Meghalaya confirms rebel leader’s death (Lead)
June 20th, 2011 - 9:06 pm ICT by IANSShillong, June 20 (IANS) Meghalaya Home Minister H.D.R. Lyngdoh Monday confirmed reports that outlawed National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) leader Derhasar has been killed in a shootout with the security forces. An alert has been sounded in the state.
“The family members of the slain rebel have identified the body of Derhasar alias Dijen Dhigwara Narzary, the general secretary of the NDFB anti-talk faction,” Lyngdoh told IANS.
Derhasar was killed Saturday along with his bodyguard Bwidha Gawri after security forces raided a hideout of NDFB and Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) rebels at Guresimram village in Meghalaya’s East Garo Hills district.
“The forces have been put on alert in Garo Hills region and steps are being taken to thwart any retaliatory attacks,” S.K. Jain, chief of the intelligence wing of the police, told IANS.
Police stations and outposts, especially in areas close to Assam border, have been told to maintain a constant vigil, he said.
After Saturday’s shootout, security personnel recovered a powerful improvised explosive device, an AK rifle, three Chinese-made grenades, two cell phones and two wireless sets, among other equipment.
Dersahar’s killing is a major blow to the anti-talk faction of NDFB as he was considered the key man in the outfit after the arrest of the outfit’s founder, Ranjan Daimary.
Police said the slain rebel was involved in terror activities in Assam.
“His (Dersahar) presence in the hideout has proven the nexus between the NDFB with the GNLA. It was major achievement to flush these rebels out from the area,” Lyngdoh said.
He added that combing operations will continue to flush out rebels from the three districts of Garo Hills in western part of Meghalaya.
The NDFB, fighting for an independent homeland for the Bodo tribe, had agreed to a ceasefire in 2005, but it is blamed for continuing attacks on the security forces.
The outfit was also allegedly involved in the Oct 30, 2008, serial explosions in Assam that killed around 100 people and wounded 500 more.
The GNLA, one of the five Garo rebel groups, is also fighting for a sovereign Garoland in western Meghalaya. It is headed by police officer-turned-rogue Champion R. Sangma.
- Meghalaya confirms rebel leader's death - Jun 20, 2011
- Two Bodo rebels gunned down in Meghalaya - Jun 18, 2011
- Commados mistakenly kill two Meghalaya cops - Jul 03, 2011
- Rebel attack: Meghalaya seeks central forces - Jun 06, 2011
- Garo rebel killed, camp busted - Feb 09, 2012
- GNLA rebels, forces exchange fire in Meghalaya - Mar 02, 2012
- Two Garo militants killed in Meghalaya - Dec 18, 2011
- Ulfa's bomb-making unit busted; 2 held - May 21, 2012
- Meghalaya takes precautionary steps after bomb threat - Jul 18, 2011
- Rebel group asks Assam-based groups to leave Meghalaya - Aug 15, 2011
- Rebels kill policeman, injure three in Meghalaya - May 30, 2012
- Rebel bomber held in Meghalaya - Feb 27, 2011
- Elite force to tackle Meghalaya rebels - Jul 10, 2011
- Meghalay rebel leader's arrest shrouded in mystery - Nov 26, 2011
- Determined to end Garo terror outfit: Chidambaram - Feb 19, 2012
Tags: assam, ceasefire, east garo hills, explosive device, garo hills district, general secretary, hideout, home minister, independent homeland, intelligence wing, key man, national democratic front, national liberation army, outposts, police stations, rebel leader, s k jain, security personnel, shillong, terror activities