Indian Army to Launch Operation Rhino-2 in Assam
Dated 8/1/2007
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Following the series of blasts in Assam leading to the death of more than 65 people so far, the Army plans to launch a second part of its successful 'Operation Rhino' to rein in the insurgents of the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA).
While army operations have already been intensified in upper Assam in the wake of blasts in Tinsukia, Dibrugarh and Sibsagar, the Defence Minister A K Antony will be in the troubled areas for the next two days listening to the army’s plans.
During his maiden tour of the volatile North East, Antony would be given briefings on the Army’s ongoing operations as well as future plans by the senior officials of Tezpur-based 4 Corps and Dimapur-based 3rd Corps. The minister will also visit forward areas including Rangapahar army cantonment and Tawang.
“We have already intensified our operations in upper Assam,” said an army official, indicating that a major operation on the lines of ‘Operation Rhino’ of 1990s may be considered to tackle the fuming situation in the state.
Three offensives
ULFA faced three major military offensives so far. While 'Operation Rhino' and 'Operation Bajrang' were carried out by the Indian Army, the Royal Bhutan Army launched 'Operation All Clear'. Though the insurgents suffered heavy losses each time and its leaders were pushed into the neighbouring territories, the banned outfit revitalised itself each time.
Meanwhile the Union Home Ministry too is considering the state government's request of sending paramilitary forces to the North East. Though no decision has been taken, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil has discussed the issue with Home Secretary V K Duggal and his Minister of State Sriprakash Jaisawal who rushed back to the Capital on Sunday to brief the minister about the Assam situation.
Positive decision
Inputs on the Assam situation were also received from the Intelligence Bureau, State police and other Intelligence Wings of the ministry. However, a "positive decision" is expected soon.
