Incidents and Statements involving ULFA: 2017

Date

Nature of incident

January 1

Itakhola Ledo / Tinsukia District

NS

Three militant outfits of North East, KLO, NLFT and PDCK had set March 31 as 'deadline' for 'Hindi speakers' and Bengalis to 'quit Kamatapur, Karbi-Longri and Tripura' in an statement. The statement was signed by KLO 'chairman' Jiban Singh Koch, NLFT 'organising secretary' Seng-phul Borok and PDCK 'chairman' JK Lijang. The statement also condemned the killing of suspected NDFB-IKS, Ratna Narzary of Khunguri village of Chirang District on December 29 by SFs. According to the report, all these three militant groups are mentored by the NSCN-K and ULFA-I.

Dwarmara village in Pengaree/ Tinsukia District

One person, identified as Rajiv Rajkhowa was arrested by Pengaree Police following a public chastisement at Dwarmara village in Pengaree in Tinsukia District. The arrested person, Rajiv Rajkhowa, shot a local VDP member, identified as Umesh Rai, at his residence who narrowly escaped death. Then he was caught by the son of the victim with the help of the villagers and later handed him over to Pengaree Police. Local sources said that Rajiv Rajkhowa had served an extortion letter to Rai last year in the name of the ULFA. The Police recovered two handmade revolvers and a writing pad belonging to the ULFA from the arrestee.

Kathgalguri near Bordumsa / Tinsukia District

One militant of ULFA-I, identified as Lakheswar Baruah alias Lavang Axom was arrested by Bordumsa Police in association with Indian Army at Kathgalguri near Bordumsa in Tinsukia District.

Sources in Assam Police said that at a time when majority of Karbi militant outfits were joining the peace process, PDCK was trying to spread its tentacles in the hill District. The source said that formed under the guidance of I.K. Songbijit, who was earlier the hardliner leader of NDFB-IKS, PDCK has reportedly launched a recruitment drive in the region. The source said, "Ever since the genocide of Adivasis in 2014, Songbijit got reportedly unpopular among the Bodos for his barbaric ways. Sidelined and pushed to Myanmar, the rebel leader formed PDCK with Karbi youths drawn from the NDFB faction." Many Karbi youths were recruited in the NDFB-IKS faction when Songbijit was heading it and Police suspect that these youths helped him to form the new outfit. According to the source, there are around 60 cadres under IK Songbijit in Myanmar training camps. The PDCK is talking about 'sovereignty' and it is backed by NSCN-K and ULFA-I, the source added.

The ADGP, L R Bishnoi, said that Chinese intelligence agencies had been helping various insurgent groups of North Eastern India having bases in Myanmar. L R Bishnoi also claimed that the chief of ULFA-I, Paresh Barua had currently set up base in Ruili, a Chinese town in the Myanmar border. He said that Paresh Barua had drawn up plans to supply arms procured from Chinese agencies to smaller armed groups of the North-eastern region. "Chinese intelligences have been helping, directly or indirectly various insurgent groups of the North-eastern region that have their bases and hideouts inside Myanmar. These groups are under increasing influence of the Chinese agencies, and ULFA-I leader Paresh Barua is among those top leaders who have been in regular touch with the Chinese liaison office in Ruili on the China-Myanmar border," ADGP LR Bishnoi said.

Giving a break-up of the cadre strength of different North-eastern rebel groups in Myanmar, ADGP Bishnoi also said that while the NSCN-K had over 1,000 cadres there, PLA- a Manipuri group came second with over 250 men. "Taking into account at least ten North-eastern rebel groups having their bases and hideouts in Myanmar, there should be close to 2,500 militants from the region in that country. Of them NSCN-K alone has a little over 1,000 men, followed by around 260 of the PLA, 230 of the UNLF and a little over 200 of the ULFA-I," Bishnoi said. According to him, the strength of the NSCN-IM there would be between 80 and 120, NDFB-IKS about 160, KYKL, PREPAK and PREPAK-Pro around 10 each. "Two things that have been happening there is that while the rebel groups of the region work in close coordination, they get almost 100 per cent support from the local communities close to the Indo-Myanmar who belong to various Naga tribes.

