Title: Nagaon becoming
stronghold of Muslim ultras
Author:
Publication: Assam Tribune
Date: March 23, 2000
GUWAHATI, March 22 "Several
Muslim militant groups of late have intensified their activities in different
parts of Nagaon district posing a serious security threat.
The three main militant
groups " Muslim United Liberation Front of Assam (MULFA), Muslim United
Liberation TigersT of Assam (MULTA) and Muslim Liberation of Assam (MLA)
" have reportedly consolidated their base particularly in char areas even
though strict vigilance is being maintained by the security forces.
According to highly-placed
official sources, these underground organisations have started mobilising
the poeple to declare jehad against India and to set up a ~greater independent
Islamistan covering all Muslims living in the state.T
The sources informed
that the militant outfits which were formed few years back along the line
of Kashmiri insurgent groups have identified the char areas more convenient
to expand their activities.
~They are making inroads
in char areas taking advantage of poor economic status of the people which
help theim in accelerating their activitiesT sources stated.They also revealed
that these militant groups have collected funds from the businessmen and
the common people having soft corner for the organisations. Most of the
funds are utilised for armed training in the neighbouring countries.
Giving details about
the operational area of the insurgent groups, sources said that the MULFA
has a stronghold in Hojai sub-division while MULTA and MLA are becoming
active in Manja and Dhing areas. ~All the militant groups are working at
the behest of the United Muslim Liberation Front of Assam (UMLFA) which
is said to be a common platform of the militants,T the sources said, adding
that UMLFA is monitoring ongoing fund collection and armed training.
They further informed
that about 20 odd youths are undergoing training at Sylhet in Bangladesh
with the help of Pakistani Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).[b] The youths
were sent last year by UMLFA to get latest armed training. They however
denied having any camp of Muslim ultras either in Myanmar or Bhutan.
~Muslim militants are
also maintaining a cordial relation with a frontal insurgent [b]group of
Manipur called PeoplesT United Liberation Front (PULF) which also provides
armed training to themT,the sources added.
Commenting on arsenal
power of the militant groups they expressed the view that they are concentrating
more on expanding the organisations instead of purchasing arms and ammunition.
~In view of the stepped up activities of the outfits vigilance has been
geared up in and around the Nagaon district to contain their activitiesT,
the sources informed.
