Security analysts say that a revival in terrorist attacks in India’s northeast in recent months is the result of militants regrouping in China’s borders with Myanmar and that more would follow even as Manipur elections and Nagaland peace negotiations take place.
In the borderlands of China’s Yunnan province and Myanmar, Naga splinter groups impatient with stalled talks, as well as rebel Manipuri groups with a stake in disrupting upcoming state assembly elections, are believed to be regrouping, taking advantage of the latter’s turmoil by using it as a route.
“The revival of militancy has a China component.” According to Maj Gen Bhabani S Das, former inspector general of the Assam Rifles, “a number of organizations have people in China.” In the border territories, anti-peace groups such as the United Liberation Front of Assam (I), the People’s Liberation Army of Manipur, and breakaway elements of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (K) are believed to be regrouping.