The NIA arrested one ULFA-I militant identified as 'second lieutenant' Gagan Hazarika alias Joydeep Cheleng from Guwahati in Kamrup Metropolitan (Guwahati) District. He was arrested in connection with a case the NIA had registered against ULFA-I in 2013. Sources in NIA said, "He has been taken into custody for six days. His arrest is likely to throw light on the activities of senior ULFA leaders like 'chairman' Mukul Hazarika and 'c-in-c' Paresh Baruah."

Two AR personnel were killed and several others injured when suspected militants attacked an AR vehicle escorting tourists in Tinsukia District. Militants lobbed several grenades targeting the vehicle at Jagun 12th Mile Barabasti on NH-315 bordering the District in the run up to Republic Day, a defence spokesman said. The AR vehicle and three vehicles of tourists returning from the Pangsau festival have been damaged in grenade explosions, the spokesman added. The Pangsau Festival is held along the Indo-Myanmar border in the area.

SFs killed two unidentified militants involved in the ambush which claimed the lives of two AR troopers at 12th Mile Barabasti along NH-315 near Jagun village in Tinsukia District. Defence PRO, Lieutenant Colonel Suneet Newton, said that bodies of two militants had been recovered along with five IEDs, two grenades, a G3 rifle, a pistol and fired cases of nine lathode. The ambush was jointly claimed by militant conglomerates namely UNLFW and CorCom under 'Operation Barak'.

NS

In a joint statement, the CorCom, GNLA, HNLC and the ULFA-I called for a 'total shut down' in the entire North East India on Indian Republic day (26th January). In the joint statement issued by the militant groups asserted that the 'WESEA' should 'collectively boycott' the Indian Republic Day on January 26, 2017.

NS

According to a source in State Police, arrested former Chairman of the APSC, Rakesh Paul had been funding ULFA-I and GNLA militant in the last few years. According to the source he paid nearly INR 1 crore to each of the militant groups in the last few years.

NS

Paresh Baruah, the 'c-in-c' of the ULFA-I militant, made a statement threatening the theater owners of the State accusing discrimination against a regional film. The director of the film Himanghshu Prasad Das made an appeal in an open letter to the militant leader on Facebook after several theatre owners decided to remove his movie- 'Shakira Ahibo Bakultolor Bihuloi' on January 25. In response to his letter, the militant leader threatened the theatre owners to continue regional films instead of Hindi movies.

Sivasagar, Charideo, Tinsukia and Dibrugarh Districts

All total seven bombs were exploded by ULFA-I militant, during the day of celebration of India's Republic Day (January 26) in different places of Sivasagar, Charideo, Tinsukia and Dibrugarh Districts. However no casualties were reported. According to the Police sources low intensity IED were used in the blasts. According to the sources, in Sibsagar District the blast took place in Majpani area and in Tinsukia District two blasts took place at Sisimi village and Sukan pukhuri area. While, in Charaideo District bomb exploded in Angera, Lengeribor and Bihubor area and in Dibrugarh District one explosion took place in Chowkidinghee area.

NS

ULFA-I militant, claimed responsibility for the seven bomb blasts that took place in Assam on the Republic Day of India (January 26), terming it as 'symbolic protest'.

A Police source said that in the Republic Day (January 26) serial blast, the ULFA-I militant used local people for planting bombs instead of their regular militant cadres. The Police source also claimed that they had already identified some of these people.

Assam Police registered a suo moto case of sedition against the filmmaker, Himangshu Prasad Das, who had openly sought help from 'leader' of the ULFA-I, Paresh Barua, to ask film distributors not to take his film (Shakira Ahibo Bokultolor Bihuloi) off screens to make way for the Hindi movies 'Raees' and 'Kaabil' last week. Police said that it was a very serious crime and they were waiting for an individual or organisation to file a FIR, but when that did not happen, they chose to take up the suo moto case.

The senior leader of the GNLA militant, Ninja M Sangma (23) alias Megam, who surrendered on February 1, revealed that there were only 27 cadres left in the militant group. Furthermore, he revealed that besides these cadres, there were also five other cadres of ULFA-I militant who were still working with 'c-in-c' of GNLA, Sohan D Shira.

