intensive checking is reportedly underway across Assam and state borders with neighbouring Meghalaya.&nbsp;

Assam Tribune reported that in Narengi, just 19 km from Guwahati, near the office of the controller of defence accounts, the police reportedly summoned the bomb squad to assist in the efforts.&nbsp;

The proscribed outfit, in a statement sent to various media houses, claimed that they had planted bombs in 19&nbsp;locations, including Jorabat, in the city.&nbsp;

The security forces swiftly swung into action across multiple districts of Assam and at the time of writing this report, a few bomb-like structures, wrapped in polythene, have been recovered from Sivasagar, Lakhimpur and Nagaon, Assam Tribune reported.

ULFA-I issued a press release and stated that bombs had been planted in various districts in protest against the Independence Day celebrations.&nbsp;

Assam’s Director General of Police Gyanendra Pratap Singh said searches were carried out extensively across the state for explosive devices.

“At two places in Guwahati, suspicious articles were found which were opened by bomb disposal squad of police. These articles do not have ignition devices inside though some circuits and batteries are seen. The substance inside is being sent for forensic/chemical examination,” he posted on X.

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“Similar articles have been seen at Lakhimpur, Sivasagar, Nalbari &amp; Nagaon which have been safely disposed of. In this connection, appropriate lawful investigation has been initiated,” he said.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma asked ULFA (I) chief Paresh Baruah not to create an atmosphere that will affect the flow of investments into Assam.

Also watch |&nbsp;More than 100 schools in Delhi-NCR receive bomb threat via e-mail

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“Assam has 14 lakh (unemployed) youths who go to Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh to work as security guards. If Assamese youths do not stay in Assam, with whom will we make Assam independent?” he asked, referring to the ULFA (I)’s quest for sovereignty.

(With inputs from agencies)

Security forces in northeast India's Assam state responded with a heightened state of alert after the banned outfit United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I) on Thursday (August 15) delivered a bomb threat.

Security forces in northeast India's Assam state responded with a heightened state of alert after the banned outfit United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I) on Thursday (August 15) delivered a bomb threat. In Assam's biggest city Guwahati, the police were seen having cordoned off several roads, including stretches of Zoo Road, the Ulubari-Rajgarh connecting road, and Narengi. Intensive checking is reportedly underway across Assam and state borders with neighbouring Meghalaya. Assam Tribune reported that in Narengi, just 19 km from Guwahati, near the office of the controller of defence accounts, the police reportedly summoned the bomb squad to assist in the efforts. The proscribed outfit, in a statement sent to various media houses, claimed that they had planted bombs in 19 locations, including Jorabat, in the city. The security forces swiftly swung into action across multiple districts of Assam and at the time of writing this report, a few bomb-like structures, wrapped in polythene, have been recovered from Sivasagar, Lakhimpur and Nagaon, Assam Tribune reported. ULFA-I issued a press release and stated that bombs had been planted in various districts in protest against the Independence Day celebrations. Assam’s Director General of Police Gyanendra Pratap Singh said searches were carried out extensively across the state for explosive devices. “At two places in Guwahati, suspicious articles were found which were opened by bomb disposal squad of police. These articles do not have ignition devices inside though some circuits and batteries are seen. The substance inside is being sent for forensic/chemical examination,” he posted on X. Also read | Delhi bomb threat: Several hospitals, airports receive threatening emails after scare at schools “Similar articles have been seen at Lakhimpur, Sivasagar, Nalbari & Nagaon which have been safely disposed of. In this connection, appropriate lawful investigation has been initiated,” he said. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma asked ULFA (I) chief Paresh Baruah not to create an atmosphere that will affect the flow of investments into Assam. Also watch | More than 100 schools in Delhi-NCR receive bomb threat via e-mail × “Assam has 14 lakh (unemployed) youths who go to Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh to work as security guards. If Assamese youths do not stay in Assam, with whom will we make Assam independent?” he asked, referring to the ULFA (I)’s quest for sovereignty. (With inputs from agencies)

Bomb scare in Assam after ULFA (I) claims it planted explosives at 19 locations

A faction of United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) on Friday (Dec 29) signed a peace accord with the government&nbsp;of the northeast Indian state of Assam and India's federal government. They agreed to&nbsp;shun violence, disband the organisation and join democratic process in the country. ULFA is the oldest insurgent group operating in Assam.

The hardline faction of ULFA however, is not part of the current agreement. This faction is led by Paresh Baruah who is believed to be residing somewhere along China-Myanmar border.

India's Home Minister Amit Shah and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma were present at the signing of the accord, after which Shah said this was a big day for people of Assam.

“Assam has suffered for long due to the violence of the ULFA and 10,000 people lost their lives in this violence since 1979,”&nbsp;said the home minister.

Shah said every clause of the pact will be implemented fully, and&nbsp;added that a big development package will be announced for Assam as&nbsp;mentioned in the accord.

