Trouble in Assam

dreamer · Jan 7th, 2007, 00:38

"At least 42 people have been killed in two days of attacks by suspected separatist rebels in the north-eastern Indian state of Assam, police say."

Full story below. I guess anyone thinking of travelling to this area may want to do some more research....

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/6236475.stm

PeakXV · Jan 7th, 2007, 01:01

Travellers should check the SATP.org website if they plan to do any intrepid exploring in Assam. They give very detailed reports on where & with who the troubles are originating. Best to stay away from some of the eastern districts and the ULFA boys for the time being. Stay safe all!

http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/detail...te1=1/6/2007#1

CANADON · Jan 7th, 2007, 05:00

I'm planning on being there in March/April but all this violence is certainly disquieting.I signed up for Assam Google Alerts to keep in touch and there seems to be some sort of political violence on at least a weekly if not daily basis ever since the ceasefire broke down in the fall.It never seems to make the regular news on this side of the ocean though.It's not only the danger that gives one pause about going there but the fallout from the military response:curfews,roadblocks,re stricted access and a resentful populace.Oh well i'll just have to play it by ear.

New-South-Welshman · Jan 7th, 2007, 11:49

All violence is stupid, and I wouldn't understand why some people in Assam would want a separate state. Maybe I'm missing something. I've always read about not travelling to the north-eastern states, so I think after this, I'll stick to this advice.

julesa · Jan 8th, 2007, 12:49

we are travelling to guwahati and kaziranga in a few days.

we were told by a friend (indian resident) that these regions are safe. the killing seem to have occurred in northern parts of Assam, which are supposedly more remote and unpoliced.

any knowledgeable advice would be appreciated. needless to say we are still assessing this leg of the trip.

dreamer · Jan 8th, 2007, 15:08

This is the latest from the BBC - "In the latest attack, hooded gunmen killed at least seven Hindi-speaking labourers at a brick kiln in the northern Sivasagar district" The first attack was in the northern districts of Dibrugarh and Tinsukia, killing 48 settlers. Not sure how this area relates to where you are going but this was reported yesterday.

Full story below.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/6239711.stm

It also states that in the past 27 years at least 10,000 people have died in the violence.

I was shocked at this - I have to claim ignorance to the trouble there being this bad. It is such a shame.

machadinha · Jan 8th, 2007, 15:31

I wouldn't want to make any sweeping statements about it (and I've never visited), but I think in the most general of terms this isn't normally directed at tourists, although as noted you may suffer problems in terms of strikes (bandhs, which you should take note of -- if no travel is allowed by some group don't think of going travelling) and roadblocks and whatnot.

There's been some confusion about violence in the area directed at "foreigners" on some threads lately, it should be understood this mostly refers to Bangladeshi immigrants and other local strife, not at all to tourists.

I'm not at all saying "Hey just go over there," on the contrary, get yourself informed, but maybe put it into perspective. It looks like tensions there can flare up and dy out pretty easily though so keep your ears peeled maybe. I also suspect Guwahati and Kaziranga should be the most accessible of the entire region at any time, but again, don't quote me on it please.

Some decent overall background info on the wider area is up at http://www.alertnet.org/db/crisispro...?v=at_a_glance , also a little heavy on the danger side of it all but nonetheless insightful as to some of the backgrounds of these conflicts.

btw Assam news links will be pretty heavy on all of this yes, I guess that's their business. Compare it to your papers at home. That is no reason to ignore it though. Try also http://www.onlinenewspapers.com/india.htm

Nick-H · Jan 8th, 2007, 20:40

Quote:

this isn't normally directed at tourists,

There's always the crossfire

julesa · Jan 10th, 2007, 15:50

oh well i'll update on how it went afterwards.

machadinha · Jan 10th, 2007, 19:31

Following up on those news articles and sites, it does all sound a little heavy. Mostly directed against Hindi-speaking immigrant workers it seems, and mostly in outlying areas, but spreading across the state.

