DATE=8/9/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=INDIA - MILITANTS (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-252601
BYLINE=ANJANA PASRICHA
DATELINE=NEW DELHI
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: In India's Assam state, suspected militants
have exploded a bomb, derailing a train and injuring
at least five people. Authorities say Monday's bomb
blast is the latest in a string of attacks by
guerrillas in India's border states of Assam in the
northeast and Kashmir in the north. From New Delhi,
Anjana Pasricha reports, the stepped-up guerrilla
activity comes ahead of India's Independence Day
celebrations later this week.
TEXT: Monday's powerful bomb blast occurred after
rebel groups blew up a bridge and a railway line the
past two days in Assam state.
Toward the north of the country, in Kashmir state, the
army has launched intensive search operations after
muslim guerrillas carried out three major attacks on
army camps in the last three days. At least 11
soldiers and officers were killed in these attacks.
A security expert at the Center for Policy Research,
Brahama Chellaney, says the latest incidents show
Muslim militant groups in Kashmir are adopting a
bolder strategy by launching direct attacks on
military bases with rockets and guns rather than
conducting hit-and-run raids.
//begin Chellaney act//
This is the first time ever that the militants have
taken on the army directly by launching daring attacks
on army bases including the headquarters of a brigade.
This is the qualitative change in the situation and
marks a serious escalation in the level of violence
being perpetrated.
//end Chellaney act//
India is accusing Pakistan of training and arming
militants who have infiltrated into the border states
of Assam and Kashmir in recent weeks.
A police official in Assam says nearly 400 separatist
guerrillas from his state have been trained by
Pakistan's military intelligence to carry out attacks
on government property.
Pakistan has not made any immediate comment but has
routinely denied similar accusations in the past.
Mr. Chellaney says several tribal militant groups that
already exist in Assam are now likely to become more
active.
// begin Chellaney act//
Northeast India, which is a region of great strategic
vulnerability for India, will definitely be a target
of Pakistani trained militants and terrorists. So
what we are witnessing now in Kashmir will be
replicated to some extent in Assam and some other
northeast India states.
//end Chellaney act//
Meanwhile Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee says
India will not resume peace talks with Pakistan until
Pakistan stops supporting militant groups.(signed)
NEB/AP /PLM
09-Aug-1999 06:57 AM EDT (09-Aug-1999 1057 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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