The home minister further said that violence in Assam has come down by 87 per cent, death toll has reduced by 90 per cent and cases of kidnappings have gone down by 84 per cent.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma called the accord "historic".

Officials said the accord has come through after 12 years of unconditional negotiations between the&nbsp;insurgent group&nbsp; led by Arabinda Rajkhowa&nbsp;and the government.

The peace pact is expected to resolve the menace of decades-old insurgency in Assam.

ULFA was formed in 1979 to demand a “sovereign Assam”.

The insurgent activities led to Indian government declaring it a banned outfit in 1990.

The Rajkhowa faction began peace talks with government on September 3, 2011 following which an agreement&nbsp;for Suspension of Operations (SoO) was signed between the ULFA, Centre and state governments.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A faction of United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) on Friday (Dec 29) signed a peace accord with the government of the northeast Indian state of Assam and India's federal government.

A faction of United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) on Friday (Dec 29) signed a peace accord with the government of the northeast Indian state of Assam and India's federal government. They agreed to shun violence, disband the organisation and join democratic process in the country. ULFA is the oldest insurgent group operating in Assam. The hardline faction of ULFA however, is not part of the current agreement. This faction is led by Paresh Baruah who is believed to be residing somewhere along China-Myanmar border. India's Home Minister Amit Shah and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma were present at the signing of the accord, after which Shah said this was a big day for people of Assam. “Assam has suffered for long due to the violence of the ULFA and 10,000 people lost their lives in this violence since 1979,” said the home minister. Shah said every clause of the pact will be implemented fully, and added that a big development package will be announced for Assam as mentioned in the accord. The home minister further said that violence in Assam has come down by 87 per cent, death toll has reduced by 90 per cent and cases of kidnappings have gone down by 84 per cent. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma called the accord "historic". Officials said the accord has come through after 12 years of unconditional negotiations between the insurgent group led by Arabinda Rajkhowa and the government. The peace pact is expected to resolve the menace of decades-old insurgency in Assam. ULFA was formed in 1979 to demand a “sovereign Assam”. The insurgent activities led to Indian government declaring it a banned outfit in 1990. The Rajkhowa faction began peace talks with government on September 3, 2011 following which an agreement for Suspension of Operations (SoO) was signed between the ULFA, Centre and state governments. (With inputs from agencies)

ULFA, one of India's oldest insurgent groups, signs peace accord with central govt

A faction of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) on Friday (Dec 29) signed a peace accord with the government of the northeast Indian state of Assam and India's federal government. They agreed to shun violence, disband the organisation and join the democratic process in the country. ULFA is the oldest insurgent group operating in Assam.

Indian government signs historic peace deal in Assam

Indian government sign peace pact with ULFA, an insurgency group, in Assam

A faction of United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) on Friday (Dec 29) signed a peace accord with the government of the northeast Indian state of Assam and India's federal government. They agreed to shun violence, disband the organisation and join democratic process in the country. ULFA is the oldest insurgent group operating in Assam.

ULFA, insurgent group in northeast Indian state Assam, signs peace accord with Centre

ULFA (I)’s top gun and deputy-commander-in-chief Drishti Rajkhowa (originally Manoj Rabha) has surrendered to the Meghalaya Police on Wednesday.

Drishti Rajkhowa was cornered in a gunbattle with police and commandoes on Wednesday afternoon. 
 
United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I) is a designated militant organisation (separatist group) operating in the Indian state of Assam. 
 
"Rajkhowa surrendered to the police in South Garo Hills district. He is now being interrogated," district police chief P. Pandey said late on Wednesday night but refused to give further details.

Rajkhowa is currently under the custody of the Army intelligence and is being brought to Assam, they said. 
 
He is known to be a close confidant of Paresh Baruah, the so-called 'commander-in-chief' of United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent). 
 
The sources said Rajkhowa was based in Bangladesh till recently and came to Meghalaya few weeks ago. 
 
His surrender is a major setback for the militant group, said a senior security expert. 
 
The ULFA (I) has been demanding an independent state of Assam. The government had banned the outfit in 1990.

(With inputs from agencies)

ULFA (I)’s top gun and deputy-commander-in-chief Drishti Rajkhowa (originally Manoj Rabha) has surrendered to the Meghalaya Police on Wednesday. Drishti Rajkhowa was cornered in a gunbattle with police and commandoes on Wednesday afternoon.

