‘It's China hope for NE rebels after Myanmar crackdown’

After Bangladesh and Bhutan, Myanmar seems to be doing what Pakistan has always refused to — a crackdown on rebels carrying out attacks on Indian soil.

After the recent “takeover” of NSCN (K) headquarters in Sagaing province and jail terms given by a Myanmar court to 24 Northeast-based militants on Wednesday, security officials here believe that the first such sentencing has given a body blow to the rebel groups that have kept the region troubled for decades.

“This is definitely a huge setback for the rebel groups operating in the Northeast. Ulfa and NDFB had shifted their bases to NSCN (K) camps in Myanmar after the Bhutan operation in 2003-2004 and Bangladesh’s action in 2009-2010. But after the Myanmar crackdown, which began in January-February this year, they have no option but to look towards China for shelters,” former chief of Assam police special branch, Pallab Bhattacharyya told DH on Sunday.

He also cited reports about Ulfa (Independent) chief Paresh Baruah already taking shelter in Yunan province of China, sharing border with Myanmar. “This seems to be the fallout of strong diplomatic pressure by India on Myanmar. But whether the rebel groups will be able to shift to China soil will definitely depend on the stand taken by the new government that takes charge,” he said. Bhattacharyya was part of the peace process with several militant groups in Assam.

Although there has been no official confirmation from governments in both the countries, intelligence officials said at least 29 militants have been taken into custody since February when Myanmar army, known as Tatmadaw took over the NSCN (K) headquarters. NSCN (K), a Naga rebel group having a ‘conditional ceasefire’ with Tatmadaw have provided shelter, supplied arms and provided training in their Myanmar camps to other groups to carry out their ‘struggle for independence’ in the Northeast. Jungles of Arunachal Pradesh is used as a transit corridor to enter Assam.

Several cadres of NSCN (K), Ulfa (I), NDFB (S) and KLO had reportedly fled Myanmar and got in touch with security agencies to surrender. Security forces, however, stepped up operation along the India-Myanmar border in Nagaland, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh and have arrested at least 22 so far. Even on Sunday, three NSCN (K) cadres were arrested by Assam Rifles personnel in Changlang district in Arunachal Pradesh.

Expressing concern over Myanmar army’s action, NSCN (IM), the Naga rebel group in ceasefire since 1997 said there should be a better way to deal with the situation. “Given the hostility shown by the Tatmadaw’s operation in the so-called Indo-Myanmar corridors, the road to peaceful solution may get jeopardized if they fail to recognize the need for trust, respect and mutual understanding that goes together in solving a political problem that is more complex than one could see,” the outfit said in a statement emailed to DH on Sunday. The NSCN (IM) had signed a broad framework agreement with the Centre in August 2015 and was hoping to sign a final agreement soon.