Incidents and Statements involving ULFA: 2016

Date

Nature of incident

January 1

Gairong village / Goalpara District

Hatigaon area / Kamrup District

ULFA-PTF opened an office in the Hatigaon area in Kamrup District. The office was inaugurated by the outfit's 'chairman', Arabinda Rajkhowa.

Bajengdoba / North Garo Hills District

Garo Hills Police seized a large amount of explosives, including electronic detonators, from a Tura-registered vehicle abandoned by its occupants after Police set up a road block in the Bajengdoba region of North Garo Hills District. The banned ULFA of Assam is believed to be the owner of the explosives and was reportedly sending it across to the banned GNLA in Garo Hills when Police set up a surprise road check point in Bajengdoba, after receiving intelligence inputs about the shipment of the explosives. Police searched the vehicle and recovered as many as 1200 gelatine explosive sticks which are used by militants to prepare IEDs to target SFs. Police also recovered as many as 1000 electronic detonators and 100 non-electronic detonators. Both detonators are required for triggering IED explosions.

Assam

ULFA 'General Secretary' Anup Chetia said that he is not going to put pressure on Independent faction of ULFA (ULFA-I) 'Commander in Chief (C-in-C)' Paresh Baruah to come for dialogue with the Central Government. Anup Chetia said in Darrang that it is up to the 'C-in-C' to decide himself whether to take part in the dialogue process, and in this regard Chetia will never put pressure on him.

Dibrugarh District

Police arrested a ULFA cadre, identified as Ajit Bora alias Dhaniram in Dibrugarh District.

Assam

ULFA 'general secretary' Anup Chetia was given the responsibility of leading the peace-talks with the GoI in place of its 'chairman' Arbinda Rajkhowa. The decision to lead ULFA talks was taken formally in a central committee meeting which was attended by ULFA 'chairman' Arabinda Rajkhowa, 'vice-chairman' Pradeep Gogoi, 'deputy commander-in-chief' Raju Barua, 'foreign secretary' Sasha Choudhury, 'finance secretary' Chitraban Hazarika, and several other leaders of the outfit, including Mrinal Hazarika, Jiten Dutta and Pranjit Saikia.

Though, the outfit has ruled out that decision in this effect would marginalize the ULFA 'chairman' who was leading the peace-talks so far, security sources claimed that Chetia's elevation to lead the peace-talks might subside the simmering dissension in the ULFA-PTF to a large extent. Pointing out that some hard-core ULFA cadres were not happy over the way day-to-day affairs were being handled by the ULFA leadership, security sources said that the situation had come to stage that some cadres were contemplating to join back to anti-talk faction of ULFA lead by its 'commander-in-chief' Paresh Baruah.

Shillong

In spite of the denial by GNLA that it had no hand in the lED blast at Williamnagar town in East Garo Hills District on January 9, Meghalaya Police has confirmed that it was the handiwork of the outfit with the assistance from ULFA. A senior Police official said that Police has enough evidence to show the blast was an outcome of the ongoing negotiations and a co-operation between GNLA and anti-talks faction of ULFA based in Bangladesh. Police said that the evidence indicated that there have been talks between GNLA supremo Sohan D. Shira and 'Deputy Commander in Chief' of ULFA Drishti Rajkhowa alias Manoj Rabha. According to Police, the links between GNLA and ULFA seem to have been renewed last year during 'Operation Hill storm' when Sohan D. Shira fled Meghalaya and camped in Bangladesh for many months. "In the renewed talks held three months ago, GNLA had asked for the services of an ULFA cadre named Aprai who is claimed to be an IED making expert. Some of the GNLA cadres were also sent for training in IED making in the ULFA camps in Bangladesh. Aprai is said to have strong connections in North Garo Hills district", a Police source said.

Kakopathar / Tinsukia District

A suspected linkman of ULFA-I, identified as Babul Dihingia was detained by Assam Police in Kakopathar of Tinsukia District along with INR 25 Lakh. Dihingia has not been produced in court by Police even after 24 hours have been passed, report said.

Shillong

In the wake of the IED blast at Williamnagar on January 9, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma held a high level meeting in Shillong to review the law and order situation in the Districts of Garo Hills. During the meeting, the Chief Minister was briefed about the current situation and also informed of the operations launched by Police in Garo Hills. Calling for preventive measures to be put in place, Sangma stressed on the need to involve the common people in policing. Meanwhile, Police officers briefed the Chief Minister about specific measures being resorted to by the forces after the IED blast. They also briefed the Chief Minister about the existing nexus between the GNLA and the ULFA.

Changmaibari area / Sibsagar District

Sivasagar District Police arrested a ULFA hardliner's linkman from Changmaibari area in Sibsagar District.

Guwahati

The ULFA-I opposed the construction of a war memorial on the bank of Dighalipukhuri in Guwahati. In a statement, ULFA-I 'assistant information and publicity secretary' Arunodoy Asom also extended support to a group of citizens opposing construction of the memorial. "We have immense respect for soldiers who sacrificed their lives for their country. But the Indian government is forcefully invading Assam and its action to destruct a heritage site and ecology for construction of the war memorial is in no way is acceptable," the statement said. The outfit is against peace talks with the Government without discussion on its key demand for a "sovereign Assam".

Assam

ULFA is planning to include a few additional points in its charter of demands already submitted to the GoI, disclosed by the 'general secretary' of the outfit, Anup Chetia. Chetia, who was brought back to Assam recently from the protective custody of Bangladesh, said that he would participate in the next round of talks between the outfit and the GoI. However, the dates for the next round of talks are yet to be announced. He said a meeting of the ULFA was held in Jagiroad on January 9 where the progress of the peace process was discussed.

He said that as the people of the State have raised a few questions on the charter of demands submitted to the Government by the ULFA, a few additional points may be added. However, he said that as a charter of demands has already been submitted to the Government, "we will have to request the Government to allow us to add the new points in the charter of demands." The issue will soon be discussed with the Centre's interlocutor for talks, PC Haldar.

Shillong

Blaming Assam militant groups like the ULFA and NDFB for the recent spurt in militant activities in Garo Hills, Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma sought the immediate redeployment of six companies of paramilitary forces in the region to quell the disturbance. Sangma, who called on UHM Rajnath Singh in New Delhi, pointed out that the six companies of central forces were withdrawn from Garo Hills during the unrest in Assam last year. He added that the State has been constantly demanding the deployment of additional 18 companies of central paramilitary forces to deal with the sensitive region. The UHM, meanwhile, assured Meghalaya that the Centre will provide all assistance to it to tackle terrorism, official sources said. The Centre is considering Meghalaya's appeal for more central paramilitary forces, Singh told the Meghalaya Chief Minister.

Guwahati

Seven leaders of the ULFA-PTF, including Anup Chetia and 'chairman' Arabinda Rajkhowa, met interlocutor P.C. Haldar at the BSF camp in Patgaon in Guwahati and discussed issues concerning the ongoing talks with the Centre. The outfit's leaders did not disclose the issues discussed in the meeting but sources said they spoke of new demands they want to include in their charter of demands already submitted to the Centre in 2011. After the meeting, Rajkhowa said that Chetia's inclusion would give a fresh impetus to the talks and a solution would soon be worked out with the Government.

Shillong

The GNLA announced it had joined hands with other major militant groups operating in the north east so as to be part of the ULFA and NSCN-K-led UNLFWSEA coordination committee. The GNLA move to be part of a larger consortium of armed rebel groups fighting against the state is expected to create ripples across the security agencies at both the Centre and the state given that the dreaded ULFA-Independent is one of the main architects of the coming together of militant outfits. The GNLA publicity 'secretary' Gantong Marak issued a statement to the media, to announce that the GNLA had recently joined the new consortium after the highest ranking leaders of the group, presumably Sohan D Shira, held an emergent meeting at its headquarters in Asim. The armed group further went on to mention that it was now a part of the new joint organization which also includes the Khasi Hills based HNLC as a member. GNLA recently became a member nation in the organization UNLFWSEA. The consortium of the rebel groups is believed to have its headquarters in the jungles of neighbouring Myanmar (Burma).

Guwahati

Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi, while hoisting the national flag at the Republic Day celebrations in Guwahati, made an appeal to elusive ULFA 'chief' Paresh Baruah and other separatist leaders to shun the path of violence and join the mainstream. Gogoi also warned that his Government would continue to take stern measures to crush the armed rebel groups in the State.

Kohima

PRO of the AR, Kohima alleged that through "various intelligence inputs" NSCN-K, ULFA-I and KLO are "carrying out opium cultivation and trade in Kachin Province of Myanmar". An AR press release alleged that NSCN-K cadres are "into cultivation and transportation of opium, but the same has been consistently denied by Khaplang." Based on a recent picture "uploaded" on social media by a senior leader of NSCN-K group and Finance in-charge of Nagaland "with poppy cultivation in the background," the PRO said that this "substantiates the claim made by various intelligence agencies that NSCN (K) is thriving on drug trafficking and opium trade."

Ulton area / Dibrugarh District

Army and Tengakhat Police in a joint operation arrested a leader of the ULFA-I and his wife from Ulton area under Tengakhat Police Station in Dibrugarh District. The arrested militants have been identified as Abhinash Gogoi alias Dudu (18), a resident of Tengakhat Lohali Village under Duliajan Police Station and Puja Marak (20), resident of Sherpur District in Bangladesh. According to Police sources, Dudu was joined banned outfit ULFA-I in 2011 and subsequently he was sheltered at Bangladesh and had involved in various activities of ULFA.

Rupaisiding / Tinsukia District

ULFA-PTF leader Anup Chetia made a sudden visit to ex-MLA Durga Bhumij's house at Rupaisiding in Tinsukia District along with Prabal Neog. The visit has carried much significance in view of the fact that on the evening of February 3, some miscreants claiming to be member of the MTF indiscriminately fired at the house of Durga Bhumij from an Indica car and immediately escaped from the spot.

Kachiabari Borogopha / Kokrajhar District

SFs arrested a ULFA-I cadre, identified as Deepak Das (27), along with a 7.62 mm pistol and some ammunition from Kachiabari Borogopha in Kokrajhar District. The militant was involved in money collection, extortion and providing administrative support to ULFA-I.

