Addressing a gathering on Martyr’s Day, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, on October 21, 2024, outlined the various ‘emerging challenges’ to internal security.
The security forces (SFs) are gearing-up to thwart any violence by Left Wing Extremists/Maoists ahead of elections die in November to the Legislative Assemblies in Jharkhand and Maharashtra. Besides, the SFs have been engaging the Maoists in encounters in various States – Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, while some rebels have surrendered.
Fresh terrorist violence has broken-out in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, even as the Director General of Police called for robust intelligence gathering and assured of complete support from the police leadership.
Stray incidents of arms recovery and arrests have been reported from the North East.
Home Minister flags emerging threats
Union Home Minister Amit Shah paid homage to the martyrs on Police Commemoration Day at the National Police Memorial, in New Delhi, on October 21, 2024.
He said that there was disruption of peace in Jammu & Kashmir, Left-wing extremism affected areas, and the Northeast for decades, but in the past decade, we have succeeded in establishing peace due to the dedication and efficiency of our security forces. Amit Shah added that, however, our fight is not over yet. Emerging threats like drones, narcotics trade, cybercrime, attempts to spread unrest through Artificial Intelligence (AI), conspiracies to incite religious sentiments, infiltration, smuggling of illegal weapons, and terrorism are the challenges we face today. He stated that no matter how big the threats and challenges are, they cannot stand in the face of the unwavering resolve of our soldiers. [1]
100 CAPF Companies for Jharkhand polls
On the Election Commission’s directive, Jharkhand has been allocated 100 companies of paramilitary forces, including CRPF, CISF, BSF, SSB, and ITBP, for deployment across all 24 districts. Also, Jharkhand police shall monitor 63 key Maoist leqders, including Raju Yadav, Gulshan Oraon, Virendra Ganjhu, and Misir Besra among others.
Among the Naxal-affected regions, Chaibasa is the only district from Jharkhand listed as one of the 12 most severely impacted districts in the country. The Union Home Ministry’s Left Wing Extremism Division identified this and four other Jharkhand districts including Giridih, Gumla, Latehar, and Lohardaga as Naxal-affected in its April 2024 report. [2]
Elgar Parishad accused seeks bail; goes on hunger strike
Former Delhi University professor Han Babu once again moved the Bombay High Court seeking bail. He is an accused in the Bhima-Koregaon violence of 2018 allegedly perpetrated by Elgar Parishad.
Seven accused -- Surendra Gadling, Sagar Gorakhe, Sudhir Dhawale, Ramesh Gaichor, Hanny Babu, Rona Wilson and Mahesh Raut, lodged in Taloja Jail, Navi Mumbai. Gadling and 14 other activists were booked in connection with allegedly provocative speeches delivered at the Elgar Parishad conclave held in Pune on December 31, 2017.
Separately, making oral submission of his final argument before the Koregaon Bhima Commission of Inquiry, advocate Shishir Hiray, who represents the state, claimed the violence in Koregaon Bhima area, on January 1, 2018, was a matter of a “larger conspiracy.” He also justified the actions taken by the police department in handling the violence. [3]
The Elgaar Parishad case, which the NIA has decided to take over from Pune police, is one of the two ongoing investigations related to the Koregaon Bhima violence witnessed on January 1, 2018. This one is based on an FIR filed in Pune alleging that banned Naxalite groups had organized the Elgaar Parishad, an evening programme organised in the city on December 31, 2017, on the eve of the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Bhima Koregaon. Police claims that speeches made at Elgaar Parishad were at least partly responsible for instigating violence the next day.
The other investigation is into the act of violence itself. That investigation is based on FIRs filed by two Dalit women, who had alleged that Hindutva groups were behind the January 1, 2018 violence in which one person from the Maratha community was killed and several others were injured. [4]
38 Maoists killed in Chhattisgarh encounter
Chhattisgarh's Dantewada police, on October 18, 2024, claimed that at least 38 cadres of Maoists were gunned down in an encounter that took place on October 3 in the forest of Abujhmad close to Dantewada-Narayanpur border.
As per the statement issued by Dantewada police, 38 naxals were killed in an encounter with security personnel inside the forest of village Nendur and Thulthuli near the Dantewada-Narayanpur border. The eliminated naxals were collectively carrying a cash reward of Rs 2.62 crore. [5]
Odisha DGP calls for intensified operations
Odisha DGP H Y Khurania, on October 17, 2024, called for intensified operations against the Maoists during a two-day visit to Kandhamal.
