UDPS ultras terrorising non-Karbis in Hamren

GUWAHATI, July 25: A handful of United People's Democratic Solidarity (UPDS) militants with the help from NSCN(IM) rebels and ULFA have terrorised the non-Karbi populace in Karbi Anglong district especially in Hamren sub-division. The Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, Dilip Kumar Bora during a recent visit to violence-hit Kheroni area in Hamren sub-division told this correspondent that there were only 50 trained "boys" in the UPDS a combined force of Karbi National Volunteers (KNV) and Karbi People's Force (KPF). They have received training from the NSCN(IM) and procured arms from Dimapur. The UPDS ultras are equipped with SLRs, US carbines and a few assault rifles. The KNV faction of the UPDS maintains a close link with ULFA which used to have a strong base in Boithalangchu area of Hamren sub-division. The highly mobile UPDS militants have not yet set up a base anywhere in the district although they have killed over 50 non-Karbis in the district since April this year. According to the DIG like any other tribal militants the UPDS ultras are used to a very hard life. These mobile group of ultras carry red rice along with arms and make a meal out of it with pumpkin leaves and boiled water as the need arises. They can spend night after at night tangi huts atop trees. Unlike cadres of ULFA, NSCN etc, UPDS ultras so far have not shown penchant for good food, fast two-wheelers, in-fashion dresses and shoes. As they maintain very low profile the UPDS ultras are well hidden among the common Karbi populace. Police, however, denies that the Karbi militants are being provided shelter in notified NSCN(IM) camps. Considering the rugged and inaccessible terrain in remote Karbi Anglong, the ultras can easily find out suitable hideouts in no time. Presence of only eight police station in entire Karbi Anglong covering over 10,000 square kilometre area, facilitates almost a free run for ultras in the district. After series of killings committed by UPDS recently, non-Karbis in remote Karbi Anglong are living under constant fear of the gun-toting militants who have vowed to purge Karbi Anglong of non-Karbi settlers including Biharis, Bengalis and Nepalis. Even in the heart of district headquarter town of Diphu, non-Karbi populace especially those from the trading community are not feeling safe. Extortion is going on unabated. Several non-Karbi businessmen in Diphu town told this correspondent that traders have stopped investing fresh fund rather many of them are contemplating to shift their business as the situation in the violence-hit district has turned for worse recently. However, Autonomous State Demand Committee (ASDC) which is power in Karbi Anglong District Council, sees the hand of their political rival Congress behind the reign of terror unleashed by the UPDS among non-Karbi people in the hill district. The ASDC believes the Congress is trying to destroy its base among the non-Karbis by using Karbi militants. Senior ASDC leader and MLA from Boithalangchu constituency, Holiram Terang told this correspondent that, "The KPF faction of the UPDS is sponsored by Congress". However, he also admitted that many cadres of the KNV, the other constituent of the UPDS, were former "supporter" of the ASDC.