Na Kathalguri village / Tinsukia District

Following an intelligence report, the Army launched a combat operation near Assam and Arunachal Pradesh border and killed four militants in Na Kathalguri village under Bordumsa Police Station in Tinsukia District. According to sources, three of them were from NSCN-K and the fourth one was from the ULFA-I. Police recovered 2 pistols, 2 magazines with 25 rounds of ammunition, one AK-56 rifle with 3 magazines, 82 rounds of ammunition of AK series, 13,500 Kyat (Myanmarese currency), 6 mobile phone sets, 2 sets of Army fatigue, 1 pouch, 2 solar plates and 2 solar lights.

Doomdooma

ULFA leader Anup Chetia, while urging for peace and harmony among all the ethnic tribes of the State, cautioned the divisive forces which tried to destroy the age-long communal harmony in the State. Chetia was addressing a meeting at the Doomdooma Bangiya Durgabari Hall which was convened by the ULFA-PTF in the wake of firing to the residence of former Doomdooma MLA Durga Bhumij by an organisation named MTF. The meeting was also addressed by ULFA 'chairman' Arabinda Rajkhowa, former MLA Durga Bhumij and several leaders of various ethnic student and youth organisations. In his address Rajkhowa alleged that an unknown force is trying to disturb the communal harmony among the ethnic tribes of Tinsukia District.

Hingoritoli / Charaideo District

Two youths were arrested from Hingoritoli in newly formed Charaideo District on charges of demanding money from some businessmen in the name of ULFA-I.

Karbi Anglong District

ULFA 'general secretary', Anup Chetia met the family members of deceased ULFA cadres in Bakaliaghat in Karbi Anglong District and said that a 'Martyrs' Trust' would be set up by them and soon a museum in the name of deceased ULFA members would also be constructed. The families appealed to him to make them a part of the ongoing talks with the Government of India. The ULFA leader said that the outfit had urged the Government of India to start search operation for ULFA cadres who went missing after the anti-insurgency operation in Bhutan.

The ULFA leader held a meeting with the ceasefire groups of militant organizations like KLNLF, former DHD, UKDA and KRA. The chairman of the KLNLF, P Dilli said that they also would like to form the 'Martyrs' Trust' with the ULFA. During the meeting, Thong Teron, general secretary, publicity secretary, Rejak Dera of KLNLF, former DHD leader Pranab Nunisa, Alex Kuki, general secretary, UKDA and Bruce Kuki, leader of KRA were present.

NS

Reacting to the press release issued by IGAR-N and published in the local, regional and section of the national dailies on January 26, 2016, with regard to the some northeast insurgents involved in narco-terrorism, Independent faction of ULFA-I expressed dismay that their organization was named as being involved in the "cultivation and trade of opium in Kachin province of Myanmar". In a statement, ULFA-I 'Assistant Information and Publicity Secretary' 'Captain' Arunudoy Asom objected and refuted the statement.

Goalpara District

Army carried out operations in the Goalpara District and arrested an ULFA-I militant, identified as Bhukan Nath. A 7.65 mm pistol, live rounds and a magazine were recovered from him.

New Delhi

A delegation of ULFA leaders, led by its 'chairman' Arabinda Rajkhowa, met Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi in his office in New Delhi and reviewed the progress of their ongoing talks. It was decided that the formal tripartite meeting of ULFA leaders with the Home Secretary and representatives of Government of Assam will be held in the middle of March, a Home Ministry spokesperson said.

Tinuskia District

District Police arrested an ULFA-I militant, Hiren Gogoi, and his accomplice, Hemkanta Changmai, from Tinuskia District, and recovered a number of incriminating documents from them.

Two ULFA linkmen, identified as Hiren Gogoi alias Rabin (24) and Hemakanat Changmai alias Jatin alias Pinku, both belonging to Deoghoriya village of Lakhipather under Digboi Police Station in Tinsukia District were arrested by joint forces of District Special Team and Digboi Police. According to sources, the arrest was made after the demand for fifty hunting boots were made by the rebels from a local businessman in Digboi which was meant for the banned ULFA faction.

Two militants of the ULFA-I surrendered before SFs in Tinsukia District after SFs launched operation against them. A group of UNLFWSEA and some other extremist organizations entered Upper Dihing Reserve Forest in Tinsukia on March 8. Police official said the group was a conglomerate of ULFA-I, PLA, KYKL, and NSCN-K and was led by self-styled 'Lieutenant' Prodip Gogoi alias Akon and their intention was to carry out subversive activity in Tinsukia before or after March 16, which is "ARMY DAY" of ULFA-I. On getting information Police, Army, CRPF and SSB jointly conducted search operation in probable hide outs, as a result of which two ULFA-I militants namely War Asom and Biman Asom deserted the group along with arms/ammunitions and expressed their willingness to join the mainstream. Two PLA cadres and one KYKL cadre are also suspected to have deserted the group.

Tinsukia District

SFs have traced the movement of a 16-member special hit squad comprising of militants from several rebel groups in upper Assam's Tinsukia District, and have sounded an alert as these militants are likely to attempt to disrupt the upcoming Assembly polls in Assam. "On March 8, a group of UNLFWSEA and some other extremist organisations entered Upper Dihing Reserve Forest, Tinsukia. The group was a conglomerate of Independent faction of ULFA-I, PLA, KYKL, NSCN-K," Assam Police said.

Goalpara District

At least two persons were killed and over twenty others injured in a powerful grenade attack at Dudhnoi in Goalpara District of Assam. Sources said two motorcyclists lobbed the grenade near a BJP election office at Dudhnoi Chariali under Dudhnoi Police Station. One person, Bapan Saha (35), succumbed to his injuries. SP Nitul Gogoi said another person was also killed in the explosion. His identity was not yet known. The condition of at least five others are said to be critical, with doctors stating that the toll might go up. A Police SI, Rajen Talukdar, was also seriously injured in the blast. No outfit has claimed responsibility, but Police suspect it to be a handiwork of ULFA-I outfit.

Goalpara District

One Assam Police commando, Swapan Nath, and a hardcore cadre of the ULFA-I were killed in an encounter in Krishnai area in Goalpara District. The death toll in on April 4 blast went up to three, with Dipankar Saha (23), succumbing to his injuries at Guwahati Medical College and Hospital. The other two deceased have been identified as Ajit Dutta (40) and Bapan Saha (35), District President of AABYCF. Altogether 25 persons, including four policemen, were injured in yesterday's blast. SP Nitul Gogoi said ULFA-I militant, Pabitra Rabha, died in an encounter with the Police at Jira village under Krishnai Police Station. The operation was launched on the basis of information that three militants were holed up in a house in the village, the SP said. "When the police team approached the house, the militants opened fire, leading to an encounter. The other two militants managed to escape but we have recovered a remote control device, which is believed to have been used in the blast," the SP said.

Sivasagar District

The pro-talks and hardliner factions of ULFA separately observed the outfit's 37th raising day. The pro-talks faction organised a daylong programme at its designated camp, the Asom Naba Nirman Kendra at Lakuwa in Upper Assam's Sivasagar District, while the Paresh Barua-led ULFA-I observed the day at an undisclosed location. Besides the group's top leadership, including 'chairman' Arabinda Rajkhowa and 'general secretary' Anup Chetia, the leaders of the Progressive and Ranjan Daimary factions of the NDFB, NSCN-R and various Kuki organisations attended the function. ULFA was founded at the Rangghar in Sivasagar on April 7, 1979. The outfit split in 2011 when a faction headed by the 'commander-in-chief' Paresh Barua opposed the peace talks led by 'chairman' Arabinda Rajkhowa.

Barpukri village / Darrang District

A farmer, identified as Afazzudin Ahmed (45), was shot dead by suspected ULFA-I militants in Barpukri village under Kalaigaon Police Station in Darrang District.

Talpathar village / Tinsukia District

A senior leader of the ULFA-I, identified as 'sergeant major' Rongmon Asom alias Mecuri was killed in an encounter with Army at Talpathar village in Tinsukia District. Acting on specific input, the army conducted a search operation at the village on April 25. On April 26 night, Rongmon came into contact the Army team and was killed in a fierce close quarter battle on April 27. An AK-81 assault rifle along with a magazine and some other items were recovered from the spot. Rongmon was active in upper Assam since a long time. He was actively involved in killing/extortion activities in the area.

Padumoni estate / Tinsukia District

A crude bomb exploded in front of the main gate of a tea manager's bungalow at Padumoni estate in Tinsukia District around 2 am. There was no casualty in the attack. ULFA-I is suspected to be behind it.

Devi Pukhuri Paanchali / Tinsukia District

Eleven persons, mostly from the Hindi-speaking community, were injured when a suspected IED exploded in Devi Pukhuri Paanchali of Tinsukia District. The explosion occurred in a garbage bin in front of a shop owned by one Upendra Yadav around 7.40 pm. "Of the injured, three are critical while six had minor injuries. All the injured were rushed to Tinsukia civil hospital," a local resident said. One of them was shifted to Assam Medical College and Hospital in Dibrugarh. "All of them are out of danger," DGP Mukesh Sahay said.

ULFA-I 'chief' Paresh Baruah probably celebrated his 59th birthday on May 1 "on the run," as the UMHA said. The ULFA-I chief is constantly moving to avoid arrest and possible extradition. Joint Secretary, UMHA (in-charge North East) Satyendra Garg said that Paresh Baruah, according to intelligence input, has always been on the run, after he fled Bangladesh some years ago. "He doesn't remain in one place now, he keeps on moving," Garg said. Reports say Baruah is hiding in the jungles of Ruili in south-western Yunnan Province of China. Contrary to media reports, Garg referred China as a "friendly nation" indicating that the ULFA-I chief would not be given refuge in their territory.

If on one hand the combined forces of Assam Police and the Amy are busy targeting and eliminating cadres of militant outfits active in Assam such as the ULFA-I and the NDFB, on the other hand, intelligence and Police sources disclosed about recruitment being done by the banned ULFA-I, especially from the Upper Assam Districts, and this time the banned organization is using social media like Facebook as a powerful tool to attract new faces and talented youths with an high IQ rather than the conventional method of one-to-one personal contact recruitment.

Assam

ULFA-I, led by Paresh Barua, joined the public tirade against drug menace in Assam by warning action against the drug mafia. A statement purportedly emailed by the militant group to media houses in Guwahati, urged the people to provide information about drug users, peddlers and traders, based on which the rebel group would take action.