But following up on news sources from there always made it seem a little heavy, while in the meantime people seemed to just carry on travelling there. With peace talks and a truce with ULFA having recently broken down and apparently stepped-up deployment of troops it's probably wise to keep your eyes and ears open to say the least, but I suppose you had figured that one out.

Another question might be if you'll be allowed in at all if the situation is very tense. I don't know how steady or reliable the permit situation has been over the last years; seemed to be OK for a while but unsure how this is today.

Travel_hungry · Jan 11th, 2007, 12:37

Hi,
Whatever i know and believe, tourist are safe. But they should open their ears and eyes.
Wish you all ha safe and happy journey.

ranjan154 · Jan 11th, 2007, 12:50

Quote:

we were told by a friend (indian resident) that these regions are safe. the killing seem to have occurred in northern parts of Assam, which are supposedly more remote and unpoliced.

This is the correct explanation of what's happining.. All the incidence are in remote area, which has now a large migrant population. The attacks are just to prevent hindi speaking people settling in Assam, Its all politically motivated..

Bit of precaution is always required.. like informing about your stay and movement to the loacl autorities..

julesa · Jan 15th, 2007, 12:37

we are in guwahati now, about to leave for kaziranga. apart from soldiers on street corners and a few machine gun nests all is calm.

machadinha · Jan 15th, 2007, 21:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by julesa

apart from soldiers on street corners and a few machine gun nests all is calm.

Ah! Business as usual eh

Do give an update if you get round to it, should be interesting to many (including yours truly). And have a safe trip!

julesa · Jan 18th, 2007, 16:41

we are in a guwahati net cafe right now. all is quiet, except the other day a bomb reportedly went off in the city market, killing a couple. we were in kaziranga national park though.

not much to report, other than the continued presence of indian troops. the govt. are taking the whole thing seriously but as we know by now, it's hard to stop these things if they are determined enough.

Jan 7th, 2007, 01:01	#2
PeakXV Naan.tering Nabob Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Abode of Glooscap Posts: 4,200	Travellers should check the SATP.org website if they plan to do any intrepid exploring in Assam. They give very detailed reports on where & with who the troubles are originating. Best to stay away from some of the eastern districts and the ULFA boys for the time being. Stay safe all! http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/detail...te1=1/6/2007#1 __________________ We shall not cease from exploration and at the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started ...and know the place for the first time. T.S. Eliot Don't go to India ~ Pre-trip Warnings & Misconceptions?

Jan 7th, 2007, 11:49	#4
New-South-Welshman Drunk Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Sydney, NSW Posts: 1,376	All violence is stupid, and I wouldn't understand why some people in Assam would want a separate state. Maybe I'm missing something. I've always read about not travelling to the north-eastern states, so I think after this, I'll stick to this advice. __________________ Mr. Burns "Non-violence never solved anything!"

Jan 8th, 2007, 15:31	#7
machadinha Not Your Guru Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: yörp Posts: 10,582	I wouldn't want to make any sweeping statements about it (and I've never visited), but I think in the most general of terms this isn't normally directed at tourists, although as noted you may suffer problems in terms of strikes (bandhs, which you should take note of -- if no travel is allowed by some group don't think of going travelling) and roadblocks and whatnot. There's been some confusion about violence in the area directed at "foreigners" on some threads lately, it should be understood this mostly refers to Bangladeshi immigrants and other local strife, not at all to tourists. I'm not at all saying "Hey just go over there," on the contrary, get yourself informed, but maybe put it into perspective. It looks like tensions there can flare up and dy out pretty easily though so keep your ears peeled maybe. I also suspect Guwahati and Kaziranga should be the most accessible of the entire region at any time, but again, don't quote me on it please. Some decent overall background info on the wider area is up at http://www.alertnet.org/db/crisispro...?v=at_a_glance , also a little heavy on the danger side of it all but nonetheless insightful as to some of the backgrounds of these conflicts. btw Assam news links will be pretty heavy on all of this yes, I guess that's their business. Compare it to your papers at home. That is no reason to ignore it though. Try also http://www.onlinenewspapers.com/india.htm __________________ Reading tips, all picked up at IndiaMike : INDAX's A Comprehensive Guide To India / Dinoj Surendran's Desi Humor / ITHVC on Culture Shock & Travel Health / JetLag Travel Guides For the Undiscerning Traveller / India Travel Links Last edited by machadinha : Jan 8th, 2007 at 16:55.