ULFA (I)’s top gun and deputy-commander-in-chief Drishti Rajkhowa (originally Manoj Rabha) has surrendered to the Meghalaya Police on Wednesday. Drishti Rajkhowa was cornered in a gunbattle with police and commandoes on Wednesday afternoon. United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I) is a designated militant organisation (separatist group) operating in the Indian state of Assam. "Rajkhowa surrendered to the police in South Garo Hills district. He is now being interrogated," district police chief P. Pandey said late on Wednesday night but refused to give further details. Rajkhowa is currently under the custody of the Army intelligence and is being brought to Assam, they said. He is known to be a close confidant of Paresh Baruah, the so-called 'commander-in-chief' of United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent). The sources said Rajkhowa was based in Bangladesh till recently and came to Meghalaya few weeks ago. His surrender is a major setback for the militant group, said a senior security expert. The ULFA (I) has been demanding an independent state of Assam. The government had banned the outfit in 1990. (With inputs from agencies)

ULFA (I) second-in-command Drishti Rajkhowa ‘surrenders’ in Meghalaya

Assam Director General of Police Kuladhar Saikia said Thursday a six-member team of the proscribed ULFA(I) militants was behind the killing of five Bengali-speaking persons at Tinsukia district earlier this month.

The DGP's statement came on a day when at least two people were killed and several more injured in a grenade attack by suspected ULFA (Independent) militants in Sibsagar district of upper Assam.

On the night of November 1, a group of assailants called out six villagers of Kherbari. They then took them to the edge of Dhola-Sadiya bridge in the area and opened indiscriminate fire, killing five of them on spot. One of them survived the firing. The needle of suspicion was towards the United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent) from the very beginning but the organisation denied any role in the killing.

"Preliminary investigations conducted by police and NIA into the killings have already started. We have all the information how the incident took place. We have sufficient technical evidence about a six-member team of the ULFA(I) being behind the Tinsukia firing incident," DGP Saikia told reporters on the sidelines of a meeting.

The Assam police in co-ordination with neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland police is jointly investigating the case for the past three days, he said.

On ULFA(I)'s denial about its involvement, Saikia said, "We have not given any importance to that though ULFA(I) had issued a clarification after the incident."

Saikia said ULFA-I is active in recruiting youths in upper Assam and that was proved with two incidents of abduction of a stone quarry manager and tea garden manager at Jagun and Charaideo, respectively, this week.

A senior Assam Police officer recently said growing public sentiment against the Centre's move to amend the Citizenship Act has given a "fresh lease of life" to the outlawed ULFA, which has recruited eights youths since September.

However, senior Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma Wednesday sought to underplay this, saying there was nothing new in youngsters from the state joining the proscribed outfit.&nbsp;

Assam Director General of Police Kuladhar Saikia said Thursday a six-member team of the proscribed ULFA(I) militants was behind the killing of five Bengali-speaking persons at Tinsukia district earlier this month.

Assam Director General of Police Kuladhar Saikia said Thursday a six-member team of the proscribed ULFA(I) militants was behind the killing of five Bengali-speaking persons at Tinsukia district earlier this month. The DGP's statement came on a day when at least two people were killed and several more injured in a grenade attack by suspected ULFA (Independent) militants in Sibsagar district of upper Assam. On the night of November 1, a group of assailants called out six villagers of Kherbari. They then took them to the edge of Dhola-Sadiya bridge in the area and opened indiscriminate fire, killing five of them on spot. One of them survived the firing. The needle of suspicion was towards the United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent) from the very beginning but the organisation denied any role in the killing. "Preliminary investigations conducted by police and NIA into the killings have already started. We have all the information how the incident took place. We have sufficient technical evidence about a six-member team of the ULFA(I) being behind the Tinsukia firing incident," DGP Saikia told reporters on the sidelines of a meeting. The Assam police in co-ordination with neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland police is jointly investigating the case for the past three days, he said. On ULFA(I)'s denial about its involvement, Saikia said, "We have not given any importance to that though ULFA(I) had issued a clarification after the incident." Saikia said ULFA-I is active in recruiting youths in upper Assam and that was proved with two incidents of abduction of a stone quarry manager and tea garden manager at Jagun and Charaideo, respectively, this week. A senior Assam Police officer recently said growing public sentiment against the Centre's move to amend the Citizenship Act has given a "fresh lease of life" to the outlawed ULFA, which has recruited eights youths since September. However, senior Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma Wednesday sought to underplay this, saying there was nothing new in youngsters from the state joining the proscribed outfit.

ULFA(I) behind Tinsukia killings, says Assam DGP

Two pro-talk ULFA leaders were arrested in Assam Friday for their “provocative remarks” as a massive combing operation was launched to nab those behind the gunning down of five persons in Tinsukia district with Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal blaming “hate speeches” by political parties for the killings.

The Assam government announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh and a job for the next of the kin of the deceased. Though the police suspect that the gunmen belonged to the ULFA (Independent) faction as they were dressed in battle fatigue, ‘publicity department’ member of the outlawed group Romel Asom, in an e-mailed statement, however, denied its involvement in Thursday’s incident.

In neighbouring West Bengal, the ruling Trinamool Congress organised protest marches and sought a court-monitored inquiry into the killing of the five Bengali-speaking individuals. They also called for the resignation of the Assam chief minister over the incident. Left parties, too, took to the streets in Kolkata to protest the killings.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed deep anguish over the incident and said: “a sense of sadness descended on my mind seeing innocent and poor persons being killed in a village in Assam”.