Dhola / Tinsukia district

Dhola Police arrested four youths, identified as Bhaskar Moran (27), Durgeswer Hazarika (33), Raman Borpatragohain (24) and Ajoy Moran (27) on charges of extorting money in the name of ULFA-I in the wee hours. One pistol and live ammunition were recovered from them

Singwang / Changlang District

SFs arrested a cadre of ULFA-I, identified as Hemant Rajkhowa alias Anirudh Axom from Singwang in Changlang District of Arunachal Pradesh during an operation conducted.

Manmao / Changlang District

A hardcore cadre of the ULFA-I was arrested by 14th AR at Manmao in Changlang District. The ULFA-I militant has been identified as Hemanta Rajkhowa. One M-81 rifle, 160 ammunition and two grenades were recovered from the arrested ULFA-I militant.

Police and Army, in a joint operation, arrested a ULFA-I cadre, identified as Akon Moran alias Jitu Bora from a hideout in Tekeri in Tinsukia District. Moran was accused of various criminal charges including extortion, kidnapping, and theft and providing arms to his fellow cadres. The sources informed that his activities were mostly confined to Tinsukia District and Sadiya in particular. The SFs recovered a 7.6 mm pistol and seven rounds of live ammunition from the possession of the ULFA-I cadre.

ULFA-I said the allocation of land by the BTC to yoga practitioner Ramdev is an anti-Assam move. In a statement released to the media, the outfit said it had come to know that the council was almost through with the process of handing over 3,800 hectare of land to Ramdev. "The move of Hagrama Mohilary, one of the leaders of the Bodos, to hand over the land to Ramdev was sad and anti-Assam in nature," said the statement signed by the ULFA-I 'president' Abhijit Asom.

The special designated TADA court in Guwahati acquitted the ULFA founder 'general secretary' Anup Chetia in three cases registered against him under TADA. This includes the sensational murder case of Surrendra Paul that stunned the country, shook up the tea industry and led the State to President's Rule in the 1990s. Chetia, along with five others, including the outfit's elusive 'commander in charge' Paresh Baruah and 'chairman' Arabinda Rajkhowa, were accused of the killings. With Chetia's acquittal, now the lone accused in the case is Paresh Baruah. Rajkhowa and others were already acquitted in the case on the 'benefit of doubt' in 2012. The other two cases in which Chetia was also given a breather included the sensational murder cases of city-based businessman and former president of Kamrup Chamber of Commerce Girdharilal Harlalka in 1988 and the killing of three persons, including the wife of a top cop and a personal security officer, at Chabua in Dibrugarh District in 1989. Chetia has been facing trials in all the pending cases after he was handed over to India by Bangladesh.

Though the level of violence involving militants in Assam came down drastically in the face of relentless counterinsurgency operations, the security and intelligence agencies recently came across disturbing inputs on the attempts by militants to go for recruitments in at least four Districts. Highly placed security sources said that the ULFA-I recently started making efforts to recruit youths from upper Assam Districts and according to information available, a few boys have already joined the outfit. On the other hand, the NDFB-IKS, the leaders of which is lying low after the outfit suffered major setbacks in the operations by Police and SFs, is trying to recruit cadres from the Districts of Kokrajhar and Chirang.

Sources revealed that both the outfits are now not in a position to create major trouble in the State. The ULFA-I tried to push in a few cadres to upper Assam districts on the eve of the elections to create trouble, but they failed to do so, while, the NDFB-IKS leaders are totally on the run and their strength came down drastically in the last two years. However, the outfits are trying to recruit youths not to use them as "armed cadres" but to use them to indulge in extortions. The leaders of the outfits are calling up middle men and sympathizers requesting them to provide boys who are willing to join the outfits. The ULFA-I leaders have been making efforts to extort money from upper Assam Districts and called up a number of tea garden owners and managers, contractors and other businessmen. But they do not have cadres on the ground to collect the demanded amount. On the other hand, the NDFB-IKS leaders called up a number of Government officials but security sources said that so far, there is no report on whether anyone paid money as per the demand of the militants.

Cachar District

Acting on specific inputs, a joint team of SFs comprising Police, CRPF and AR cracked militant's attempts to regroup and float DHNA by arresting eight suspected militants, identified as Pankaj Phukan, Chandra Mohan Rajbangshi, Mrinmoy Choudhury, Junesh Hojai, Parthajit Thaosen alias Ashit Thaosen, Pabitra Batari Debashis Rajowar and Binod Langthasa from different locations of Cachar District. SFs first took into custody Pankaj Phukan and his interrogation led to the arrest of others. According to a top Police officer, these militants who were earlier linked to ULFA, SULFA and DHD joined hands together under the banner of DHNA with the sole purpose of extortions, kidnapping for ransom, loot of ATMs and other criminal activities. Some among them have been involved in criminal activities earlier in Dima Hasao District. Though some arms and ammunitions have been recovered from their possession, Police officer is confident of recovering heavy arms and for which they will be subjected to sustained cross-examination.

Tinsukia District

Tinsukia Police arrested two linkmen of the ULFA-I, identified as Lakhyajit alias Akon Gogoi and Subhash Gogoi from Tinsukia District. The Police also recovered live ammunition and two mobile handsets from them. According to the Police, the duo was involved in several cases of extortion.

Tinsukia District

The Police arrested a linkman of ULFA-I, identified as Anupam Gogoi alias Baba from Kukurekhuwa in Tinsukia District.

Guwahati

ULFA-I in a media communiqué expressed that each of its members were deeply saddened by the news of conviction of the UNLF of Manipur, Chairman, Raj Kumar Meghen alias Sanaiyama's by another 10 years. It said that the Indian Government machinery in occupation is "scared" of the impact of Sanaiyama's principle.

Koriajan reserve forest / Tinsukia District

Based on specific input, a joint team of Tinsukia Police and Army team conducted an operation at Wathoi Kailashpur and arrested a linkman of ULFA-I, identified as Jitu Dohotia (34), from the vicinity of Koriajan reserve forest in Tinsukia District. Later, Jitu Dohotia confessed to having been involved in the bomb blast in front of the residence of Vivek Agarwal, owner of Podumoni Tea Estate on the night of April 28.

Betoni Sariali / Dibrugarh District

Dibrugarh Police claimed to have unearthed an ULFA-I's plan to carry out explosions outside the BJP District office in Dibrugarh town in Dibrugarh District, following the arrest of a cadre of the outfit. Police sources said that an ULFA-I militant, identified as Mamon Gogoi alias Biplob Asom (27) was arrested from a hideout at Betoni Sariali under Khowang Police Station in the Dibrugarh District. Nearly 700 grams of TNT, one detonator, one timer device, three battery cells and wires were recovered from him. Sources said during interrogation, the arrested militant, who hails from nearby Dulia Lahowal village, reportedly confessed to the Police that he was entrusted with a mission by the top ULFA-I leadership in Myanmar to carry out subversive activities like triggering blasts in Dibrugarh. The BJP District office at Amolapatty and a hotel at RKB Path opposite Dibrugarh Sadar Police Station were the targets, the sources said.

Dibrugarh SP, Bir Bikram Gogoi said that the arrested militant revealed that he was deputed by senior ULFA-I leader Arunodoy Dohotia (self-styled publicity secretary of the outfit based in Myanmar) to "execute the mission". The militant reportedly told the Police that he had joined the outfit last year and had undergone two months' training in the camp on making bombs and triggering blasts. The SP said they were investigating whether the hotel was the specific target or the police station opposite the hotel. He said the BJP's district unit office could have been selected by the outfit.

Naharkatiya / Dibrugarh District

In a joint operation by the Army and Police, an ULFA-I linkman, identified as Rupjyoti Gogoi, was arrested from near Naharkatiya in Dibrugarh District. Altogether 11 extortion notes, two cell phones and a list containing the names of a few small tea growers were found in his possession.

Chetia Pathar / Dibrugarh District

In a joint operation conducted by Army, Dibrugarh Police and CRPF arrested three ULFA-I militants, identified as 'self-styled sergeant' Ritupon Borah alias Irfan Asom (23), Dipon Moran alias Prthiraj Moran, 'corporal' Nakul Rabha alias Bishal Asom (18) and one GNLA militant, identified as Saltiush N. Marak alias Chem (21) from Chetia Pathar in Dibrugarh District. The SFs recovered three .9 mm pistols, six magazines, 40 rounds of live ammunition and 2 BFDX BF 860 Chinese wireless radio sets from them. The militants confessed they were making transit halt at Chetia Pathar on their way to Arakan camp (1st Brigade), Myanmar from Tura (Meghalaya) on the orders of their deputy 'commander-in-chief' Dristi Rajkhowa and were waiting for their guide to take them to Myanmar.

Tamulpur / Baksa District

Tamulpur Police arrested two ULFA-I linkmen, identified as Sukumani Das (34) and Manab Kalita from Tamulpur in Baksa District. According to Police, they had sent a demand letter to a businessman of Kaurbaha under Tamulpur police station by using the letter pad of ULFA few days ago. Later Police investigated the case following the complaint made by the businessman and nabbed the both from their house. According to the statement of Sukumani and Manab Mrinal Kalita, they worked in the forest department and had used the letter pad to demand money with the help of former ULFA cadres Gitu Kalita and Babli of Rangia. Police are trying to nab Babli and Mrinal. Police recovered letter pad of ULFA from the possession of Sukumani and Manab.

Police arrested a cadre of ULFA-I, identified as Rahul Hazarika alias Laden Asom (24) from the Moran area of Dibrugarh District. A hand grenade and twelve demand notes signed by ULFA-I 'deputy commander-in-chief' Drishti Rajkhowa on the outfit's letterhead were also recovered from him. Dibrugarh SP Bir Bikram Gogoi said the cadre confessed that he arrived from Myanmar in December 2015 to carry out extortion activities in the district following Rajkhowa's orders. He had joined the banned outfit in 2013 and underwent arms training in Bangladesh in 2014.

In a joint operation, Army Lahoal Police arrested an ULFA-I militant, identified as Sagar Gogoi alias Feroz Asom (22) from Lohali Gaon under Tengakhat Police station in Dibrugarh District while he was moving towards Namsai District of Arunachal Pradesh via Tinsukia in order to reach Arakan camp of proscribed outfit in Myanmar. SFs recovered 14 rounds of live ammunition of 7.62 mm AK 47 assault rifle, five 9 mm pistols, 11 rounds 0.22 mm and two fired cases of 0.22 mm from the militant. The arrested militant later during interrogation had revealed that he infiltrated to the District from Dauki village in Meghalaya and was instructed by the 'commander-in-chief', 'self-styled Major' of ULFA-I, Dristi Rajkhowa to reach Arakan Camp in Myanmar through Arunachal Pradesh.

