Shore up, HuJI tells Northeast militants

Bangladesh-based terror promises funds to militants for enhancing strike capabilities

The militant outfits operating in the Northeast are planning a major overhaul of their operational capabilities, courtesyu00a0 the funds pledged by Bangladesh-based Harkat-ul-Jihad-al-Islami (HuJI).

According to sources in Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the militant groups are moving fast to make maximum use of the ceasefire period between the government and the militant outfits.

"Their masterminds in Bangladesh have instructed them to improve their cadre base and re-establish and re-organise in Manipur and Tripura," said a senior MHA officer, who deals with northeast militancy issues, requesting anonymity.

The intelligence agencies and Border Security Force (BSF) have recently intercepted numerous messages between HUJI and Bangladesh intelligence agencies. "Except the serial blasts, the overall environment has improved. Basically it is due to the finance crunch and lack of motivation in the people to joint militancy," said a Border Security Force (BSF) officer, on the condition of anonymity.

The Director General of Force's Intelligence (DGFI)u00a0the main intelligence agency of Bangladeshu00a0is looking after the overall terror infrastructure in the northeastern states, said the officer.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh was mum over the proposed joint anti-terror task force with India. "Nothing has been formalised as yet," said the officer. India is keenly watching the move after Bangladesh Nationalist Party chief Khaleda Zia, who came to power, reiterated her stand against militancy.

Meanwhile, the BSF has again started the long pending fencing on the eastern border. And this time there is no retaliation from the Bangladesh Rangers (BDR). Though the harsh weather is hampering work the forces are in mood to relent before the onset of summer and monsoon.
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