She changed her display picture to black on Twitter along with other leaders of her party. “I don’t know why these people were killed, but one thing is for sure, the ominous signals have started surfacing,” she said. The TMC also sought to link the attack as a “fallout of the draconian NRC exercise”.

Over 40 lakh people are facing deportation from India as their names have been excluded in the NRC draft, TMC Youth Congress president and MP Abhisekh Banerjee told a rally in Kolkata. He sought a court-monitored inquiry into the incident. On Thursday night, a group of assailants called out six villagers of Kheronibari.

They then took them to the edge of Dhola-Sadiya bridge in the area and opened indiscriminate fire, killing five of them on spot, police said, adding one of them survived the firing.

Sahadeb Namasudra, in his early 20s, said he had a “providential escape” as he fell off the edge of the bridge, where the gunmen had lined them up. Though he did not sustain injuries, he fell unconscious out of fear and nervousness.

On regaining consciousness, he found one of the five persons still alive beside him, Namasudra claimed, adding the man died before any arrangement for help could be made.

Chief Minister Sonowal warned of strong action against those who make inflammatory statements. “The perpetrators of this dastardly violence will not go scot-free. We will not tolerate such cowardly act,” he said.

“For this situation today, I hold responsible a section of political parties, organisations, news media, social media and people’s representatives for their inflammatory statements,” Sonowal told reporters on the sidelines of a meeting in Guwahati.

Assam Director General of Police Kuladhar Saikia said several operations were underway to nab the culprits. He said pro-talk ULFA leaders Jiten Dutta and Mrinal Hazarika were arrested for making provocative statements. Asked about the involvement of ULFA factions in the killings, the DGP said, “It isn’t about taking random names. We will take action as per law.”

Political parties and organisations across Assam condemned the killings and demanded that the culprits be immediately nabbed. A bandh, called by All Assam Bengali Federation, was observed on Friday in Tinsukia district. Vehicles were off roads and shops were closed. No untoward incident was reported in the morning, a police officer said.

The ruling BJP said the incident was a result of the Congress party continuously making provocative statements on sensitive issues such as the NRC and the Citizenship Bill.

Assam BJP president Ranjeet Kumar Dass also criticised a section of the media for broadcasting provocative statements uninterruptedly, thereby vitiating the atmosphere. He asked the Assam government to set up a judicial probe into the incident.

Countering the BJP leader’s claims, veteran Congress leader and former chief minister Tarun Gogoi said the Sonowal-led government has failed to maintain law and order in the state. He also sought a CBI probe into Thursday’s incident.

Two pro-talk ULFA leaders were arrested in Assam Friday for their “provocative remarks” as a massive combing operation was launched to nab those behind the gunning down of five persons in Tinsukia district with Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal blaming “hate speeches” by political parties for the killings.

Two pro-talk ULFA leaders were arrested in Assam Friday for their “provocative remarks” as a massive combing operation was launched to nab those behind the gunning down of five persons in Tinsukia district with Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal blaming “hate speeches” by political parties for the killings. The Assam government announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh and a job for the next of the kin of the deceased. Though the police suspect that the gunmen belonged to the ULFA (Independent) faction as they were dressed in battle fatigue, ‘publicity department’ member of the outlawed group Romel Asom, in an e-mailed statement, however, denied its involvement in Thursday’s incident. In neighbouring West Bengal, the ruling Trinamool Congress organised protest marches and sought a court-monitored inquiry into the killing of the five Bengali-speaking individuals. They also called for the resignation of the Assam chief minister over the incident. Left parties, too, took to the streets in Kolkata to protest the killings. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed deep anguish over the incident and said: “a sense of sadness descended on my mind seeing innocent and poor persons being killed in a village in Assam”. She changed her display picture to black on Twitter along with other leaders of her party. “I don’t know why these people were killed, but one thing is for sure, the ominous signals have started surfacing,” she said. The TMC also sought to link the attack as a “fallout of the draconian NRC exercise”. Over 40 lakh people are facing deportation from India as their names have been excluded in the NRC draft, TMC Youth Congress president and MP Abhisekh Banerjee told a rally in Kolkata. He sought a court-monitored inquiry into the incident. On Thursday night, a group of assailants called out six villagers of Kheronibari. They then took them to the edge of Dhola-Sadiya bridge in the area and opened indiscriminate fire, killing five of them on spot, police said, adding one of them survived the firing. Sahadeb Namasudra, in his early 20s, said he had a “providential escape” as he fell off the edge of the bridge, where the gunmen had lined them up. Though he did not sustain injuries, he fell unconscious out of fear and nervousness. On regaining consciousness, he found one of the five persons still alive beside him, Namasudra claimed, adding the man died before any arrangement for help could be made. Chief Minister Sonowal warned of strong action against those who make inflammatory statements. “The perpetrators of this dastardly violence will not go scot-free. We will not tolerate such cowardly act,” he said. “For this situation today, I hold responsible a section of political parties, organisations, news media, social media and people’s representatives for their inflammatory statements,” Sonowal told reporters on the sidelines of a meeting in Guwahati. Assam Director General of Police Kuladhar Saikia said several operations were underway to nab the culprits. He said pro-talk ULFA leaders Jiten Dutta and Mrinal Hazarika were arrested for making provocative statements. Asked about the involvement of ULFA factions in the killings, the DGP said, “It isn’t about taking random names. We will take action as per law.” Political parties and organisations across Assam condemned the killings and demanded that the culprits be immediately nabbed. A bandh, called by All Assam Bengali Federation, was observed on Friday in Tinsukia district. Vehicles were off roads and shops were closed. No untoward incident was reported in the morning, a police officer said. The ruling BJP said the incident was a result of the Congress party continuously making provocative statements on sensitive issues such as the NRC and the Citizenship Bill. Assam BJP president Ranjeet Kumar Dass also criticised a section of the media for broadcasting provocative statements uninterruptedly, thereby vitiating the atmosphere. He asked the Assam government to set up a judicial probe into the incident. Countering the BJP leader’s claims, veteran Congress leader and former chief minister Tarun Gogoi said the Sonowal-led government has failed to maintain law and order in the state. He also sought a CBI probe into Thursday’s incident.