"The ULFA has faltered on many occasions in its struggle to achieve independence for the State of Assam as its method of struggle remained debatable, but the entire issue is still relevant even in the face of the changing times in today's world," said Anup Chetia, 'general secretary' of the ULFA. Addressing a gathering at the Kanaklal Baruah auditorium of the Assam State Museum in Guwahati on the occasion of the launching of his poetry collection, Karabandee, the top ULFA leader, who had been imprisoned at the Rajshahi Jail in Bangladesh for nearly 20 years, sought forgiveness from all the people who lost their kith and kin in the hands of ULFA cadres throughout the State. Lamenting that lack of an internal control mechanism among the various cadres of the outfit at different times led to many unfortunate and heart-rending incidents, including killings, Chetia remarked that the struggle for a sovereign Assam is at a crossroads now, though the concept has become somewhat misplaced.

Urging the intelligentsia, media and the common people of Assam to suggest and advise the outfit at this crucial period when the ULFA is involved in peace talks, the ULFA leader, who was among the few who gave birth to the armed struggle, stressed the need to relocate the movement in the context of the demographic and other crises currently plaguing the indigenous people of the State.

Assam

Elusive ULFA-I chief, Paresh Baruah, sent a team of ULFA militants from Myanmar (Burma) to carry out subversive activities in upper Assam Districts in the run up to Independence Day (August 15), according to security sources. Disclosing that ULFA militants are reported to have crossed over the international border and entered Arunachal Pradesh on their way to Assam, authoritative security sources said that the State Police has already been alerted and asked to take necessary steps to foil their attempts. Informing that failure of ULFA-I militants in carrying out any subversive activities has demorlised the ULFA-I leadership, security sources said that the outfit was desperate to make their presence felt. Pointing out that the security agencies are yet to establish the identity of ULFA-I militants, security sources said that instructions have been given to ULFA militants to target SFs and trigger bomb blasts in public places.

Chepatoli gaon / Dibrugarh District

An ULFA-I cadre, identified as Babul Dihingia alias Engineer, was arrested in a joint operation by SFs from Chepatoli gaon in Dibrugarh District. Police said they recovered two hand grenades from him and that he had sneaked into Assam to carry out subversive activities in the run-up to Independence Day. Dihingia is an associate of ULFA 'publicity secretary' Arunodoy Dohotia.

However, ULFA-I, in a press release, denied that Dihingia is a member. The outfit said Dihingia is Tinsukia SP Mugdha Jyoti Mahanta's man and it is only to show the outfit in poor light that Mahanta is trying to portray him as an ULFA cadre. Earlier, there were reports that Dihingia is a hardcore ULFA cadre who was trying to trigger a blast in Tinsukia.

Dibrugarh & Sivasagar & Tinsukia Districts

Based on specific intelligence inputs about an IED planted at Namrup in Dibrugarh District, a Police team launched an operation and arrested suspected ULFA-I linkman, identified as Lakhyajit Gogoi from Kamarchuk village in Dibrugarh District on July 23 night. Based on Lakhyajit's revelations, the Police recovered an IED, weighing about 3kg, around 10.15pm in the same day. "During questioning, Lakhyajit revealed that the IED was given to him by ULFA-I cadre Pradip Asom alias Akon, to plant it at a crowded market at Naharkatia town. He said two other bombs are also ready for detonation at Moranhat and Sonari," an officer in the state Police headquarters in Guwahati said.

Based on Lakhyajit's lead, Dibrugarh Police alerted their counterparts in Tinsukia and Sivasagar Districts and subsequently three other suspected linkmen of ULFA-I, identified as Sankar Gohain, Nirab Saikia and Haren Rajkonwar were arrested on July 24. The Police source said an operation was under way to arrest Pradip Asom and a few more ULFA-I linkmen who were out to trigger blasts ahead of Independence Day.

Tinsukia Police arrested one Anupam Chutia alias Suchan Asom for his alleged involvement in planting the IED near the platform of Tinsukia station. The Police said Anupam was an ULFA-I cadre and sent by Arunodoy to plant the bomb. He joined ULFA-I earlier this year (2016), the police said.

Intelligence inputs suggest that ULFA-I along with NSCN-K and NDFB-IKS, all members of the newly floated UNLFW, have been planning to strike in upper Assam Districts, which borders Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh on the eastern part of the State and provides the access to the bases of these outfits in neighbouring Myanmar.

AR along with Assam Police, in a joint operation, killed a 'self-styled lance corporal' of ULFA-I, identified as Bhaity Milli alias Shan Asom in Changlang District of Arunachal Pradesh. Stating that the militant had fired upon the person leading the patrol and tried to escape, the AR, in a statement, said the troops retaliated and in the gunfight, Milli was killed. One .38 US-made revolver along with ammunition were recovered. "The operation was based on inputs from intelligence agencies that an Ulfa (I) militant was hiding in the vicinity of Wara-I. The militant had infiltrated with three other cadres on July 19 or 20 and was involved in planting IEDs at Dibrugarh and Tinsukia which were recovered by security forces on July 24," a statement from the AR said.

Army and Assam Police, in a joint operation, recovered an explosive from a remote village along the Assam-Meghalaya border, Nagaldonga, around 18 kms from Boko town in South Kamrup District. According to source, on the occasion of martyrs' day of ULFA, a group of militants planned to carry out an attack in Boko or Chaygaon town. However, Indian Army and Assam Police took immediate action and recovered the explosive.

The Centre Government ruled out the possibility of holding any dialogue with the Paresh Baruah led ULFA-I and NDFB-IKS. In a Rajya Sabha Question Hour discussion, Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju said that with regard to the ULFA faction led by Paresh Baruah, there is no formal offer or anything because it is still engaged in anti-national activities. So there is no proposal of talks with this ULFA faction. "The gruesome killing of innocent people by the NDFB (Songbijit) on December 23, 2014, in Assam had led to an operation which was carried out jointly by the State and Central forces. We also got support of the Government of Bhutan. Therefore, there is no question of talks with the NDFB (Songbijit) because it has carried out mass killing of innocent people," Rijiju said. "We have already stated our position very clearly that the Government is not averse to talking to the militants, but the only condition is that they must abjure violence. Once they give up arms, they will be welcomed back to the mainstream," Rijiju added.

Rijiju said the Government, however, is in "a very cooperative mood" to allow groups which want to shun violence. He said that sometimes a group participates in the talks process but at the same time some of its members, through splinter groups, continue to indulge in undesirable activities. He said the Centre and the Assam Government have entered into suspension of operations agreements with certain insurgent groups of Assam, which include ULFA-PTF, NDFB-P, NDFB-RD and KLNLF.

ULFA-PTF 'general secretary' Anup Chetia admitted that it was a mistake on its part to have killed social worker Sanjoy Ghosh in 1997 and killing of innocent people. Interacting with reporters at Guwahati Press Club in Guwahati, Chetia said that the killing of rural development activist Ghosh were "mistakes on the part of the ULFA". Ghosh of NGO AVARD-NE, along with a colleague of his, were abducted by ULFA on July 4, 1997 from the river island of Majuli where they were working for community health and development. His colleague managed to escape but Ghosh was killed. Chetia said that ULFA is also somehow responsible for the killing of journalist Parag Kr Das.

Taking on the JMB and Islamic State (ISIS) threat to Assam, Chetia said, "When I was in Bangladesh jail, I met some top JMB leaders there who had told me that they want to set up base in Assam. They even told that some JMB operatives were taking shelter in Assam."

Satyendra Narayan Singh, ADGP, Assam, who has been camping in Tinsukia since the last few days, assured full security in Tinsukia District. At a press conference held at the Police Guest House, the ADGP claimed that the alert SFs foiled the attempts of a group of ULFA-I militants, who had sneaked into the State, especially upper Assam, to trigger blasts at public places to mark its 'Swahid Divas' on July 27. The ULFA-I may again try to carry out subversive activities in the run-up to the Independence Day on August 15, but the security forces are on high alert to foil their designs. There is no cause for panic on the part of the public, the ADGP added.

A delegation of the ULFA-PT led by its 'chairman' Arabinda Rajkhowa visited Kokrajhar and urged the Government to ensure the safety and security to the lives and properties of the people of Assam.

NS

ULFA-I warned the Assam Government of a "violent clash" if Independence Day is celebrated for three consecutive days. "Our organisation will not tolerate the celebration of the so-called Independence Day for three days. It is an open appeal not to create a conflict-like situation while celebrating Independence Day in Assam for three days," an email statement purportedly signed by the outfit's 'assistant publicity and information secretary', Arunodoy Asom, said.

The warning by the militant group comes amid the Government preparations to celebrate Independence Day from August 13 to 15 with the rest of the country. Various cultural programmes, processions and contests have been lined up as part of the celebrations. ULFA-I and an umbrella body of rebel groups in the Northeast issues customary boycott calls on Independence Day and Republic Day.

Demow / Sibsagar District

Police arrested one youth, identified as Anuj Munda for demanding money from a businessman on behalf of ULFA-I from Demow in Sibsagar District. Nirmal Mittal, a businessman of Kachumari, since the last few days through the phone INR 3 lakh had been demanded.

Assam

The State Government's decision to celebrate the Independence Day with a three-day programme has added to the worries of the police and security forces, more so following intelligence inputs that a few groups of militants managed to sneak into the State from their camps in Myanmar to create disturbance during the celebrations. Moreover, though there is no input about any threat from jihadi elements during the celebrations, the SFs are keeping a close watch on that front also as the threat perception cannot be overlooked. Highly placed Police sources said that the ULFA-I militants are being helped by the members of the NSCN-K and both the outfits are trying to go for joint operations, particularly in upper Assam Districts. Sources said that according to intelligence inputs, a few groups of ULFA-I militants, along with NSCN-K militants, managed to sneak into upper Assam Districts and they are desperate to strike.