SFs arrested a linkman of the ULFA-I, identified as Bubul Das alias Bubul Barman, at Sarupathar in Golaghat District. According to Police sources, the ULFA-I had appointed some persons for abduction and extortion and the arrested linkman was one of them.

A non-political organisation, BJSM opposed the move of the BTC authority for providing 500 acres of land to the members of the ULFA-PTF in BTC area. The issue of land allotment came during a meeting held recently in Kokrajhar, between the leaders of ULFA-PTF led by Anup Chetia and the BTC Chief for uniting the ULFA-PTF cadres in BTAD.

Unidentified militants gunned down two civilians, Bakul Rabha(40) and Saru (35), at Chengapara village under Kolaigaon Police Station in Udalguri District. Militants also set ablaze the hut of the deceased couple. The Police Personnel who reached the spot after being informed by local residents found the charred bodies of the deceased couple along with 25 rounds of empty bullets. "Since we found bullets, we are certain about the involvement of militants in the incident but we are yet to pinpoint the group. Both ULFA-I and NDFB-IKS are active in the area and we are trying to identify the assailants," a Police official in Udalguri said. Villagers told the Police that the couple could have been killed as they were suspected to be informers of SFs.

SFs arrested a militant belonging to ULFA-I, identified as Pranjal Nath alias Sailendra Asom alias Protim Asom, at Jelehua Gaon under Dergaon Police Station in Golaghat District. According to the sources, the militant joined ULFA-I in 2011 and he had undergone training in Myanmar.

AR arrested a linkman identified as Alan Rai, who worked for both ULFA-I and NSCN-K, at Old Khamdo village in Changlang District. According to the AR source, the arrested linkman was involved in extortion cases and blank letters bearing names of ULFA-I and NSCN-K were recovered from his possession. During the interrogation, the linkman also revealed that he was helping these two militant groups for four years and had regular contact with the ''sergeant'' Rupam Asom of ULFA-I.

Indian Army arrested a linkman of ULFA-I militant, identified as Netra Bania (53), from Haufau area under Borhat Police Station in Charaidew District. The arrestee is a small tea grower in the village and according to the Army he had been keeping relation with ULFA-I for a long time and he was involved in collecting money from businessmen.

Clarifying the stand of the present Union Government towards insurgents groups, the UMHA has indicated to a parliamentary panel that it is open to negotiations with only those militant formations that abjure violence and opt for a solution within the Constitution of India. The Government proposes to adopt a multi-pronged strategy to deal with extremists/separatists of the northeastern region. The parliamentary panel in its report advised that the government should start dialogue with these groups and address sympathetically their grievances within the framework of the Constitution of India with an aim of bringing them into the mainstream. The multi-pronged strategy includes this aspect also.

Currently, the Union government is engaged in peace talks with various insurgent groups of the Northeast and talks are continuing with the ULFA-PTF, NDFB-P, NDFB-RD, KLNLF- all from Assam, while the NSCN-IM, NSCN-KN and NSCN-R of Nagaland are under ceasefire agreements.

A total of 23 underground outfits of Manipur, consisting two conglomerates - the UPF and KNO are currently under SoO agreement with the Union Government. Three valley-based underground outfits of Manipur - the URF, KCP-L and KYKL-MDF have signed MoU with the Union Government.

The Union Government has informed that pursuant to the policy of talks, various insurgent outfits, including the UPDS, DHD of Assam and ANVC and ANVC-B of Meghalaya have signed memorandum of settlement with the Government and dissolved themselves. As a result, a number of members of insurgent outfits have surrendered after laying down arms and joined the mainstream of society.

SFs arrested one unidentified militant of ULFA-I at Tengakhat in Dibrugarh District. According to the SFs he was involved in the blast in Dibrugarh''s Convoy Road on the Republic Day (January 26). SFs also recovered one motorcycle with two different registration numbers from his possession.

SFs arrested one ULFA-I cadre, identified as Anuj Konwar alias Konwar Asom from Tengakhat in Dibrugarh District.

Acting on input provided by an arrested ULFA-I militant, Anuj Konwar alias Konwar Asom, SFs recovered a high-power grenade from Khanikar Tea Estate in Dibrugarh District.

