Security forces on the lookout for DHD-J rebels

The security forces were on the lookout for around 30 miltants of the Dima Halam Daogah (Jewel) group of Assam who have not surrendered and could be lying low till winter to begin their activities, including extortion.
    
"We have alerted security forces in outposts bordering Assam's Cachar district. The forested areas in Meghalayas Jaintia Hills bordering Assam like Garampani and Saipung are routes often used by the militants," a Meghalaya police official said. The official also did not rule the possibility of the cadres carrying out extortion drives with the onset of winter in the state.
    
A senior Assam police official said over the phone that according to inputs there could be some 30 cadres who have not surrendered yet. "We are verifying the records to ascertain the identity of the cadres. Inputs say they were still underground to guard consignments of arms which have not been surrendered so far," the official said requesting anonymity.

The DHD-J or Black Widow militants had unleashed a reign of terror in Assam killing an estimated 100 people so far this year and attacking passenger trains, resulting in suspension of railway services for months.
 
The DHD-J was formed in March 2003 following a split in the parent outfit, DHD. The faction led by Jewel Garlosa continued its fight for an independent homeland for the majority Dimasa tribe, while its rival group led by Dilip Nunisa entered into a ceasefire with New Delhi.
 
The Centre had set a deadline of September 15 for the DHD-J militants to either surrender and come forward for a ceasefire or perish.