Tinsukia District

Suspected ULFA-I militants triggered a powerful IED blast in a drain near the Budlabeta Tea Estate along the Doomdooma Bypass in Tinsukia District of Upper Assam. However, no casualty has been reported. The incident comes at a time when SFs have intensified operations against the militants as part of the stepped-up security measures ahead of Independence Day, which the outfit has boycotted like previous years. Police said around 7.30 am an explosion occurred in a drain near the Budlabeta tea estate near Doomdooma Bypass causing a huge sound and a small crater on the ground. Sources said SFs, who use the road to move into the interior areas believed to hotbed of ULFA-I during counter-insurgency (CI) operations, might have been the target.

Philobari / Tinsukia District

Suspected ULFA-I militants killed two persons, identified as Kishori Shah and Rajen Shah and injured eight others at Bahbon village in Philobari area of the Tinsukia District. A Police source informed that a group of five militants coming on foot opened fire at the two households at Bamungaon at around 7. 30 pm killing two persons on the spot and injured eight others.

Charaideo & Tinsukia Districts

A series of five bomb explosions triggered by suspected ULFA-I militants rocked Charaideo and Tinsukia Districts of Upper Assam on August 15 as the State celebrated the country's Independence Day. Police said that there was no casualty or injury in any of the explosions.

One blast was reported at an abandoned place beside an interior road at 7.40 a.m. under the Tengapukhari outpost in Charaideo District, SP A.P. Tiwari said. The militants had apparently placed the bomb under the ground.

The other four explosions were reported from Tinsukia District. An IED went off near Indira Gandhi School in the Laipuli area on the outskirts of Tinsukia town in Tinsukia District at 7.15 a.m. This was followed by another blast in line No. 6 of Badlabhata Tea Estate in the Doomdooma area where the third IED was set off at Masuwa, officials said. The fourth one exploded at Gamtumati in the Philobari area.

Tinsukia, which shares a border with Arunachal Pradesh, has been targeted by ULFA-I in the past few months. Militants "sneak" in from their Myanmar-based camps. Tinsukia ASP (headquarters) Lamhao Doungel said the IEDs were of low intensity. "We have launched an operation against them,'' he added.

Mariani / Jorhat District

The ULFA-I hoisted its own banner and flag in the Moronigal area of Mariani in Jorhat District. Strung on two poles, the ULFA banner was planted at Morongial Pathar under a tree with the words ULFA Zindabad and Hindi baaxi hoshiyar (Hindi speaking people be careful). The flag with the rising sun was planted on the side of the Assam-Nagaland border road at Moronigal, about 28km from Jorhat town bordering Mokokchung District of Nagaland. "It must have been planted after we had completed our patrol at 4am," an Assam Police constable stationed at the Border Observation Post said.

Teleria / Sonitpur District

Tezpur Police arrested a cadre of ULFA-I, identified as Dilip Das alias Bogai from the house of Tulshi Das at Teleria under Bebejia Police Station in Sonitpur District where the militant was sleeping.

Tinsukia District

Highly placed security sources said that the investigation into the five blasts that took place on the Independence Day, led to the disturbing fact of the ULFA-I using school students to plant the bombs. Two boys - one in Class IX and the other in Class X - were arrested following an intelligence input and during questioning, the students admitted that they were asked by the militants to plant the bombs.

Giving details of the events, sources said that the school students, both of whom belong to Number 4 Kakojan village under Philobari police station in Tinsukia District, were taken to a nearby forest by one ULFA-I man, who belongs to the same village, on August 10. Sources said that four ULFA-I men met them in the forest. They sat down under a tree and the ULFA-I men persuaded them to plant the IEDs fitted with timers in different places.

Sources said one ULFA-I man, Rupam Asom, was the brain behind using the school students to plant bombs and till now, the police and security forces are not aware whether the senior leaders of the outfit approved such a plan. As the school students picked up by the police are juveniles, they will not be tried in normal courts for the crime they had committed and they would be tried in special juvenile courts. Sources pointed out that in the past, the ULFA-I had used linkmen, couriers and even common criminals to plant bombs. But this was for the first time, the outfit used school students for such jobs.

Upper Assam

Categorically refuting the allegations of Assam Police regarding employing two students of Kakojan in Tinsukia District of Upper Assam for planting bombs on and before Independence Day, the ULFA-I termed it as a 'drama' initiated by ADGP and SP Tinsukia and a 'conspiracy' by a lobby of Hindi-speaking people of the State to promote their cause and hide their weakness to counter the revolutionary act of the organization protesting the Independence Day celebrations. The ULFA-I in a press communiqué strongly criticized the entire episode as a drama, claiming that it did not employ the school-going children in any of the acts of sabotage carried out so far.

Guwahati

ULFA-PTF leader Anup Chetia met Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal at his office chamber in Guwahati and submitted a memorandum enlisting various demands of the organisation including rehabilitation of the surrendered cadres. Chief Minister Sonowal assured the ULFA-PTF leader that his Government would sincerely consider their demands. Minister for Agriculture Atul Bora was also present during the discussion.

Kakojan village / Tinsukia District

SFs arrested ULFA-I linkman, identified as Bitul Moran from Kakojan village under Phillobari Police Station in Tinsukia District. Tinsukia SP Mugdhajyoti Mahanta said that a five-member ULFA-I group involved in the attack on Hindi-speaking people in Phillobari on August 5 and the serial blasts, took shelter in Moran's house. Mahanta said the linkman also introduced the two arrested school students to the outfit. The Class IX and X students, aged 15 and 16 respectively, were "brainwashed" into planting the bombs by the group. The boys had planted five bombs in different areas in Tinsukia district, of which four exploded on Independence Day. The two are now in an observation home in Jorhat.

Tinsukia

The ULFA-I for the first time in its history, released a video of abducted Kuldeep Moran, son of Tinsukia Zilla Parishad vice president and BJP leader Ratneshwar Moran, to demand a ransom of INR 1 crore. Kuldeep was abducted from near the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border on August 1. The ULFA-I militants on August 22 released a video footage of the abducted youth and later demanded a ransom of INR 1 crore from Sadiya BJP MLA Bolin Chetia. Sources said releasing the video to media was aimed at creating pressure on the persons concerned and panic among the people.

The video showed Kuldeep appealing to his family, BJP legislator from Sadiya constituency Bolin Chetia and Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal to secure his release by paying the outlawed outfit. The video shows a terrified Kuldip surrounded by five armed and black masked youths. He pleads for his life and talks about his failing health, expressing fears of getting killed in any crossfire between militants and SFs.

Kuldip's father, however, has expressed his inability to pay the ransom. "They (ULFA-I) have demanded Rs 1 crore for the release of my son Kuldip. Forget about Rs 1 crore, I cannot even pay Rs 1 lakh. I can only request the kidnappers to release my son without any condition," said Ratneswar Moran.

upper Assam

The ULFA-I has suddenly become active in upper Assam areas and launched an extortion drive, while, in another disturbing fact, a number of members and linkmen of the NDFB-IKS, who were arrested during the crackdown launched against the outfit in December, 2014, have been released on bail because of the police failure to submit the chargesheets on time. Highly placed security sources said that in recent times, the ULFA-I has started sending messages on mobile phones of businessmen and tea gardens owners and managers demanding money, while, some even received Whatsapp messages on their mobile phones.

Assam

Assam Police sought the help of their counterparts in Nagaland to ensure the safe release of Kuldeep Moran, a BJP leader's son who was abducted by ULFA-I militants from Arunachal Pradesh on August 1. Assam DGP Mukesh Sahay said that they had alerted their Nagaland counterparts about the possibility of ULFA-I rebels holding Kuldeep captive somewhere along the Nagaland-Arunachal Pradesh border. Earlier, assistance had been sought from the Arunachal Police.

NS

ULFA chief Paresh Baruah, said that the BJP member's son whom they are holding captive was not abducted for ransom. Kuldip Moran was picked up for `trial' for passing information to the Army, which resulted in the killing of his men, he said. Baruah contacted media houses from an undisclosed location and insisted that his group had not made any ransom demand. "Kuldip is safe. We kidnapped him because he was an Army informer and was keeping a close watch on the movement of our cadres in Arunachal Pradesh," Baruah said. "He will be tried by our court. If found innocent, he will be released. Reports suggesting we demanded ransom are false.'' Kuldip's father Ratneshwar is a panchayat (village level local self government institution) level functionary. Baruah's statement came as Assam Police stepped up operations to rescue Kuldip from Arunachal Pradesh's Changlang District. Police suspect the abduction may have been carried out to pressurize the government for negotiations. Ratneshwar Moran had said the rebels demanded INR 10 million for releasing his son.

Assam

The LFA-I raised alarm against the BJP-led NDA Government's bid to grant citizenship to Hindu, Sikh, Christian, Buddhist, Jain and Parsi `refugees' who have come to Assam from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan till the year 2014 by bringing about an amendment (2016) to the Foreigners' Act 1955. In a statement issued to the media ULFA-I termed it (to grant citizenship to refugees from neighboring countries) an attempt by the 'occupational Indian rulers' to create an atmosphere of communal hatred in the state where indigenous communities were already facing threat to their identity because of illegal infiltration from Bangladesh. "By inducing ethnic and communal conflicts in the state, the shrewd occupational Indian State wants to ensure its permanent occupation of the state," the ULFA stated in the e-mailed statement.

Assam

The ULFA-PTF sought 702 bighas (a traditional unit of measurement) of land from the Assam Government to set up projects through the PPP mode to create employment opportunities for nearly 1,500 of its cadres living in seven designated camps. ULFA 'general secretary' Anup Chetia, who joined the talks in January 2016, said that he proposed the public-private partnership model when he met CM Sarbananda Sonowal on August 18. "We have requested the chief minister to give us five government farms lying unused for years. If the government gives initial financial support, our members can not only revive the farms but also share the profits with the government. We hope the government will work out a model to generate employment for our members by engaging them into agriculture, pig rearing, goat rearing and other activities," he said. ULFA wants to develop four of the farms through the public-private partnership route and another mechanism is being worked out for a piggery and goat farm at Khanapara in Guwahati.

Chetia said nearly 1,500 ULFA members are living in designated camps in Kakopathar (Tinsukia), Moran (Dibrugarh), Jagiroad (Morigaon), Nalbari, Tihu (Nalbari), Sipajhar (Darrang) and Goalpara since 2010, when the group engaged in talks. The designated camps have been named Asom Nabanirman Kendras. "Most of them are now dependent on the monthly stipend of Rs 3,000 from the government and are over 40 - so they have crossed the age-limit to apply for government jobs. Hence, we need to provide them with job skills for their rehabilitation. If the government gives us the land and supports us financially, we can generate employment for them and their families," said Chetia, one of the founding leaders of ULFA, was extradited from Bangladesh in December 2015 after spending 18 years in jail.