A Government official source said that on the basis of a confession made by arrested ULFA-I cadre Gagan Hazarika alias Joydeep Cheleng, the NIA had confirmed about the proper identity of the 'chairman' of ULFA-I. According to the NIA, the real name of the 'chairman' Abhijit Asom is Mukul Hazarika and he is a doctor at Billingham town in Durham of UK. The source said that apart from being a practising doctor in the UK, Hazarika was associated with the UK-based human rights group, Assam Watch, which used to raise alleged incidents of human rights violation by SFs in the State. The Assam Watch is an alleged front of ULFA, which had arranged the travel of then ULFA 'chairman' Arabinda Rajkhowa and 'general secretary' Anup Chetia to Geneva to attend a meeting of the UN Sub-Commission's Working Group on Indigenous People in July 1997. The source further said that the NIA would soon move the court for issuing an arrest warrant against Dr Hazarika as a prelude to requesting the UK for his extradition.

The BSF has informed the BGB that seven militant outfits from the Northeast have set up as many as 20 camps in Bangladesh. Sources in the BSF said the NLFT has 10 camps, HNLC from Meghalaya's Khasi hills has three camps, ULFA-I and MPLA have two camps each while GNLA of Meghalaya, PREPAK and KYKL, both from Manipur, have a camp each.

Suspected ULFA-I militants fired inside the bungalow of a Dipankar Buragohain ,tea garden manager of Disam tea estate in Naharkatia of Dibrugarh District. Militants opened fire after the manager refused to pay the extortion money amounting to INR 600,000, as contribution for ULFA-I.

Singbirth N Marak alias Norok X Momin, who had reluctantly participated in the disbanding ceremony on June 9, 2016, allegedly hid a sizeable number of arms from the Police. In 2016, East Garo Hills District Police intercepted a cache of weapons and ammunition that were being shipped to GNLA and also recovered the payment amounting to several lakhs of rupees that was paid for the weapons. With a red alert against him, Norok slipped into Assam and began the process of forming a new militant group with the support of NDFB, ULFA and a section of UALA which, according to Police, had already been named as UANF.

An overground cadre of ULFA-I, identified as Amulya Gogoi, was arrested by Police from Duliajan town in Dibrugarh District. The arrestee was involved in extortions on behalf of the militant group.

On the basis of the security inputs, Police warned that ULFA-I militants might carry out sabotage activities in Guwahati and intensified patrolling and checking in the city.

An official source of IB said that the ULFA-I and GNLA have planned to carry major explosions and attack on security forces in Lower Assam and Garo hills. The IB source further said that, the outfit groups plan to use professional criminals and carriers to carry explosives and to plant IED and bombs. After intercepting telephonic conversation between two top leaders of ULFA-I and GNLA, IB officials managed to find out the planning of the outfits. The source said that, IB has already informed the UHM, Police and Home Departments of both States and other security agencies about the militants plan.

Indian Army troopers recovered an IED from a paddy field of Dubluhabi area of Charaipung forest division in Charaidew District. Army arrested one suspected person, identified as Ghanakanta Gogoi in this connection. According to the Army the arrested person was secretly working for the ULFA-I.

The 'foreign secretary' of GNLA, identified as Briyan R. Marak alias Millam (40) surrendered before Police without any arms at Baghmara in South Garo Hills District. According to Police, Briyan played a key part in forging close ties with the ULFA-I, NDFB and NSCN-U in Bangladesh. Briyan R. Marak's surrender has come as another body blow for the elusive GNLA 'c-in-c' Sohan D. Shira after scores of senior leaders and cadres surrendered in the past one year. The GNLA 'c-in-c' is learnt to be with a handful (approximately 20) cadres and well armed, stated another source in the Police headquarters.

The ULFA-I, in a joint statement issued by its 'chairman' Abhizeet Asom, and 'c-in-c' Paresh Asom, hinted that it will continue 'joint operations' with the CorCom, an umbrella body of Manipur-based militant groups, against security forces of India. Last year, both the militant formations have carried out coordinated attacks on Security Forces under 'operation Barak'. The statement was issued on the occasion of ULFA-I's 'army day' on March 16.