Assam killings: 2 held for ‘provocative remarks’, ULFA (I) denies role

China on Tuesday said it followed a policy of "non-interference" in other countries' affairs over India's concern that it was sheltering United Liberation Front of Assam(ULFA) chief Paresh Baruah.

On Monday, India had asked Beijing not to give shelter to ULFA leader Paresh Baruah at a high-level meeting on bilateral security cooperation which was co-chaired by home minister Rajnath Singh and Zhao Kezhi, State Councilor and Minister of Public Security of China.

"I shall stress that the Chinese government has always adhered to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. This remains unchanged," China's foreign ministry spokesman Hua Chunying said.&nbsp;

India had reportedly objected to the frequent visit of the ULFA chief to China and smuggling of arms and narcotics to the Northeast, newswire PTI quoted Indian officials. India also requested China to support the pending application in the UN to designate JeM terror group leader Masood Azhar as a global terrorist.

India blames Azhar for masterminding the Khandhar Indian airlines hijack in 1999 and also being the prime mover for the terror attack on Indian Air Force base at Pathankot in 2016.

China said it would look into the "merits of the matter" while deciding the fate of Azhar. China has repeatedly blocked the bid at the United Nations to list Azhar as a global terrorist.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said: "As per to India's request for the listing of Masood (Azhar) we already stated our position for many times," adding," on the counter-terrorism issue, China has always actively participated in international anti-terrorist operations. We have always made our decisions and judgements on the merits of the matter itself."

"We will continue to step up the security cooperation to uphold the regional peace and stability with parties," it said.

After the meeting with Rajanth Singh, the home ministry in a statement said that the two sides discussed issues of mutual interest, including bilateral counter-terrorism cooperation, and welcomed increased security cooperation between India and China.

An agreement on security cooperation between the Home Ministry and China's Ministry of Public Security was also signed by Rajanth Singh and Zhao Kezhi, an earlier MoU signed between the two sides on security had lapsed two years ago.

Kezhi is on a bilateral visit to India from October 21 to 25 during which he will also travel to Mumbai. The Chinese delegation also visited the headquarters of India's premier paramilitary force the CRPF. 
&nbsp;

China on Tuesday said it followed a policy of "non-interference" in other countries' affairs over India's concern that it was sheltering United Liberation Front of Assam(ULFA) chief Paresh Baruah.

China on Tuesday said it followed a policy of "non-interference" in other countries' affairs over India's concern that it was sheltering United Liberation Front of Assam(ULFA) chief Paresh Baruah. On Monday, India had asked Beijing not to give shelter to ULFA leader Paresh Baruah at a high-level meeting on bilateral security cooperation which was co-chaired by home minister Rajnath Singh and Zhao Kezhi, State Councilor and Minister of Public Security of China. "I shall stress that the Chinese government has always adhered to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. This remains unchanged," China's foreign ministry spokesman Hua Chunying said. India had reportedly objected to the frequent visit of the ULFA chief to China and smuggling of arms and narcotics to the Northeast, newswire PTI quoted Indian officials. India also requested China to support the pending application in the UN to designate JeM terror group leader Masood Azhar as a global terrorist. India blames Azhar for masterminding the Khandhar Indian airlines hijack in 1999 and also being the prime mover for the terror attack on Indian Air Force base at Pathankot in 2016. China said it would look into the "merits of the matter" while deciding the fate of Azhar. China has repeatedly blocked the bid at the United Nations to list Azhar as a global terrorist. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said: "As per to India's request for the listing of Masood (Azhar) we already stated our position for many times," adding," on the counter-terrorism issue, China has always actively participated in international anti-terrorist operations. We have always made our decisions and judgements on the merits of the matter itself." "We will continue to step up the security cooperation to uphold the regional peace and stability with parties," it said. After the meeting with Rajanth Singh, the home ministry in a statement said that the two sides discussed issues of mutual interest, including bilateral counter-terrorism cooperation, and welcomed increased security cooperation between India and China. An agreement on security cooperation between the Home Ministry and China's Ministry of Public Security was also signed by Rajanth Singh and Zhao Kezhi, an earlier MoU signed between the two sides on security had lapsed two years ago. Kezhi is on a bilateral visit to India from October 21 to 25 during which he will also travel to Mumbai. The Chinese delegation also visited the headquarters of India's premier paramilitary force the CRPF.