Sources said the dialogue with the ULFA-PTF was on hold as the Centre was working out the modalities for granting ST status to six more ethnic communities - Ahoms, Morans, Muttocks, Sutias, Koch Rajbongshis and tea garden communities. Chetia also urged Sonowal to increase the monthly stipend from INR 3,000 to INR 10,000 and make sure that the money is paid regularly and without delay. "The chief minister said the government is considering the increase in stipend but had not yet decided the amount," Chetia said. Sources said Dispur was taking time to increase the stipend as members of other rebel groups, such as the NDFB-P and Adivasi groups, were also demanding a hike.

Recently, many noted businessman, government officials and tea garden owners of the Jorhat District received extortion demand from the banned ULFA-I. The amount demanded ranges from INR 5 to INR 50 lakh. Besides, the extremist organization has of late resorted to the use of mobile phones for extortion in a complete shift of method of serving demand note on a ULFA pad. Notably, the extortion demand is learnt to be undertaken by ULFA cadres namely Jibon Asom and Abhizeet Asom. There are numerous cases of fake threats served to ordinary people and most of the time, prompt police action has brought to the light the involvement of local crooks who pose as hardcore members of the organization. Though most of the businessmen are reported to have got the demand through phone calls, in other cases government officers and tea garden officers have been served demand letters.

The ULFA-I released Assam BJP panchayat leader's son, Kuldeep Moran, at the Indo-Myanmar border in Arunachal Pradesh. He was abducted on August 1 and the militants had demanded INR 1 crore ransom. Earlier, ULFA-I leader Paresh Baruah said Kuldeep has been not been abducted for ransom, but to stand 'trial' for passing on information to the Army, which resulted in the killing of several cadres of the outfit in encounters.

Special DGP (Law and Order) Kuladhar Saikia in his tour to the Upper Assam Districts of Dibrugarh and Tinsukia, disclosed that massive security operations would be initiated against the insurgent group like ULFA-I and NDFB-IKS or any other group in the State. "The security forces have been instructed to be strict against all those forces who have been trying to create an atmosphere of terror and fear among the people," he said. During his visit to Dibrugarh, Saikia interacted with the leading citizens and media persons at Police Reserve auditorium.

The AJYCP asked the Centre to resume peace talks with the ULFA and other militant outfits to help Assam restore permanent peace. It further threatens to launch a statewide agitation if the Centre fails to hold the peace parleys with the rebels afresh. In a statement issued in Guwahati, AJYCP president Biraj Kumar Talukdar deplored that neither Delhi nor Dispur has invited the rebel outfits to resume the stalled peace talks. The AJYCP leader said that the government would have to pay a heavy price if it keeps mum on the issue.

Police arrested five newly recruited ULFA-I cadres from Sonitpur, Tinsukia and Udalguri Districts. ASP, Sonitpur, Fakrul Islam, said three cadres of the outfit, identified as Kishor Deka, Jayanta Deka and Pranab Deka, all in their twenties and from Harisinga in Udalguri District, were picked up from a Tinsukia-bound night bus at Tezpur in Sonitpur District. According to the Police, they were on their way to Myanmar for arms training. Based on confessions made by them during interrogation, another newly recruited ULFA-I cadre, Anjan Deka (31) was arrested from Bengbari village under Harisinga police station in Udalguri District and another cadre, Anil Borah alias Utpal Asom (31), who had joined the outfit in 2011, was also arrested from Tinsukia District.

Police arrested two persons, identified as Sujit Sen and Biren Tamuli for alleged extortion in the name of ULFA-I from Guwahati in Kamrup District.

The ULFA-I led by Paresh Barua launched a recruitment drive in the Sate to replenish its depleting strength. A Police source said that the latest recruitment was being carried out under the supervision of the outfit's 'operational commander' Nayan Medhi in Districts like Udalguri and Darrang, apart from its traditional strongholds of Tinsukia, Dibrugarh and Sivasagar. "It came to light after the arrest of three newly-recruited cadres from a Tinsukia-bound bus at Tezpur on Thursday (September 15) night while they were on their way to the outfit's camps in Myanmar for arms training," the source said. The trio hails from Harisinga in Udalguri District.

Resentment is brewing in Jorhat after the banned ULFA-I served extortion demand to many noted Punjabi businessmen of the Jorhat District, besides the regular demand to other businessmen of the Marwari and Bihari community, tea garden owners and State Government officers. Notably, the demand has come from the 'chairman' of the ULFA-I, Abhizeet Axom, as depicted in the calls and text messages sent, asking contribution as party fund towards the cause of the ULFA movement. The other demand has come from Jibon Axom. A close study of ULFA reveals that every cadre from the bottom to the top hierarchy acquires a single and unique name which is neither transferable nor can be acquired by anyone else even for making calls for demand or sending press releases to the print or electronic news channels. The demand by the ULFA 'chairman' Abhizeet Axom has created terror and sensation among the community. A top source of the police has informed about numerous cases being registered across various police stations of the District with one in Mariani, Titabor, Teok and Jorhat Police station. The demand ranges from INR 5 lakh to INR 50 lakh. Allegations of low Police investigation and sense of insecurity have gripped the people.

SF and Assam Police engaged in counter-insurgency (CI) operation in Assam have mounted vigil against the proscribed ULFA-I which has started using social media like WhatsApp to send extortion demands to soft targets besides engaging linkmen or over ground agents to collect fund on their behalf. A senior Police official overseeing law and order in the State informed that the ULFA-I had resorted to extortion drive especially targeted at the tea estates in eastern Assam where tea executives live in remote, vulnerable areas. He informed that a senior executive of Santak Tea Estate in Sivasagar District was arrested two days back for making payment to a linkman as per extortion demand of the ULFA-I. The official said the outfit, of late, has started using social media to convey extortion demand to soft targets to escape detection by SFs. The Police become awake to the new modus operandi of the ULFA-I, which is led by fugitive 'commander-in-chief' Paresh Barua, in respect of carrying out extortion and preventive measures have been put in place.

One ULFA cadre, allegedly a close associate of the outfit's "deputy commander-in-chief" Drishti Rajkhowa, was arrested from West Garo Hills District. Following a tip-off about infiltration of a militant with arms and ammunition into the Indian territory from Bangladesh, an intelligence team of the BSF's Meghalaya Frontier, deployed in Tura, had laid a trap and arrested the ULFA cadre from Kachhuadogri, a BSF official said. He said the ULFA cadre disclosed his identity as Peramisom Marak (19) hailing from Sherpur District of Bangladesh. A 9mm pistol, two 9mm magazines, eight 9mm live rounds and a cell phone with Bangladeshi SIM card were recovered from him, the official said.

"Marak told the BSF that he has been working with ULFA in Bangladesh since the last three years and remains in close association with ULFA's deputy 'commander-in-chief' Dristhi Rajkhowa and his bodyguards. He also transports arms for them and assist ULFA cadres, residing at Badagazni village in Bangladesh, to cross over to India and vice-versa with the help of some Indian associates," the official said. He added that Marak was wanted for illegal activities in Bangladesh. The Badagazni area, the official said, is a safe haven for Indian insurgents as they disguise themselves as local tribals living there to avoid arrest. "These cadres have a good number of sympathisers in that village. The BSF is now trying to figure out the Indian associates who are providing assistance to these cadres in the border areas," the official said. Marak was later handed over to local Police.

Lekhapani Police arrested three ULFA-I linkmen from Jagun area in Tinsukia District. Acting on a tip-off, Police arrested Sushil Gogoi and Sahabuddin Siddiqui from Jagun area and recovered 160 track suits and 70 sweaters from their possession. Again, Lekhapani Police arrested Dilip Phukan, a noted businessman of Jagun Parvatipur area, and recovered 30 track suits from his house. According to sources, under the direction of ULFA-I 'publicity secretary' Arunodoy Dohatia, a recruitment drive was going in Myanmar and youths belonging to the age group of 16 years- 24 years of Tinsukia District were going to Myanmar for ULFA-I training.

The close proximity between the Paresh Baruah-led ULFA-I and China came to the fore again when the faction asked the HYCP to withdraw its appeal to ban Chinese products in the State. The ULFA-I in a statement emailed to the media stated that the neighbouring China had been maintaining a historic and friendly relations with the people of Assam and would continue maintain the good relations in future too. "The people of consumer state of Assam who have been exploited by Indian traders, have the right to buy cheaper good (Chinese items) available in the market and no one should try to disrupt that at the dictation of the RSS and the BJP," the ULFA-I statement said.

The outfit further asked the president Balen Baishya and general secretary Dipankar Gohain of the state unit of HYCP to keep in mind Assam's historic ties with China and desist from making such appeal to the people of Assam acting as a stooge of the RSS and the BJP. The outfit further warned the two leaders of befitting action in case they dared to make such statement against Chinese goods in future. Security agencies in India often claim that the fugitive ULFA-I 'commander-in-chief' Paresh Baruah, who is suspected to have pitched camp in Myanmar, maintains a close ties with his contacts in China.

One person, identified as Babban Garh (40) who was under treatment at the AMCH after suffering bullet injuries fired by ULFA-I militants on August 12 evening at the Gabharubheti Bamun Gaon under Philobari Police Station in Tinsukia District succumbed to his injuries at the AMCH, as the death toll in the incident rises to three. Earlier, suspected ULFA-I militants on August 12 killed two persons, identified as Kishori Shah and Rajen Shah and injured eight others at Bahbon village in Philobari area of the Tinsukia District.

In what may be a major assault on insurgency in Northeast India, China has agreed to cooperate with India in identifying and apprehending ULFA-I 'chief' Paresh Baruah and other insurgent leaders who are believed to be seeking shelter in the frontier province of China of late. Disclosing that the issue of ULFA-I chief seeking shelter in China came up for discussion during a dialogue with his counterpart in Beijing, Joint Intelligence Committee chairman R.N. Ravi said that his Chinese counterpart suggested that they should send spotter to identify and apprehend the insurgent leaders who have holed themselves up in China's territory. Pointing out that secretary-general of the Commission for Political and Legal Affairs of the Communist Party of China Central Committee Mr Wang Yongqing is visiting India for a meeting with Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh next month, R.N. Ravi said that some mechanism would also be worked out to flush out Northeast insurgent leaders operating from Chinese soil and to share intelligence in real time.