NS

An Indian Army source reveals that the ULFA-I, which suffered severe setbacks due to sustained operations, was forced to allow militant outfits from other States to operate in Assam. The source further said that, demonetisation of the old INR 500 and INR 1,000 currency notes also resulted in severe setback to the militant group. Army sources added that as it is not in a position to carry out operations on its own, the ULFA-I was forced to allow militant outfits from Manipur and Nagaland to operate in Assam.

Koriapani village at Jagun / Tinsukia District

SFs arrested two ULFA-I militants from Koriapani village at Jagun in Tinsukia District, near Assam-Arunachal inter-State boundary. The arrested militants were identified as Bitu Rajbanshi and Bitul Shimpo, Defence PRO Colonel Chiranjeet Konwer said. A pistol, live ammunition and cash were seized from their possession. "On sustained interrogation, the duo admitted to their allegiance to ULFA-I. Rajbanshi further revealed that he had undergone training at Kachin training camp in Myanmar," the officer said.

NS

In a statement, the ULFA-I criticised the Assam Government for spending INR 0.14 billion to organise the five-day Namami Brahmaputra Festival, beginning on March 31. In the statement, militant group express its suspicions that organising Namami Brahmaputra on the lines of Namami Gange programme 'could be a prelude' to linking the Brahmaputra with the Ganges and it 'vowed' to oppose linking of any river of Assam with any river outside the State.

Majuli /District

Police launched massive search operation to arrest Mahendra Gogoi, a suspected linkman of the ULFA-I, who has been serving extortion notes in Majuli Island District for the last several weeks. Majuli Police have announced cash award to anybody who can give specific information about the ULFA linkman who has been collecting money in name of the banned outfit, informed Police sources. However, Police so far recovered several extortion pads and notes and two mobile phones, eight chargers and list of people's names.

NS

The ULFA-I, in an open letter, signed by its 'chairman' Abhijeet Asom, reacted on the Dalai Lama's upcoming 12-days visit to North East India from April 1. In the letter, the militant group expressed their concern that his visit might deteriorate the fragile relationship between India and China which will ultimately bring sufferings to the people of Assam. In the letter, the militant group also mentioned the 'Nan Zang (southern Tibet)' or Tawang as an 'occupied territory' and appealed to avoid anti-China statements.

Silchar / Cachar District

The 'general secretary' of the ULFA-PTF militant, Anup Chetia, opposed the proposed bill for granting citizenship to Hindu Bangladeshis in Assam during a meeting at Silchar of Cachar District. He said, "We oppose the decision of the Indian Government to grant citizenship to Hindus from Bangladesh. This is a blatant threat to the demography of the state." The militant leader further pointed that there are more than 1.5 crore Hindus living in Bangladesh and the Indian Government must start diplomatic talks with its Bangladeshi counterpart.

NS

Authoritative security sources in the Union Home Ministry claimed that China has roped in militant groups of North East to launch a proxy war against India. The source further claimed that the recent statement of ULFA-I, on March 28, against the visit of Dalai Lama in Assam was dictated by China. Also, asserting that China was not interested in organizational strength of ULFA-I, the security sources said that China intends to intensify its proxy war against India in the North East through the separatist groups.

NS

ULFA-PTF 'general secretary' Anup Chetia said that peace talks with ULFA-I, led by Paresh Axom (Baruah), is only possible if the Union Government comes forward for a dialogue process. However, the leader declined to comment when asked if he has received any indication from Paresh Baruah for the peace talks. The ULFA 'general secretary' also expressed concern at the alleged "apathetic attitude" of the Central Government towards the peace talk process with the ULFA-PTF.