We follow policy of non-interference: China on India's request not to shelter ULFA chief

China's duplicity on countering terror exposed

India on Monday asked China to support the pending application in the UN to designate Pakistan-based JeM terror group leader Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, officials said.&nbsp;

It also asked Beijing not to give shelter to hardline ULFA leader Paresh Baruah on its soil, they said.

The two key issues were raised at the first India-China high level meeting on bilateral security cooperation which was co-chaired by Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Zhao Kezhi, State Councilor and Minister of Public Security, China, here.

"The key concerns of both the countries were flagged and both the sides assured each other full cooperation," an official, who was part of the Indian delegation, said.

The key Indian concerns are China's objection to the application to designate Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Azhar as terrorist under the Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the United Nations Security Council, frequent visit of United Liberation Front Of Assam (ULFA) leader Paresh Baruah to China and smuggling of arms and narcotics to the Northeast, the official said.

A veto-wielding permanent member of the UN Security Council, China has repeatedly blocked the bid at the United Nations to list Azhar as global terrorist.

The official said that Chinese concerns included insurgency in Xinjiang by Uyghur extremists.

After two rounds of meetings, restricted talks between Singh and Zhao followed by delegation-level parleys, the home ministry said in a statement that the two sides discussed issues of mutual interest, including bilateral counter-terrorism cooperation, and welcomed increased security cooperation between India and China.

An agreement on security cooperation between the Home Ministry and China's Ministry of Public Security was also signed by the two ministers. This was first ever India-China security cooperation pact.

"The agreement will further strengthen and consolidate discussions and cooperation in areas of counter-terrorism, organised crimes, drug control and other such relevant areas," the statement said.

Even though an MoU had been signed by the two sides in the spheres of security years ago, it had lapsed a few years ago.

The Monday's pact may lead to signing of a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty in future, another official said.

Zhao Kezhi is on a bilateral visit to India from October 21 to 25 during which he will also travel to Mumbai.

The meeting comes just a year after a two-month-long border stand-off between the India Army and the China's People's Liberation Army at Doklam on the India-Bhutan-China tri-junction.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held an informal summit in Wuhan, China, in April this year which helped repair bilateral ties.&nbsp;

The Chinese delegation also visited the headquarters of the CRPF, country's largest paramilitary force, where they were given a presentation about the functions of the force.&nbsp;

India on Monday asked China to support the pending application in the UN to designate Pakistan-based JeM terror group leader Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, officials said.

India on Monday asked China to support the pending application in the UN to designate Pakistan-based JeM terror group leader Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, officials said. It also asked Beijing not to give shelter to hardline ULFA leader Paresh Baruah on its soil, they said. The two key issues were raised at the first India-China high level meeting on bilateral security cooperation which was co-chaired by Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Zhao Kezhi, State Councilor and Minister of Public Security, China, here. "The key concerns of both the countries were flagged and both the sides assured each other full cooperation," an official, who was part of the Indian delegation, said. The key Indian concerns are China's objection to the application to designate Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Azhar as terrorist under the Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the United Nations Security Council, frequent visit of United Liberation Front Of Assam (ULFA) leader Paresh Baruah to China and smuggling of arms and narcotics to the Northeast, the official said. A veto-wielding permanent member of the UN Security Council, China has repeatedly blocked the bid at the United Nations to list Azhar as global terrorist. The official said that Chinese concerns included insurgency in Xinjiang by Uyghur extremists. After two rounds of meetings, restricted talks between Singh and Zhao followed by delegation-level parleys, the home ministry said in a statement that the two sides discussed issues of mutual interest, including bilateral counter-terrorism cooperation, and welcomed increased security cooperation between India and China. An agreement on security cooperation between the Home Ministry and China's Ministry of Public Security was also signed by the two ministers. This was first ever India-China security cooperation pact. "The agreement will further strengthen and consolidate discussions and cooperation in areas of counter-terrorism, organised crimes, drug control and other such relevant areas," the statement said. Even though an MoU had been signed by the two sides in the spheres of security years ago, it had lapsed a few years ago. The Monday's pact may lead to signing of a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty in future, another official said. Zhao Kezhi is on a bilateral visit to India from October 21 to 25 during which he will also travel to Mumbai. The meeting comes just a year after a two-month-long border stand-off between the India Army and the China's People's Liberation Army at Doklam on the India-Bhutan-China tri-junction. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held an informal summit in Wuhan, China, in April this year which helped repair bilateral ties. The Chinese delegation also visited the headquarters of the CRPF, country's largest paramilitary force, where they were given a presentation about the functions of the force.

