Assam security forces in search of 5 terror suspects

GUWAHATI: Suspected entry of five persons from Bangladesh through Meghalaya to Assam has sent the security agencies into a tizzy. Assam police have issued high alert and asked the districts bordering Bangladesh to step up vigil. Bangladesh is witnessing repeated attacks from jehadi elements.
“Meghalaya police have shared information with us about five persons from Bangladesh entering Assam. Given the present situation we are verifying if these people are jehadi operatives,“ a senior Assam Police officer told ET.

He said that alert has been sounded and security forces, including the army, have been put on alert. “Those districts which are sharing border with Bangladesh and Meghalaya are asked to take all precautions. We are trying to trace these people.“

Security at Guwahati airport and Kamakhya temple has also been beefed up. Assam Director General of Police Mukesh Sahay said that the police have been put on alert across the state, particularly after the recent terror attacks in Bangladesh.

“There are reports that villagers in a remote place in Meghalaya's South Garo Hills district have spotted five suspected youth. We are yet to confirm this and we are in touch with our counterparts there,“ Sahay said.

Bangladesh-based jehadi terror module Jamat-ul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) has been active in the state and several operatives of the JMB were arrested in state in past.

Four hard-core militants of the NSCN (Reformation) were gunned down on Thursday by troopers of Assam Rifles in Arunachal Pradesh's Tirap district bordering Myanmar.

According to Assam Rifles, acting on a tip off Assam Rifles troopers raided Kheti village, 7 KM away from districts headquarters Khonsa. The cadres of the group were huge problems for the locals as they were included in massive extortion, arms dealing and peddling of drugs. Assam Rifles troopers challenged the militant, they fired back in return. In the ensuing gun fight the four militants were killed.