Kakopothar designated camp / Tinsukia District

The ULFA-PTF observed their 37th 'raising day' of the organisation at Kakopothar designated camp in Tinsukia District. Apart from the ULFA-PTF leaders, AJYCP president Biraj Talukdar, convener of Gana Mukti Sangram Samity Lu Chun Gohain, advocate Nekibur Zaman and several others prominent people attended the meeting. The speakers criticized the Central and State governments on the proposed amendment to the Citizenship Bill. On the other hand, the All Assam Surrendered ULFA Samittee warned of an agitation if its demands were not met. The group, consisting of former undivided ULFA cadres who had surrendered between 1992 and 2014, held a meeting on the occasion of the 'raising day' and adopted several resolutions. The members unanimously agreed to press for their demands which include provision of interim relief, monthly stipend, lifting of pending court cases, granting of sovereignty to the State, imposition of inner-line permit and granting of ST status to the six communities of Assam.

NS

Security sources said that the ULFA-I had started a drive to recruit youths from the upper Assam Districts of Tinsukia and Dibrugarh by engaging linkmen. According to the sources, around 15 youths from the upper Assam Districts have been taken to Myanmar recently for training. But the exact number of the fresh recruits is yet to be ascertained. Sources also said that some of the bids of the ULFA-I to recruit youths have been foiled following arrest of the linkmen of the outfit, while, a few new recruits were also nabbed before they could be taken to Myanmar.

Doomdooma / Tinsukia District

Police arrested three extortionists, identified as Joydeep Chakraborty alias Babul (20), Rahul Sah (20) and Aman Verma alias Biki (24), who demanded money from a small tea garden owner by impersonating ULFA-I militants at Doomdooma in Tinsukia District.

NS

The APW, a rights body in the State, claimed that the ULFA-I might try to create trouble in the Government's project of dredging the Brahmaputra. On April 4, 2017, the Centre had signed a MoU with the State Government to dredge the Brahmaputra and construct a national expressway on its bank. The APW president Abhijeet Sharma said, "The Brahmaputra dredging project has upset the Chinese authorities who try to assert their rights over the river that flows down from Tibet. Paresh Baruah, being a Chinese agent, may try to lead a proxy war in the State in a bid to create hindrance in the project." The organisation further alleged that the April 15-17 scheduled visit of Chinese envoy to Assam, Luo Zhaohul, is part of 'a greater design of China' in the region and urged the Central Government of India to cancel it.

In a meeting with the former Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, Chinese Ambassador Luo Zhaohui said that China is not harboring ULFA-I or any other militant group from the Northeast and that the Dalai Lama should not have 'meddled' in the Sino-Indian affair.

One unidentified militant of ULFA-I was killed by 7 Madras Regiment of Indian Army near Dirak Charali in Tinsukia District. Two 7.65 pistols and a fake driving license in the name of Pulin Dutta was recovered from the killed militant. However the proper identity of the militant is not yet known. The encounter took place when the militant tried to run away by firing from a vehicle during a checking by the search team of the Indian army.

NS

A top official source of Assam Police informed that the internal conflicts among the cadres of the ULFA-I and NSCN-K have increased in recent times. The source said that two top ULFA-I leaders currently based in Myanmar, who also known to be very close with Paresh Baruah, have recently contacted to a top official of Union Home Ministry and a top Assam Police official and expressed their desire to come main stream. "Conflict has been growing up in ULFA-I after its 'c-in-c' Paresh Baruah made several statements in favour of China and some leaders of the outfit had openly opposed it," added the source. In the same way, the source said that, several leaders of NSCN-K are also in touch with the Union Home Ministry. Supporting the point, the source also added that recently NSCN-K's deputy 'c-in-c' Niki Sumi and its 'army chief' Isak Sumi met European Union ambassador to Myanmar Roland Kobia and Indian ambassador to Myanmar Vikram Misri at an Indo-Myanmar bordering town in 'eastern Nagaland'.

Cherekapar area / Sivasagar District

One militant of ULFA-I, identified as Madhab Jyoti Nath (23), was arrested by the SFs from Cherekapar area of Sivasagar District. A .22 pistol, 6 rounds of live bullets of AK-47 rifle, one mobile phone, INR 7,000 and other documents were also recovered from him.