As many as 25 blankets that were being transshipped to Myanmar-based camps of ULFA-I, were recovered and a woman, identified as Jina Halong was arrested at Jagun in Tinsukia District of eastern most Assam close to Myanmar border. Security sources informed that the woman was carrying the blankets to ULFA-I camps in Myanmar on being asked by one of the senior ULFA-I leader, Arunodoy Asom. Outfit has pitched its main camp and training camp in Myanmar jungles under the patronage of with Naga rebel group NSCN-K. The blankets were meant for ULFA-I cadres based in the neighbouring country in view of fast onset of winter in the area. The SFs have mounted vigil against the outfit especially in eastern Assam's bordering areas in Tinsukia, Dibrugarh and Sivasagar Districts in the wake of the outfit's recent strike on Hindi speaking people in remote part of Tinsukia district and reported extortion drive launched by it in the eastern Assam's tea belt.

ULFA-I said that its top leader Drishtri Rajkhowa has not surrendered anywhere. In s statement, ULFA-I 'central publicity secretary' Aronodoi Dohotiya said that the rumour is baseless and that it was aimed at spreading false propaganda. Earlier, a section of media speculated that the top ULFA-I leader was preparing to surrender forcing the leadership to clear the position.

Guwahati

Leaders of the ULFA and various intellectuals of Assam have made it crystal clear that Assam is not going to shoulder the burden of any Bangladeshis, Hindus or Muslims. A meeting called by the ULFA at Gauri Sadan in Guwahati on issues like citizenship to Hindu Bangladeshis, deportation of foreigners staying illegally in the State and ensuring land rights of the indigenous people of the State, those present at the meeting vehemently opposed the government's move to provide Indian citizenship to Hindu Bangladeshis. "If such a move is translated into a reality, the situation in Assam will simply boil," many of the speakers said, and added: "This government has violated the existing land Act." ULFA leader Arabinda Rajkhowa said: "We're opposing the decision which the government at the Centre is trying to impose on us. What steps we're going to take will be clear in the days ahead." The ULFA leader said that the organization would let the Centre know its decision on the move to amend the citizenship Act in their next round of peace talks.

NS

A reported plan drawn up by the ULFA-I led by Paresh Barua and other rebel groups, which are part of the ULFWSA, to carry out strikes in the North East has set alarm bells ringing in security circles across the region, Information about the plan has reportedly been gathered by intelligence agencies in eastern Arunachal Pradesh, where two major rebel groups - the ULFA-I and NSCN-K - have been very active for several years now. According to the agencies, outfits under the front have been assigned specific tasks. These tasks range from targeting SFs, carrying out subversive activities and abducting Hindi-speaking businessmen, said sources.

The intelligence report, which is learnt to have come from a Central agency, has said that while NSCN-K and ULFA-I would target SFs in eastern Arunachal Pradesh where India, China and Myanmar meet, PLA, ULFA-I and NSCN-K would carry out similar strikes on SFs close to the India-Myanmar boundary in Manipur. Likewise, ULFA-I, I.K. NDFB-IKS, GNLA and KLO have been assigned the task of targeting SFs close to the India-Bangladesh border in Meghalaya, while ULFA-I and NDFB-IKS would carry out similar strikes close to the India-Bhutan border in western Assam. Assam Police confirmed having received similar inputs.

The ULFA-I joined chorus against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016, as proposed by the NDA Government and warned `certain reactionary forces' that are out to derail the spontaneous protests by indigenous groups in the State against the Bill. The ULFA-I warned of dire consequence to `certain reactionary forces' who are allegedly conspiring to derail the protests that is gradually gaining momentum against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016. The ULFA-I stated that similar forces in the past had caused harm to indigenous communities when that had raised voices demanding protection of their rights. "The time has now changed and such reactionary forces will not be tolerated this time," the ULFA-I warned.

Four youths, identified as the central general secretary Krishnakanta Phukan and Mridul Dutta, Himadri Duwara and Mandeep Hazarika of Sanmilito Yuba Shakti Asom (SYSA), were arrested for treason by the Police from Dibrugarh District. The Police arrested them while they were staging a dharna on October 23 and for raising anti-Indian slogans and demanding independent Assam. On October 25, the Dibrugarh Police detained them with regard to the organization's alleged role in strengthening the base of Independent faction of ULFA-I in the District.

Jairampur / Changlang District

In a joint operation, Assam Police and AR, arrested two cadres of the ULFA-I, identified as Sarat Mohan and Chiteshwar Chetia from Jairampur in Changlang District. During interrogation, they revealed that they were given specific tasks by Arun Dahotia of ULFA-I to carry out extortion and recruit new cadre to strengthen the banned outfit, the AR release claimed, adding they said the organisation was planning to abduct a local businessman for ransom. They also revealed the presence of an overground worker, Monto Sonowal of Duliajan Village in Assam. A revolver along with ammunition and INR 8,000 were recovered from the cadres who were later handed over to Police, the release said.

Sonitpur District

The proscribed outfit ULFA-I, voiced its strong opposition to Assam Government's decision to allot huge tracts of land to `industrial house' Patanjali Herbals for setting up of its manufacturing units in the State. The ULFA-I in a statement e-mailed to the media stated, "The ULFA (I) in principle is opposed to allocation of 450 bighas of land to Indian's latest capitalist incarnation Yoga Guru Ramdev's Patanjali at Balipara in Sonitpur district of Assam at time when the state government has failed to provide rehabilitation and livelihood options to lakhs of indigenous people displaced by flood, erosion and other natural disasters." The ULFA-I denounced those `cunning politicians' who have laid red carpet for capitalist entities like Patanjali to Assam thereby converting the state to a ground of exploitation by `colonial Indian forces'.

Tinsukia District

A top ULFA linkman Pankaj Chutia alias Pabitra Assam was arrested by a Tinsukia Police team from nearby area of ATC Mall in Tinsukia town. Chetia hailing from Dighalhakhu under Barekuri Police Station in Tinsukia District was allegedly involved in extortion and was a key player in intimidating businessmen. In this regards six cases were already registered in different Police Stations of Tinsukia District, informed Lamhao Doungel, ASP.

Tinsukia District

Three Army jawans were killed and four others injured in an encounter with suspected ULFA terrorists near Digboi in Tinsukia District. "They (the militants) had planted an IED on the road. When the IED exploded, the convoy stopped. Then the militants fired indiscriminately," said Defence PRO Lieutenant Colonel Suneet Newton. The search operation against the suspected ULFA terrorists, who are believed to be responsible for the incident, is on.

Sivasagar District

Sivasagar Police arrested one ULFA-I linkman at Demow in Sivasagar District, while he was returning with cash collected as extortion money. The arrested ULFA-I linkman, identified as Kishore Patel, had come to collect cash INR 50,000 on behalf of ULFA-I from one Rajendra Agarwalla. The Police team, led by ASP, Zakir Hussain, recovered the INR 50,000 from his possession.

Myanmar-based Northeast insurgent groups, including ULFA-I, claimed responsibility for killing of three Army jawans in the attack carried out on an army convoy at Pengeri in Tinsukia District on November 19. The attack was carried out by the ULFA-I, jointly with its Myanmar-based allies in recently formed UNLFWESEA, a banner organization of Myanmar based Northeast militants groups.

The ultras are taking advantage of the porous inter-State borders with Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh to sneak into the bordering areas, while, at the same time, the militant groups are trying to exchange their old currency in the neighbouring States as the Income Tax Department is not keeping a close watch on the Hill States. DGP Mukesh Sahay, who is in Tinsukia, supervising the counter-insurgency operations following the recent attack on Army personnel by militants at Pengeri, in which three Army personnel were killed, said that a massive manhunt was launched to nab the ultras involved in the attack. He further said that frequent meetings are being held between the stakeholders involved in the counter-insurgency operations, including Police, Army, Paramilitary Forces and other central agencies, to deal with the militants. He said a meeting of the Unified Command would be held within the next few days for a detailed discussion of the situation and to chalk out strategies to deal with the militants. The DGP also said that at present, the state-based militant outfits like the ULFA-I and the NDFB-IKS are not in a position to strike alone and that is why a common platform of the active ultra groups of the Northeast was formed and the recent attack was carried out by such a joint group. He said that in most parts of the state, the ULFA-I has lost its bases. However, it is a fact that the outfit has been trying to make fresh recruitments in parts of Upper Assam.

The State Government has directed the Police and SFs involved in the counter-insurgency operations to intensify the operations against militants following the attack on Army personnel by a group of ultras belonging to the ULFA-I and NSCN-K at Pengaree in Tinsukia District. Official sources said the meeting of the Unified Command, chaired by the Chief Secretary VP Pipersenia, reviewed the recent attack. Assam, by and large, remained peaceful for quite some time and the ultras, despite their best efforts, could not strike during the Republic and Independence Day celebrations. Sources said that the Unified Command decided to step up operations in the Upper Assam Districts, particularly the Districts bordering Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland as the rebels have reportedly been sneaking into the State through those States. Though there is no report of movement of militants in other parts of the State, all the forces on the ground have been directed to keep a close watch on the situation to ensure that the militants cannot indulge in any kind of violence or other unlawful activities.

The demonetization of INR 500 and INR 1000 notes has pushed insurgent outfits in the Northeast into panic mode, with reports of the ULFA-I trying to exchange its extortion money, reportedly running into INR 90 million, stashed away in its Myanmar hideout. Assam Police ADGP (Special Branch) Pallav Bhattacharjee said, "We have received inputs that ULFA-I and few other rebel groups in the Northeast are trying very hard to convert their old notes into legal tenders. These outfits are trying to use some businessmen in the region and few tea gardens in upper Assam for the purpose," adding, "We have alerted SPs of the districts concerned to keep an eye on any such development so that ULFA-I's attempt to convert its cash can be thwarted." Paresh Baruah-led ULFA-I has engaged some people based in Nagaland and Upper Assam to exchange its spiked cash. The outfit has also threatened some tea gardens in Upper Assam to help park its cash in accounts of some people based in Nagaland so that it can be converted into legal currency later. Other underground outfits like NSCN-K, NDFB and several others too are desperately trying to convert their ill-gotten money into legal currency.