He reviewed the anti-Maoist operations in Kandhamal, Boudh and Kalahandi districts. Khurania said, “The anti-Maoist operations shall be intensified to wipe out the rebels in these three districts”. [6]
Five Maoists killed in Gadchiroli encounter
In a fierce encounter, five Naxalites were killed by the police and security forces in the Bhamragad taluka of Maoist-infested Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra on October 21, 2024. The gunfight, in which commandos of the C-60 specialised combat unit of the Gadchiroli police played a leading role, took place in a forest in Bhamragadh taluka in the eastern Maharashtra. The identities of the Naxalites have not yet been declared. [7]
DGP calls for intensified anti-terror ops, enhanced intelligence
On October 26, 2024, Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat Saturday visited Baramulla, north Kashmir, and directed the Police to intensify anti-terror operations and enhance intelligence gathering. He directed the force to strengthen its efforts and engage more closely with the local populace to ensure effective security measures.
DGP Prabhat stressed the importance of robust intelligence gathering as a critical component in the fight against terrorism and instructed the officers to enhance their network of informants and improve coordination with intelligence agencies to pre-empt terror activities.
Prabhat urged Police officers to establish stronger connections with the local population. Building a rapport with the locals not only aids in intelligence gathering but also fosters a sense of security among the residents, the DGP said. He assured them of full support from the higher authorities and reiterated the commitment of the Police force to safeguarding the peace and security of the entire J&K. [8]
TRF kills doctor, six labourers in Kashmir
On October 20, 2024, The Resistance Front (TRF) terrorists killed a doctor, Dr Shahnawaz and six labourers, including locals and non-locals, identified as Faheem Nazir, Kaleem, Mohammad Hanif, Shashi Abrol, Anil Shukla and Gurmeet Singh, while five people were injured at Gund in Gagangir area in Sonamarg region, Ganderbal District, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Pakistan-based terror outfit TRF owned responsibility for the terror attacks on unarmed, innocent civilians.
The attack assumes significance as the TRF, for the first time, targeted Kashmiri and non-Kashmiri people together. [9]
The Resistance Front (TRF) was formed following the abrogation of Article 370, initially operating as an online entity. Within six months, it evolved into a physical group by integrating militants from various factions, including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
The establishment of the TRF was seen as a strategic maneuver by Pakistan, which at the time was responding to pressure from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to address its terror funding concerns.
In 2023, India officially designated the TRF as a terrorist organisation in 2023.
Since its inception in 2019, the group has been implicated in numerous attacks, establishing itself as a significant threat in the region.
PAFF claims rocket attack
People’s Anti-Fascist Front (PAFF), an offshoot of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), on October 25, 2024, claimed responsibility for the rocket attack on October 24 at Bota Pathri, Baramulla District, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).
Speaking on the incident, an official confirmed that the rocket was fired by the militants towards the Army vehicle that was targeted but added that it didn’t hit the intended target and fell near the vehicle without causing any damage. An official confirmed the attack and said that the firing of a rocket is a cause of concern for security agencies as this is the first time that the weapon was used in any recent attack on the Army in the Jammu region of J&K. [10]
Three soldiers were injured in the attack. Bota Pathri is located near the tourist resort of Gulmarg.
Seven (KCP-N) cadres arrested in Manipur
Seven cadres of Kangleipak Communist Party were arrested from Langol Game¬ -¬¬¬Village Zone III, under Lamphel-Police Station, Imphal West District of Manipur, on October 24, 2024.
They were involved in extortion activities and threatening to general public in and around the Imphal. [11]
NIA arrests KNF-MC cadre in Manipur
National Investigation Agency (NIA) branch in Imphal, on October 25, 2024, arrested of a cadre of the Kuki National Front-Military Council (KNF-MC), identified as Thongminthang Haokip alias Thangboi Haokip alias Roger (38), Manipur, in connection with the killing of two Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel and injuring two others on April 27, 2024, at Naranseina Maning in Bishnupur District. The accused who was arrested on June 6, 2024, from Imphal Airport in connection with another case taken up by NIA Delhi, and currently in District Jail, Rohini, New Delhi, was produced before the Court through video conferencing and, on perusal of the material on record. [12]
Arms recovered in Manipur
Manipur Police, on October 25, 2024, recovered one SLR 7.62 mm, one Magazine, six HE 36 Grenade, four Grenade Arm Rings, two Tear Gas Grenade, three Stinger Grenades, five Dual Shell, six Blank Cartridges, two WT Set (Baofeng), two BP jacket, one Improvised Explosive Device (IED) (improvised local made) 2.3 kg, four Detonator HE 36 from Uyungmakhong, Bishnupur District of Manipur.
Also on the same day, Manipur Police recovered one Single Barrel Gun, two 9 mm Pistol with two magazines (Local Made), one 7.62 LMG magazines (empty), three M-67 Hand Grenade along with detonators, one Tube Launching, four Live round ammunition, 41 empty cases ammunition, three (two) Tear Smoke Shells from Shantipur Makha Leikai, Imphal West District.
