Not Jihadi Outfits, NDFB(S) Behind Terror Attack in Kokrajhar

The NDFB(S) wanted to project it as a jihadi attack to deflect the attention of security forces from themselves.

The Kokrajhar terror attacks have been revealed to be orchestrated by National Democratic Front of Bodoland (Songbijit). According to security forces, the NDFB(S) wanted to project the attacks as an act of jihadi outfits in Assam in order to deflect attention from themselves.

The strategy would have worked too, had one militant in the terror strike not been killed. Security forces recovered a phone from his body with a contact linked to the NDFB(S).

Ever since the Modi government has come to power, security forces in Assam have come down on NDFB(S) in an unprecedented manner. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested 86 NDFB (S) members from Assam. The strength of the cadre has come down to 150, from 400 a few years ago, estimates say.

Also Read: Kokrajhar Attack: Sonowal Must Tackle Insurgency, not Immigration

The use of masks and civilian clothes by NDFB(S) militants points to attempts by the outfit to project the attack as the handiwork of an Islamic terrorist group. It seems NDFB (S), clearly under pressure after an unprecedented crackdown by the security forces on its rank and file as well as resources over the past one and a half years, was trying to mislead the agencies.

Senior Intelligence Official to Times of India

Departure From Previous Attacks for NDFB(S)

The NDFB(S) is known to choose Muslims and Adivasis as targets of their previous attacks. The Bodos have never been their target, until now, where at least six of the 13 killed in the attack on Friday were Bodos.

The target and modus operandi adopted by the NDFB (S) militants marks a departure from previous attacks, such as the killing of Adivasis in Sonitpur and Kokrajhar in December 2014 or the May 2014 Assam violence that claimed the lives of 32 Muslims.

Officer, Central Security Establishment 

Also Read: Over 13 Civilians, One NDFB Militant Killed in Assam Market Firing

The departure in tactic could possibly have links with the struggle for power within NDFB(S). According to intelligence inputs, NDFB(S) chief IK Songbijit is under pressure to make way for general secretary B Saoraigwra. Both are suspected to be hiding in Myanmar.

Militant Identified, Combing Operations Underway

The militant who was killed in the Kokrajhar terror attack has been identified as Manjay Islari, said Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma. According to him, he was a self-styled commander with NDBF(S) and not a part of any suicide squad.

Meanwhile, an NIA team scoured the site of the attack and spoke to eyewitnesses who were present in the attack which took place on the Balanjan Tiniali market, which killed 14 people. A combing operation has also been initiated to nab the militants of Bodo separatist outfit NDFB(S) suspected to be involved in the strike.

Combing operation by police, para-military and army is also underway in neighbouring Chirang district to nab militants. Defence sources said specialised troops and tracker dogs have been pressed into service. The Army is also carrying out extensive area domination operations in the district to ensure swift actions.

I-Day Security Reviewed, CM Visits Injured

Furthermore, Kokrajhar deputy commissioner held a high level security meeting with police, army and paramilitary forces to review the situation ahead of Independence Day.

Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal visited the seriously injured at Gauhati Medical College Hospital and inquired about their condition. He spoke to doctors there on providing them advanced medical treatment, government sources in Guwahati said.

(Source: Times of India, Agency inputs)