NS

The ULFA-I on its 'protest day' vowed to intensify its armed struggle in coordination with its allies in UNLFW against Indian forces to thwart the design of Government of India to make Assam a 'Bengali-speaking majority state'. The ULFA-I's 'chairman' Abhijit Asom in a statement e-mailed to the media demanded that Assamese language be made the mandatory medium of instruction in all the schools, from lower primary to higher secondary level, in the state and other languages be introduced as additional subjects from higher secondary to university level for preservation and development of Assamese language in the state.

All the militant groups of the Northeast, including ULFA, NDFB-IKS, KPLT and others are facing paucity of fund due to demonetization. This was disclosed by NDFB-IKS cadres arrested by Nagaon Jakhalabandha Police at Jakhalabandha in Nagaon District of Assam during regular Police raid. According to Police sources, during interrogation, the arrested NDFB-IKS cadres stated that not only the cadres of NDFB, but all other militants groups of the entire Northeast like ULFA, KPLT and others were facing financial crisis due to demonetization for which the ultras had been forced to collect money through car lifting or by other unfair means.

NS

The Assam Police Special DGP Kuladhar Saikia said that ULFA and some other insurgent groups based in Assam are using students and middlemen to legalize their spiked currencies of INR 500 and INR 1000.

Assam Police DGP Mukesh Sahay said that the Police have detected movement of ULFA cadres in areas along the Assam-Nagaland border and Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border. He also said "We are also keeping an eye on the ULFA's drive to recruit more cadres." Sahay further said that the State Police is keeping tabs on the movement of ULFA leader Dristi Rajkhowa on Meghalaya-Bangladesh border, while claiming that ULFA's activity in Meghalaya has gone down in recent months following all-out action by security forces against the GNLA. He also warned that anybody found aiding militant groups in converting old currencies into new ones would be booked under relevant terror funding laws.

NS

Police asked villagers living in the bordering areas of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh not to panic due to the ongoing combing operations following the terror strike at Pengeri in Tinsukia District in upper Assam and sought their cooperation in combating militancy. Following the ambush carried by ULFA-I and Manipuri militant groups at Pengeri in which three army jawans were killed, life at the nearby villages has been hit as combing operations carried out by SFs have triggered panic among villagers who are being allegedly harassed. On November 30, hundreds of villagers of Lakiligaon in Sivasagar District were asked to assemble at a playground for several hours as SFs were conducting an operation in their village. Many complained of suffering losses and many reportedly remained hungry for hours. DGP Mukesh Sahay said, "The operation is not against innocent people but anti-national elements. So, villagers need not fear or panic. We seek public support to counter militancy in the state and in fact locals are helping us." Reacting to the situation and the modus operandi in which villagers were kept away from their daily chores, the top Police officer added, "It's a normal exercise for the safety of the locals. When they were gathered in a particular area, it's easy to keep them away from any untoward situation. They were allowed to go after sometime." Sources said some youths from these bordering villagers have left their homes after the Pengeri attack and are yet to return. "Stories of alleged harassment by forces in the name of search operation are creating panic among villagers. Locals have stopped going to their paddy fields," a source said.

During past one week huge old FICNs of INR 100 denomination has surfaced in Tinsukia markets in Tinsukia District causing serious concern for general public. Though source of these fake notes could not be ascertained, public, however, suspect that the militant groups or their agents might have pumped the notes in the wake shortage of currency following demonetization, the public even did not rule out dubious involvement of some banks, report said.

Pengaree/ Tinsukia District

Assam Police arrested one ULFA-I cadre, identified as Tarun Moran alias Jantufrom Bordubi in Tinsukia District. The arrest was made during a counter-insurgency operation being carried out across the entire vulnerable locations of the District following the ULFA-I ambush in Pengaree on November 19. A revolver, several rounds of live ammunitions, demand letters along with mobile handsets were recovered from the possession of the arrested ULFA-I cadre.

NS

At least 21 youths, including a woman, joined the Paresh Baruah-led ULFA-I, Police sources said. After the attack on a Army convoy in Tinsukia District on November 19, in which three jawans were killed and four injured, security forces launched a massive search operation in various villages in Tinsukia, Dibrugarh and Sivasagar Districts and those on the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh and Assam-Nagaland borders. "Some of the youths, linkmen for ULFA-I, have fled the villages where search operation is on. But at least 21 youths from Tinsukia district, including a woman, have reportedly joined the outfit. Most of them have a history of petty crime," a Police source said. The group also includes computer-skilled youths.

NS

The PDCK expressed its resentment over a statement of Abhijeet Asom, 'chairman' of ULFA-I. In a press statement, the 'general secretary' of the PDCK, Nongme Tungjang said that the press release of ULFA-I on November 24 was full of baseless and motivated charges and insinuations leveled against the newly-formed PDCK where the chairman Abhijit Asom said that PDCK was a carbon copy of 'artificial' Nagalim. Nongme Tungjang further reminded him that the Karbi Longri and KLNLF and the Karbi people had provided everything they had to revive the ULFA after the 'Operation All Clear' in Bhutan in 2003.

New Delhi

An official source in New Delhi said that India has handed over the details of the 'commander-in-chief' of ULFA-I, Paresh Baruah to China for taking necessary action against the militant leader. The sources said that India has already signed an agreement with China for jointly dealing with terrorism. The process of sharing information with China has already started. However, for the agreement to become fully operational, as development of a proper system for day-to-day intelligence sharing, may take little bit of time. Sources also said that as a part of the agreement, China has assured that it would not allow any militant to use its territory to indulge in anti-India activities. A number of leaders and key members of militant outfits of North East, including the Paresh Baruah, are still believed to be in China.

NS

According to information available with the intelligence and security agencies, the militant groups of North East lost at least 50 per cent of the cash following the demonetization move of the GoI.

Though the vigil along the international border with Myanmar was intensified, the militant groups managed to send good amounts of old currency notes to India to exchange. Sources said that, the ULFA-I was keeping around INR 60 million in old currency notes in the camps in Myanmar. The outfit managed to exchange around 50 per cent of those in Nagaland. The outfit used the family members of the ULFA-I militants, who are now staying in Nagaland and their sympathisers and associates in that state to exchange the old currency notes.

Similarly, the NSCN-K tried to exchange old currency notes valued at around INR 50 million and the outfit also managed to exchange around 50 percent of the amount. The outfit sent a group to Zunheboto District for the exchange of currency notes. It is believed that the Manipur-based outfits also managed to get substantial amounts of old currency notes, but the amount is yet to be assessed by the security agencies.

Dharmapur village / Changlang District/ Arunachal Pradesh

The joint SFs of Indian Army in association with ARs killed two militants and arrested six cadres of the ULFA-I at Dharmapur village under Maio Police Station in Changlang District. The eliminated militants were identified as Deep Moran and Noga Moran. An AK-47 rifle and a pistol were also recovered from the militant.

NS

The head of ULFA-I's 'western command', Drishti Rajkhowa, continues to remain elusive for Assam Police. According to the sources, Rajkhowa was recently spotted near the India-Bangladesh bordering areas. DGP, Mukesh Sahay said, "His movements were recorded near the Meghalaya-Bangladesh bordering areas." On various occasions, he was traced to the Garo Hills, Goalpara and Bangladesh, too. Rajkhowa has been operating a gunrunning racket with the help of GNLA of Meghalaya, the sources added.

Wakhet Ghat near Wakhet village of Bordumsa / Changlang District

The joint SFs of Madras Regiment and Arunachal Police arrested two ULFA-I militants, identified as Pomai Moran and Muhunto Phukon (17) at Wakhet Ghat near Wakhet village of Bordumsa in Changlang District. The SFs recovered detonators and several other objectionable materials from the possession of the arrested militants.

Kakopathar / Tinsukia District

Two extortionists, identified as Pradeep Chetry (24) and Prasanta Dangoria (31) who were demanding money in the name of ULFA-I, were arrested by Tinsukia Police from Kakopathar in Tinsukia District.

Dhaligaon Police Station / Chirang District

The Assam Police arrested four suspects, identified as Philimon Narzary, Gobinda Brahma, Subhash Singh and Rajkumar Tapadar, on December 20, after a FIR was lodged by the MLA and former Minister Chandan Brahma at the Dhaligaon Police Station in Chirang District complaining about extortion demand of INR 35 lakh by some unknown person in the name of the ULFA-I. One of the arrestees, Philimon Narzary, a former member of NDFB-IKS was the mastermind behind the conspiracy, said Chirang SP Shankar Brata Rai Medhi.

NS

With a number of militant outfits of the State trying to regroup, the Assam Government has sought additional forces from the Centre; while efforts are also on to improve coordination with the neighbouring states to check movement of the ultras. Around 280 companies of forces, including more than a hundred companies of central paramilitary forces, are now engaged in counter-insurgency operations in the State. However, substantial number of forces was withdrawn from Assam following the last Assembly elections and that is why the State Government has requested the Centre to send additional forces to deal with the situation.

The Special Director General of Police (Law and Order) Kula Saikia admitted that as the militant groups are not in a position to create trouble alone, they are trying to regroup and work under one umbrella. He said the militants are trying to shift their modus operandi and they have started to try and use more explosives. Another major shift is that the ultras are trying to use women cadres for transporting different materials. He said that in the last four months alone, at least 17 kilograms of explosives were recovered from the militants in different parts of the State. He revealed that so far this year (2016), around 50 militants were neutralised, while more than 800 were arrested. The incidents of violence involving the militants also came down as only 30 such incidents were reported in the last four months. Replying to a question on the strategies adopted by the Police and SFs to improve the overall law and order scenario, Saikia said that bringing the Police closer to the common people is one of the major thrusts. He said that efforts are on to expand the concept of formation of citizens' committees, which started in Guwahati in 1996. All the Police Stations of the State have been directed to set up such citizens' committees and the entire process will be supervised by the concerned SPs.

As the militants are trying to take advantage of the jungle areas along the inter-state border between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, efforts are on to improve surveillance in those areas, while coordination with the Police forces of the neighbouring states has also improved. All the forces on the ground are operating in a coordinated manner and specific input-based operations are being carried out. Saikia said that the attempts by the Police and SFs to chock the supply lines of the militants are yielding results. Senior NDFB-IKS militant, G Bidai and the group moving around with him, are in trouble as the supply lines are chocked, while a large number of jackets and blankets were recovered when those were being taken for ULFA-I militants in Margherita area in Tinsukia District.