India asks China to support application in UN on Masood Azhar, not give shelter to ULFA chief

The government today appointed&nbsp;two former RAW officials for important portfolios.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Former RAW Chief Rajinder Khanna is appointed as the Deputy National Security Advisor.&nbsp;

Rajinder Khanna who joined RAW in 1978, is said to be an expert on terrorism.&nbsp;

He is considered as the founder and driving force of the counter-terrorism unit in RAW.&nbsp;

He is the first chief of RAW to be directly recruited into the Research and Analysis Service cadre.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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Appointments Committee of Cabinet approves the appointment of former RAW Chief Rajinder Khanna as Deputy National Security Adviser.
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Currently, Khanna is serving as an Officer on Special Duty (Neighbourhood Studies) in the National Security Council Secretariat.

Also, Former Special Secretary (RAW) A.B Mathur is appointed as government interlocutor for talks with ULFA, Assam.&nbsp;

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Former Special Secretary (RAW) A.B Mathur appointed as government interlocutor for talks with ULFA, Assam.
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Rajinder Khanna who joined RAW in 1978, is said to be an expert on terrorism

The government today appointed two former RAW officials for important portfolios. Former RAW Chief Rajinder Khanna is appointed as the Deputy National Security Advisor. Rajinder Khanna who joined RAW in 1978, is said to be an expert on terrorism. He is considered as the founder and driving force of the counter-terrorism unit in RAW. He is the first chief of RAW to be directly recruited into the Research and Analysis Service cadre. Appointments Committee of Cabinet approves the appointment of former RAW Chief Rajinder Khanna as Deputy National Security Adviser. — ANI (@ANI) January 2, 2018 × Currently, Khanna is serving as an Officer on Special Duty (Neighbourhood Studies) in the National Security Council Secretariat. Also, Former Special Secretary (RAW) A.B Mathur is appointed as government interlocutor for talks with ULFA, Assam. Former Special Secretary (RAW) A.B Mathur appointed as government interlocutor for talks with ULFA, Assam. — ANI (@ANI) January 2, 2018 ×

Government appoints former RAW chief Rajinder Khanna as Deputy National Security Advisor

The Indian government&nbsp;has declared the entire state of Assam as a &quot;disturbed&quot; area under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act -- the AFSPA -- for three more months, citing various violent activities by insurgent groups ULFA, NDFB and others.

In a gazette notification, the Home Ministry said the entire Assam, besides bordering areas of Meghalaya, have been declared &quot;disturbed&quot; under the AFSPA for three months with effect from May 3.

The ministry said there were 75 incidents of violence in Assam in 2016 in which 33 people, including four security personnel, were killed and 14 others were abducted. 
 
Besides, there were nine violent incidents in the state in which four people, including two security personnel, were killed in 2017. 
 
The violence were perpetrated by insurgent groups like ULFA, NDFB and others, the ministry said. 
 
The AFSPA has been continuing in Assam since November 1990. 
 
In another gazette notification, the ministry declared three districts of Arunachal Pradesh - Tirap, Changlang and Longding - besides areas falling under 16 police stations bordering Assam as &quot;disturbed&quot; area under the AFSPA for three more months. 
 
The home ministry cited the continuing violence perpetrated by NSCN(IM), NSCN(K), ULFA, NDFB and others as the reason for enforcing the AFSPA for three months beyond May 4. 
 
The AFSPA has been under force in the three Arunachal Pradesh districts since January 2016.

(PTI)

&nbsp;

The Armed Forces (Special Powers Act) has been continuing in Assam since November 1990

The Indian government has declared the entire state of Assam as a "disturbed" area under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act -- the AFSPA -- for three more months, citing various violent activities by insurgent groups ULFA, NDFB and others. In a gazette notification, the Home Ministry said the entire Assam, besides bordering areas of Meghalaya, have been declared "disturbed" under the AFSPA for three months with effect from May 3. The ministry said there were 75 incidents of violence in Assam in 2016 in which 33 people, including four security personnel, were killed and 14 others were abducted. Besides, there were nine violent incidents in the state in which four people, including two security personnel, were killed in 2017. The violence were perpetrated by insurgent groups like ULFA, NDFB and others, the ministry said. The AFSPA has been continuing in Assam since November 1990. In another gazette notification, the ministry declared three districts of Arunachal Pradesh - Tirap, Changlang and Longding - besides areas falling under 16 police stations bordering Assam as "disturbed" area under the AFSPA for three more months. The home ministry cited the continuing violence perpetrated by NSCN(IM), NSCN(K), ULFA, NDFB and others as the reason for enforcing the AFSPA for three months beyond May 4. The AFSPA has been under force in the three Arunachal Pradesh districts since January 2016. (PTI)

Indian government declares entire state of Assam as 'disturbed' area under AFSPA for three more months

Seven blasts rocked the north- eastern states of Assam and Manipur on the occasion of Republic Day today even as celebrations were held in other parts of the country with the states showcasing their cultural diversity and the might of security forces.

