Author: Manas Paul
Publication: The Assam Tribune
Date: July 26, 2002
Union Minister of State for Home,
ID Swami has said that the North East terrorist outfits are maintaining
bank accounts in foreign countries. They are also getting assistance through
various channels. Some of them are reported having links with the NGOs
abroad who provide funds through their own cover and through friendly organizations.
While replying to a question in the Parliament recently, Swami also assured
the members that "a close watch is being kept on the activities of the
North East militants". Meantime, Lok Sabha MP from Tripura Khagen Das,
has demanded immediate steps for state police modernization. Das while
taking part in the Parliamentary deliberations on Tuesday, said Tripura
militants are getting supports, weapons and equipment from various North
East outfits, ISI and other foreign agencies as well. "They have already
procured huge amount sophisticated weapons. To combat the heavily armed
militants Tripura police also needs to equip itself suitably," he said
and reminded that the State Government had already sent several proposals
to New Delhi for police modernization. Meanwhile, Bangladesh Government
has rejected the list of the Indian militant leaders holed up in its territory.
The Indian authorities' list had included the names, addresses and base
camps of the militants including the NLFT and ATTF in Bangladesh territory.
Bangladesh Foreign Minister also denied that any Taliban fighters or followers
of Osama bin Laden are presently in his country.
One more report reaching here said
that one hardcore NLFT militant, Sanjiv Debbarma, has recently moved the
Bangladesh Supreme Court again for political asylum. His first appeal to
the court moved through a human rights organization did not get favourable
verdict. Debbarma was arrested from Khagracherri in CHT area by the Bangladesh
police in 1998.