Earlier on October 13, Assam Rifles carried out combing operations in areas between Songkhom and Gunjil village in Chandel District and recovered one Automatic Weapon (9 mm), two locally-made mortars (Pompi), one single-barrel gun, ammunition and war-like stores. [13]
Kuki militants launch attack
On October 16, Kuki militants launched an attack in Koutruk Ching Leikai, Imphal West District, Manipur. No casualties have been reported.
Also on the same day, Manipur Police announced that Security Forces (SFs) recovered one .303 Rifle with magazine, four 12mm Single Barrel Rifle, one 12mm Rifle, one 9mm Pistol with magazine, four Improvised Mortars (Pumpi Gun), 57 7.62mm ammunitions, 20 9mm ammunition, six .303 rifle ammunition, two tear gas gun shells, in Canan Veng, New Lamka in Churachandpur district. [14]
Three KYKL cadres held
Manipur Police, on October 17, 2024, arrested three Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) cadres -- Jiten Sana RK alias Nanao (40), Takhelchangbam Ibohanbi alias Chaoba (49) and Aheibam Jimson (28) -- from Leirenkabi Bazar, Imphal West District.
Police recovered one AK rifle along with one magazine and 5 rounds, one INSAS rifle along with 3 magazines along with 15 rounds, one Joint Venture Protective Carbine along with 2 magazines and 140 rounds, one INSAS LMG magazine, one four-wheeler vehicle, three mobile handsets with 6 SIM cards, two Aadhaar cards and one wallet from their possession. [15]
NSCN-K-YA cadre killed in Arunachal Pradesh
A clash occurred between Assam Rifles and the Yung Aung faction of National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K-YA) in Longding District of Arunachal Pradesh, on October 25, 2024, in which a cadre of NSCN-K-YA was killed.
The NSCN-K-YA initiated the attack by firing at the Assam Rifles personnel, while they were moving from Wakka towards the Indo-Myanmar border. [16]
References
[1] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2066653
[2] https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2024/Oct/13/eci-asks-for-advance-capfs-deployment-in-jharkhand-maharashtra-ahead-of-next-round-of-assembly-elections
[3] https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/bhima-koregaon-violence-case-former-delhi-university-professor-hany-babu-moves-bombay-hc-for-bail-in-elgar-parishad-maoist-links; https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/bhima-koregaon-case-7-accused-go-on-hunger-strike-for-not-being-produced-before-court-101729277849776.html; https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/koregaon-bhima-violence-a-matter-of-larger-conspiracy-state-tells-inquiry-commission-9637163/
[4] https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-a-quick-recap-of-elgaar-parishad-case-that-nia-has-now-taken-over-6233866/
[5] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/raipur/38-maoists-killed-in-major-abujhmarh-encounter-a-significant-blow-to-naxal-forces/articleshow/114357235.cms
[6] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/dgp-urges-intensified-anti-maoist-operations-in-odishas-rural-districts/articleshow/114329822.cms
[7] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/maharashtra/five-naxalites-gunned-down-in-encounter-in-maharashtras-gadchiroli-district/article68781574.ece
[8] https://www.greaterkashmir.com/gk-top-news/dgp-prabhat-calls-for-intensified-anti-terror-ops-enhanced-intelligence/
[9] https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/ganderbal-terror-attack-jammu-and-kashmir-pakistan-trf-lashkar-offshoot-migrants-doctor-killed-2620245-2024-10-21; https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/what-is-the-resistance-front-an-india-designated-terrorist-group-disrupting-peace-in-jammu-and-kashmir/articleshow/114414074.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
[10] https://www.greaterkashmir.com/gk-top-news/jaish-offshoot-claims-responsibility-for-botapathri-attack-releases-video/
[11] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/manipur-cadre-of-proscribed-outfit-of-kangleipak-communist-party-arrested/articleshow/114184093.cms?from=mdr
[12] https://www.ifp.co.in/manipur/nia-arrests-suspect-in-crpf-jawans-killing-case#google_vignette
[13] https://www.newindianexpress.com/nati; https://www.business-standard.com/external-affairs-defence-security/news/security-forces-recover-arms-and-ammunition-from-several-areas-in-manipur-124102400062_1.html
[14] https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/others/fresh-attack-reported-at-manipur-s-koutruk-nia-begins-probe-in-drone-bombings-case-101729142765008.html
[15] https://www.northeasttoday.in/2024/10/18/manipur-police-arrest-three-kykl-members-seize-arms-and-ammunition/
[16] https://www.deccanherald.com/india/arunachal-pradesh/nscnk-ya-cadre-shot-dead-by-security-forces-in-arunachal-pradesh-3250098
