GUWAHATI: Militant outfit Dima Halam Daogah (DHD-J) also known as Black Widow has made a ransom demand to the public television broadcaster, Doordarshan's LPT relay centre in Haflong in North Cachar hills of Assam.
Sources in Doordarshan said that working of the centre has been severely affected and staff is scared. The ransom which was made through telephone demanded Rs 5 lakh from the employees.
Sources in police added, Employees informed us about the demand two weeks back. The caller had threatened of dire consequences if they fail pay. Accordingly the security of establishment was beefed up. The employees strength of the centre is around six.
This development in the trouble torn hill district has been taken seriously by the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh. Dr Singh has reviewed the situation of the district which is in facing trouble due to ethnic strife and militancy.
Officials in the Doordarshan informed that centre cater to over two lakh populations.
Police sources added that right from the petty traders to government officials, everyone is targeted by militant outfit for extortion. The alleged diversion of development funds of NC Hills Autonomous Hills Council is being investigated by the central agency, the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Sources added it is believed that diversion is to the tune of several crores. The council s chief, Mohet Hojai was arrested by police recently.
A local court on Friday remanded DHD (J) chief Jewel Gorlosa to 10-days police custody. He was arrested recently in Bangalore.
Since March this year over 48 people are killed in the district. Hundreds of houses torched.
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