Shillong

BSF DG K.K Sharma said that Bangladesh is no longer a safe haven for Indian insurgent groups. Sharma, who was addressing the media at the 8th annual medical conference at the BSF headquarters in the Shillong, said the few training camps and hideouts set up by Indian rebel groups, like HNLC and ULFA, in the neighbouring country have been destroyed by the Border Guards Bangladesh. On border fencing in the State, Sharma said BSF has taken up the land acquisition issue with the State Government. At the same time, he said the border sentinels will introduce high-end technology to detect intruders. "BSF is in the process of filling up the gaps along the border by technological solutions - installing intruder detection alert system that would go a long way in detecting infiltrators.

NS

Sustained counter-insurgency operations against militants in the North-eastern region have hit the ULFA-I hard, forcing it to try combining forces with other militant outfits, says Mukesh Sahai. They are trying to put up a united platform to attack Government forces, the DGP added, while interacting with media persons recently. He further said that ULFA-I has been weakened but is still recruiting cadres. "We have information of a number of youths joining the outfit in recent times, some of whom we have nabbed. But the magnitude of recruitment is not like before. ULFA-I is led by Paresh Barua, who is opposed to the government's ongoing talks with the Arabinda Rajkhowa-led ULFA faction. Barua leads hundreds of heavily-armed fighters from his camps in China-Myanmar border and in Myanmar's Sagaing Division," he said. The Assam DGP added, "Stringent operations against NDFB-IKS are also going on in Sonitpur District, along with other probable sensitive areas in the State."

Digboi town / Tinsukia District

The Prakton ULFA Samanoy Samity Sammelon (Conference of Former ULFA Cadres), at Digboi town in Tinsukia District, accused both the Centre and the State Government of "doing little" to ensure proper rehabilitation of former militants of the ULFA. They criticised the Government for not having "comprehensive policy" in this regard.

New Delhi

States in the Northeast have asked the UMHA to step up the presence of central intelligence and security forces in five contiguous Districts in Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland adjoining Myanmar. These Districts, they said, have emerged as the hub of the last remaining militants in the region. "We have apprised the home minister of the security situation in the northeast and informed him that all militant activities are being controlled from Arunachal's Tirap, Changlang and Longding Districts, and Nagaland's Mon and Tuensang Districts," said a top security official who participated in the northeast security review meeting by Union home minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi. "We requested him to increase the presence of central intelligence agencies and security forces in these districts," the official added. According to the UMHA report at the review meeting, the security situation in Arunachal Pradesh (the three districts) and Manipur remains a subject of concern, though relatively less than it has been in the past. These five districts also border as many Districts of Assam on the other side, including Tinsukia District, where the ULFA-I is active and has been carrying out strikes jointly with Meitei outfits of Manipur. "The biggest advantage of these five districts is their proximity to the NSCN-K-controlled areas of Myanmar and their highly difficult terrain, which makes patrolling a difficult task for security agencies," the official said.

Sonaripara village / Udalguri District

One suspected militant of ULFA-I, identified as 'sergeant major' Rajesh Bora, was killed in an encounter with Assam Police at Sonaripara village in Udalguri District. A 9mm pistol, a grenade and INR 600000 in cash were also recovered from the deceased militant.

NS / Ledo (Tinsukia district Assam) near Changlang District

SFs arrested a ULFA-I militant 'private' Bikram Chakma, during an operation, at Ledo (Tinsukia district Assam) near Changlang District, along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh boundary. A .22 caliber pistol with ammunitions was seized from the militant. On interrogation, the cadre also revealed the whereabouts of an over ground worker of NSCN-K identified as Tara Chand.

Namsai District

The 'Eastern Command' of ULFA-I served extortion demand of INR one million to the former State Education Minister Mr Bida Taku at his residence in Namsai District. Mr Taku told the newspaper that another extortion notice worth INR 500,000 was served to his election agent also.

Dikom / Dibrugarh District

A person was killed in a blast at an OIL pipeline, around 500 meters from the oil collecting station at Dikom in Dibrugarh District. While ULFA-I claimed it had carried out the blast and the body was one of its cadres, Bobby Dohatia alias Palash Asom, Police maintains that it was caused in an attempt to pilfer fuel. "All seems to be buried under slush. On preliminary investigation, it appears to be a case of oil pilferage. However, after the claim by ULFA-I, the security agencies are looking at that angle as well," a source said.

