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Militants in northeast have international links says Sarkar
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LOCALCORRESPONDENT on 06 May, 2008 02:38:00
 
Agartala: According to Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, militant outfits of
northeast India have links with international terrorist groups. And the
intelligence wings of foreign countries are misguiding the youth of the region.
Sarkar said,“Pakistani and American intelligence wings are misguiding the
youth in the northeast to join militant outfits and create trouble in the
region. Common cadres of the militant groups are fed up with life in the
jungles. Moreover, there is resentment because extremist leaders lead a
luxurious life in Bangladesh and other foreign countries while cadres have no
food, no place to stay and no shelter.” He, however, refused to identify
the international terrorist groups with whom the northeast militants have links.
In the past 10 years, about 1250 militants from various outfits have
surrendered in Tripura. To economically rehabilitate the surrendered extremists,
the Tripura government has so far provided vocational training to 710
surrendered militants. The 18 month long vocational training program, being
provided in four separate training centres across the state. The program
includes car driving and maintenance, carpentry, electrical work, computer use,
besides sports and education.
The chief minister has appealed the militants to come to the mainstream and
help in developmental activities. “The Tripura government is providing all
benefits available as per the package announced by the government of India for
the surrendered militants of the northeast,” Sarkar added.
According to a police document, two banned militant outfits - the National
Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) and All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF) have been
fighting for an independent Tripura. The document said,“The two outfits,
whose total strength is of about 1200 cadres, have close links with other
northeast terrorist groups, including the National Socialist Council of Nagaland
(NSCN) and United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA).” (IANS)