On Independence-Day eve, 4 CorCom rebels held in Arunachal Pradesh

GUWAHATI/AGARTALA/SILCHAR/AIZAWL: Security forces across northeast are on their toes ahead of Independence Day. Following calls by a number of underground outfits for a boycott of August 15 celebrations, cops across all seven states are on the watch to prevent any mishap. The scrapping of Article 370 has become a major issue for the undergrounds.

In a major victory against such outfits, 4 cadre of the Coordination Committee of Militant groups (CorCom) were apprehended in South Arunachal Pradesh on Wednesday. Defence PRO Col C Konwer said that based on specific intelligence on the movement of cadres across the Indian-Myanmar border in the Tirap district to execute subversive activities on the occasion of independence day, troops of Assam Rifles launched a coordinated operation in the border areas of South Arunachal Pradesh.

"The successful operation led to the apprehension of four senior cadres of CorCom faction along with weapons and ammunition. The cadres were on a lookout for an opportune moment to target the security forces or civilians during the 73rd Independence Day celebrations. The apprehension of the senior cadres of CorCom has dealt a serious blow to the nefarious plans of the proscribed group to bring instability in the region."

In Guwahati, security has been beefed up along railway tracks and the LGBI Airport here. Checking is also on at the inter-state borders and police and paramilitary forces are keeping a constant vigil in and around the venues where the Independence Day celebrations will be held. In Guwahati railway station, passengers were checked thoroughly during entry in order to foil any bid by militant outfits. Along the national waterway too, security personnel were monitoring the movement of boats. All major railway stations were being guarded by police personnel and other security forces. The Assam Rifles have stepped up their operations in their area of responsibility in view of the upcoming Independence Day. This has also brought huge relief to the local population. The apprehended individuals along with recoveries have been handed over to Laju Police Station for further investigation. "Special security measures have been taken at airports, railway stations, markets, important installations and mixed population areas," a top para-military official said. Another senior police official in Silchar said that additional security forces had been deployed in the minority-dominated areas. "In view of the situation in Kashmir since the Article 370 was scrapped, we are being extra cautious," the official said.

Quick reaction teams have been kept ready in all state capitals and district headquarters. The dog and bomb squads have been maintaining vigil for the past few days, the official added. In view of the celebrations, Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has also beefed up security at railway stations. Already, Assam Police has arrested eight linkmen belonging to proscribed militant outfit ULFA. Intelligence agencies have inputs suggesting that militant outfits are trying to carryout subversive activities ahead of the Independence Day celebrations.

Security forces also remained on high alert in Nagaland as police patrolling intensified throughout the state. Regular coordination meetings among the security forces including state police, Assam Rifles, Border Security Force (BSF) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have been held to review the overall security arrangements, Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order), Nagaland, R P Kikon said. Police and security forces have been conducting intensified frisking and patrolling for the last few days to check movement of unwanted elements, he said. "The overall law and order situation in the state is normal and we hope for a peaceful celebration of the Independence Day, Kikon added.

Assam Rifles also carried out a security audit of Kohima town and surrounding areas to sanitise the area and avoid untoward incidents, Lt Col L Vicent Patton, the PRO of the paramilitary force, said. Joint operations are also being conducted with police, CRPF and BSF to thwart any attempt of anti-national elements in the coming days.

Things are not too different in Mizoram too. Police stations in the city were asked to enhance security for the vital installations, Aizawl district Superintendent of Police C. Lalzahngoa said. He added that armed police were deployed for a round-the- clock security at the Assam Rifles ground where Chief Minister Zoramthanga would address the people on the occasion. Security was also beefed up at the lone Lengpui Airport near Aizawl, he said adding entry into the terminal was restricted and only air-ticket holders were allowed.