Five serial blasts by anti-talk ULFA (Independent) shook upper Assam as low intensity IEDS were detonated in Charaidow, Sibsagar, Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts, police said.

In Dibrugarh town, the blast took place just 500 metres away from Chowkidingi Parade ground where the national flag was being unfurled at an official function.

Due to high security in the area, the militants threw the bomb into a drain near a tea garden where it went off, police said.

Two powerful bombs were blasted simultaneously by suspected militants in the eastern and western districts of Manipur capital Imphal, police said.

One blast took place at Mantripukhri near 69 CRPF Battalion barrack in Imphal East district.

There was no report of any casualty in the blasts. Only a brick wall was damaged in Manipur, they said.

In Vishakhapatnam, more than 100 youth, including Telugu actor Sampoornesh Babu, were detained by police ahead of their proposed silent protest called to demand special category status (SCS) to Andhra Pradesh.

Meanwhile, in the state capitals, Governors took the salute at traditional parades marking the occasion when India became a Republic on January 26, 1950.

Chief Ministers across India unfurled the national flag as their states showcased the country&#39;s cultural diversity at parades. Smartly-dressed contingents of security forces held march pasts. Colourfully decorated tableaux also displayed the rich cultural traditions.

Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, following the blasts in Assam, said the government and the people of the state were united against insurgency and would continue to fight against it.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said Indian democracy has to be guarded against &quot;Hitlerite forces&quot;.

(PTI)

Five low intensity serial blasts by the militant ULFA group shook Assam. Two high-intensity blasts were detonated by militants in Manipur

Seven blasts rocked the north- eastern states of Assam and Manipur on the occasion of Republic Day today even as celebrations were held in other parts of the country with the states showcasing their cultural diversity and the might of security forces. Five serial blasts by anti-talk ULFA (Independent) shook upper Assam as low intensity IEDS were detonated in Charaidow, Sibsagar, Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts, police said. In Dibrugarh town, the blast took place just 500 metres away from Chowkidingi Parade ground where the national flag was being unfurled at an official function. Due to high security in the area, the militants threw the bomb into a drain near a tea garden where it went off, police said. Two powerful bombs were blasted simultaneously by suspected militants in the eastern and western districts of Manipur capital Imphal, police said. One blast took place at Mantripukhri near 69 CRPF Battalion barrack in Imphal East district. There was no report of any casualty in the blasts. Only a brick wall was damaged in Manipur, they said. In Vishakhapatnam, more than 100 youth, including Telugu actor Sampoornesh Babu, were detained by police ahead of their proposed silent protest called to demand special category status (SCS) to Andhra Pradesh. Meanwhile, in the state capitals, Governors took the salute at traditional parades marking the occasion when India became a Republic on January 26, 1950. Chief Ministers across India unfurled the national flag as their states showcased the country's cultural diversity at parades. Smartly-dressed contingents of security forces held march pasts. Colourfully decorated tableaux also displayed the rich cultural traditions. Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, following the blasts in Assam, said the government and the people of the state were united against insurgency and would continue to fight against it. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said Indian democracy has to be guarded against "Hitlerite forces". (PTI)

Serial blasts hit Assam and Manipur on India's Republic Day, no casualties reported

Assam Rifles neutralised two United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) militants and apprehended six others in India&rsquo;s north-eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh in an operation on Wednesday.

The operation was launched by troops of Assam Rifles in the dense forest of Changlang district in Arunachal Pradesh around 1.30 pm.

This apart, six other militants including one woman were apprehended by the security agencies.

During the operations, one rifle and one pistol were recovered from the possession of the militants.

A day ago, a battalion of Assam Rifles destroyed a camp of another militant outfit - National Socialist Council of Nagaland Khaplang (NSCN-K) in the same area.

A huge cache of ammunition, radio sets with batteries, insurgent combat uniforms, belts and backpack were recovered.

(WION)

The operation was launched by troops of Assam Rifles in the dense forest of Changlang district in northeastern India

Assam Rifles neutralised two United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) militants and apprehended six others in India’s north-eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh in an operation on Wednesday. The operation was launched by troops of Assam Rifles in the dense forest of Changlang district in Arunachal Pradesh around 1.30 pm. This apart, six other militants including one woman were apprehended by the security agencies. During the operations, one rifle and one pistol were recovered from the possession of the militants. A day ago, a battalion of Assam Rifles destroyed a camp of another militant outfit - National Socialist Council of Nagaland Khaplang (NSCN-K) in the same area. A huge cache of ammunition, radio sets with batteries, insurgent combat uniforms, belts and backpack were recovered. (WION)

Security forces neutralise 2 militants in India's Arunachal Pradesh

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