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Jan 7th, 2007, 00:38	#1
dreamer Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Southampton, U.K. Posts: 188	Trouble in Assam "At least 42 people have been killed in two days of attacks by suspected separatist rebels in the north-eastern Indian state of Assam, police say." Full story below. I guess anyone thinking of travelling to this area may want to do some more research.... http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/6236475.stm __________________ Life is not about the moments that we take breath, rather the moments that take our breath away.

Jan 7th, 2007, 05:00	#3
CANADON Canadon Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: toronto,canada Posts: 100	I'm planning on being there in March/April but all this violence is certainly disquieting.I signed up for Assam Google Alerts to keep in touch and there seems to be some sort of political violence on at least a weekly if not daily basis ever since the ceasefire broke down in the fall.It never seems to make the regular news on this side of the ocean though.It's not only the danger that gives one pause about going there but the fallout from the military response:curfews,roadblocks,re stricted access and a resentful populace.Oh well i'll just have to play it by ear.

Jan 8th, 2007, 12:49	#5
julesa Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: melbourne australia Posts: 291	we are travelling to guwahati and kaziranga in a few days. we were told by a friend (indian resident) that these regions are safe. the killing seem to have occurred in northern parts of Assam, which are supposedly more remote and unpoliced. any knowledgeable advice would be appreciated. needless to say we are still assessing this leg of the trip.

Jan 8th, 2007, 15:08	#6
dreamer Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Southampton, U.K. Posts: 188	This is the latest from the BBC - "In the latest attack, hooded gunmen killed at least seven Hindi-speaking labourers at a brick kiln in the northern Sivasagar district" The first attack was in the northern districts of Dibrugarh and Tinsukia, killing 48 settlers. Not sure how this area relates to where you are going but this was reported yesterday. Full story below. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/6239711.stm It also states that in the past 27 years at least 10,000 people have died in the violence. I was shocked at this - I have to claim ignorance to the trouble there being this bad. It is such a shame.

Jan 10th, 2007, 15:50	#9
julesa Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: melbourne australia Posts: 291	oh well i'll update on how it went afterwards.

Jan 10th, 2007, 19:31	#10
machadinha Not Your Guru Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: yörp Posts: 10,582	Following up on those news articles and sites, it does all sound a little heavy. Mostly directed against Hindi-speaking immigrant workers it seems, and mostly in outlying areas, but spreading across the state. But following up on news sources from there always made it seem a little heavy, while in the meantime people seemed to just carry on travelling there. With peace talks and a truce with ULFA having recently broken down and apparently stepped-up deployment of troops it's probably wise to keep your eyes and ears open to say the least, but I suppose you had figured that one out. Another question might be if you'll be allowed in at all if the situation is very tense. I don't know how steady or reliable the permit situation has been over the last years; seemed to be OK for a while but unsure how this is today.

Jan 11th, 2007, 12:37	#11
Travel_hungry Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Delhi Posts: 19	Hi, Whatever i know and believe, tourist are safe. But they should open their ears and eyes. Wish you all ha safe and happy journey.

Jan 15th, 2007, 12:37	#13
julesa Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: melbourne australia Posts: 291	we are in guwahati now, about to leave for kaziranga. apart from soldiers on street corners and a few machine gun nests all is calm.

Jan 18th, 2007, 16:41	#15
julesa Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: melbourne australia Posts: 291	we are in a guwahati net cafe right now. all is quiet, except the other day a bomb reportedly went off in the city market, killing a couple. we were in kaziranga national park though. not much to report, other than the continued presence of indian troops. the govt. are taking the whole thing seriously but as we know by now, it's hard to stop these things if they are determined enough.

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