Haflong, Jul 29 : The Indian Army today said its main role in the conflict-ridden North Cachar Hills district of Assam was to provide “environmental security,” by moving into the hinterlands and put relentless pressure on militant groups so that they stop killing and harassing innocent villagers.
Briefing mediapersons here at 3 Corps headquarters, Rangapahar, on the situation in NC Hills following the ethnic clash between the Zemes and Dimasas, Brigadier General Staff, NK Misra said the Army was also trying to ameliorate the condition of the villagers by undertaking military civic action (MAC) programmes such as providing medical and educational aids.
Another initiative of the Army was to encourage the district administration to spread its wings and services to remote villages so that villagers do not feel a sense of neglect or alienation, the Brigadier said. Misra also informed that the combined efforts of the security forces including the Army, Assam Rifles, CRPF and Assam Police and Special Police Officers (SPOs) had paid off as more DHD militants have been killed and arrested in the past two months than it had been in the entire year of 2008.
He further informed that every evening a joint control meeting was held between security forces and police in the district headquarter Halflong for “absolute coordination and synergy” among them.
According to the Army, the basic cause of turmoil in NC Hills was that various militant groups and other vested interests have been interfering in the multi-crore Railroad and East-West corridor projects, NEEPCO project and cement factory.
For the militants, these projects are “most lucrative for extortion,” and there are also those “disgruntled elements who want to keep the situation boiling,” the Army spokesman said.
On the difficulties faced by security forces in their pursuit against militants, Misra said the rugged terrain of the district was one major obstacle. Besides, there are also reports of villagers supporting the militants, he added. Among others, officers from the Media Cell and PROs including Col. Amrit Koijam, Col. Nirupam Bharghava, Maj. Anil Tripati and Maj. Pallab Choudhury attended the briefing
Social Plugin