Army camp shifting creates panic
SILCHAR, September 3: The decision to shift army camp from Ratabari area in the southern part of Karimganj district has created panic among the common people. The area extending to the Mizoram border has been witness to series of incidents of forays by extremist groups operating from the forested hinterlands. With communication bottleneck and being inaccessible, extremists belonging mainly to Reang outfits have been involved in kidnappings for ransom money. Besides, often the area has been rocked by murders caused by family and land disputes.
In view of the fragile law and order and the threat perception of militant groups and the mounting pressure of people in general, the district administration of Karimganj has to take decision in consultation with the higher authorities concerned of both police and home department of Dispur. As a sequel to it, an army camp was set up in the premises of now abandoned Anipur Cachar Sugar Mill. The decision to shift the army to some other place and move initiated in this regard has created a sense of insecurity among the common people.
Various organizations in the meantime have come out openly, opposing the removal of the 177 Field Regiment. It is apprehended once the army camp is shifted, militants and miscreants will again taking advantage of the situation strike and target the helpless people. A delegation of BJP and All Minority Students’ Union met the Deputy Commissioner of Karimganj, Sanjib Gohain, apprised him of the situation and sought his immediate intervention. A memorandum in this respect was sent through him by both BJP and AMSU to the Home Department of the State, urging not to take any decision to remove the army camp.
The memorandum in identical manner pointed out the greater Ratabari areas have always been known for free movement of militants, their subversive activities as well as kidnappings and realizing ransom moneys. Even attempts are often made to forcibly take away the lands of others. In 2006, it reminded five militants were nabbed in an army operation that blunted their movement. The people forgot for the last few years their nightmarish days of the past.
With the move to remove the army camp, the memorandum said the miscreants and criminals have again become active. During the last 48 hours, two murders have taken place in a mysterious circumstances. The police remains clueless. A farmer identified as Biswajit Baisnav (30) of Voterband GP ward No. 7 was shot at by a group of miscreants while he was on his way through Hrankhalgram around round 9 pm of Monday. The miscreants, eight in number, intercepted him and started beating him up. In order to escape from their clutch, he tried to flee, but was fired at. He sustained serious bullet injuries on his chest and hand. Profusely bleeding, he was first taken to Dullabhcherra Hospital and then shifted to Silchar Medical College and Hospital where he was battling for life. BJP and AMSU stressed under no circumstances, the army camp should be removed from Anipur, considering the safety and security of people in general.
Source: The Sentinel 03.09.2013
