BARPETA, July 31 - In a major twist to the existing Jamatul Mujahidin Bangladesh (JMB) link to the State in general and Barpeta district in particular, four activists of the outfit have been arrested by police in the last two days.
One Hafijur Rahman, son of Rahijuddin was arrested on Monday night from Karagari village in Barpeta district after a specific intelligence input. Following his confession, Yakub Ali, son of Anowar Hussain and Sariful Islam Alhaz Sikandar Ali were arrested from Kayakuchi Pam and Kayakuchi respectively yesterday. Four live cartridges along with a pistol was recovered from the possession of Hafijur Rahman. He is also known to be an expert in making bombs.
Pursuing the source of the arms recovered, one Hanif Ali was arrested from Moyjabari under Sidli Police Station in Chirang district by the Chirang Police. He has now been brought to Barpeta. After being presented before the court, Hafijur was remanded to eight days of custody and the others to seven days� custody.
The Superintendent of Police, Barpeta Dr Robin Kumar, informed that all of them were trained at Bardhaman by experts from Bangladesh. Besides, they were also trained by Sahnur Alom, mastermind of the Assam Chapter of JMB. He also informed that the police was suspicious about the presence of JMB elements in the district and maintained strict surveillance in some specific areas. He also informed that these extremists been conducting subversive activities in some areas of Barpeta and Nalbari districts.
Presence of JMB activities in Barpeta district was first unearthed in 2014 after the Bardhaman bomb blast that year. Several persons, either directly involved or acting as linkmen, have been arrested so far by police and the NIA. But the escalation of their activities before the forthcoming Independence Day is being viewed seriously by the police and public as well.
