Security beefed up in north-east as militants call R-Day boycott

Security in the northeastern region has been tightened in the wake of Republic Day boycott call given by four militant groups.

Agartala, Jan 25 : Security in the northeastern region has been tightened in the wake of Republic Day boycott call given by four militant groups.

The militant groups have also announced a general strike on Saturday.

This was stated in a joint statement issued by- the Tripura People's Democratic Front (TPDF), the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), the Manipur People's Liberation Front (MPLF) and the Kamatapur Liberation Organization (KLO) - trough email.

In the wake of the boycott call, the number of police and security personnel deployed in the region has been increased.

"Police vigil has been increased in the cities," senior police official N Debnath said.

Night patrolling and checking of vehicles on crowded places has also been increased, he said, adding that bomb disposal squads are conducting regular checks.

Meanwhile, the Border Security Force has been alerted and is conducting special operations in the border areas to check militant movement.

Tripura has 856 km border with Bangladesh, where the militants allegedly have their camps.

The Tripura State Rifles, Assam Rifles and other paramilitary forces are also conducting search operations in the remote areas.

The Tripura People's Democratic Front (TPDF) is fighting for an independent tribal homeland in Tripura, while the ULFA is fighting for an independent homeland in Assam since 1979, and the KLO is fighting for a separate homeland comprising parts of Assam and West Bengal.

The Manipur People's Liberation Front (MPLF) is an umbrella group of several rebel groups.

ANI