NS

In a press conference, BYWS alleged that the purported extortion notice served to former Minister Bida Taku by ULFA-I was done 'at the initiative of a political rival in order to cow him down' and demanded the government to expose the person behind the extortion notice.

NS

ULFA-PTF has expressed hope that appointment of Dineshwar Sharma as the new interlocutor will provide much-needed momentum to the ongoing peace talks between the outfit and the Government. The Centre has appointed Sharma - a 1976-batch Kerala cadre IPS officer who retired as Director of the IB on December 31, 2016. Sharma took charge on June 1. ULFA-PTF 'general secretary' Anup Chetia welcomed Sharma's appointment, describing it as a positive development for the ongoing negotiations between the outfit and the Government. "We hope with his appointment the peace process will gain momentum and help us find a permanent solution. We look forward to meeting him shortly," Chetia said.

Kamrup (Metro) District

A ULFA-I militant, identified as Ron Asom alias Krishna Nath, surrendered himself before the Dispur Police in Kamrup (Metro). Police said Ron surrendered because of his prolonged illness. He hails from Tamulpur area of Baksa District. He joined the outfit in 2011 and was received training in Myanmar.

A place between Lapa Lempong and Oting villages near Tizit /Mon District

A Major of the Territorial Army, identified David Manlun, and a civilian, identified as Rajendra Gupta, and three militants were killed in an encounter with a group of suspected militants at a place in between Lapa Lempong and Oting villages near Tizit subdivision of Mon District. Three militants of ULFA-I, who were killed in the encounter, were also identified and they are 'second lieutenant' Phanindra Asom (35), Bipul Asom (32) and Dikom Konwar (35). Apart from that, three Army jawans (troopers) were also critically injured in the encounter. The encounter took place when a joint team of the 164 Territorial Army and 12 Para launched an operation in the area based on information about the presence of a combined group of ULFA-I and NSCN-K militants. Two AK-56 rifles, an AK-47 rifle, nine magazines, 277 rounds of ammunition, two hand grenades, four mobile handsets, medicines, blankets, sharp weapons and other warlike stores were also recovered from the encounter spot.

NS

Chinese agencies are trying to launch a proxy war with India by using the militant groups of the North East region and some of these plans came to light after a militant leader of ULFA-I, named Ron Asom surrendered recently. Police sources further said that the inputs available with the security agencies indicate that the major militant groups of the region came into a common platform only after pressure from the Chinese agencies and now they have started operating together.

NS

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs resumed the peace-talks with ULFA-PTF and two factions of NDFB in Assam. The two factions of NDFB are NDFB-RD and NDFB-P. Informing that former Director of Intelligence Bureau and newly appointed interlocutor Dineshwar Sharma chaired the tripartite talks with ULFA-PTF in Guwahati on June 7, and security sources said that discussion with two factions of NDFB started on June 8.

Rangiya/ Kamrup rural District

Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said that the peace agreement with the ULFA-PTF will be signed shortly. Rijiju said that the peace agreement with ULFA-PTF led by Arobinda Rajkhowa has almost finalized. "Apart from ULFA, Centre will sign peace agreement with the two faction groups of NDFB within short time," Rijiju said.

Dhakuakhana / Lakhimpur District

Police arrested a former student of GU, named Ritwik Saikia, from Dhakuakhana in Lakhimpur District for allegedly writing an open letter to 'c-in-c' of ULFA-I, Paresh Barua on Facebook.

NS

Director General of Assam Police Mukesh Sahay said that the possibility of ULFA-I 'chief' Paresh Baruah becoming the leader of the umbrella organisation of different militant groups of Northeast India (called United Liberation Front of Western South East Asia) is only a speculation. "The race has already begun among the top leaders of militant outfits of the northeastern region after the demise of NSCN-K 'chairman' SS Khaplang who also headed the umbrella organisation," Sahay said.

Khango Konyak, who is the new 'chairman' of the NSCN-K, is likely to be the head of the UNLFW, which is an umbrella organisation of the militant groups of North East. Earlier it was expected that Paresh Baruah, the 'chief' of ULFA-I might be the head of the UNLFW. But dismissing speculations about his taking over charge of the UNLFW, Paresh Barua has backed the idea of 'next-generation leaders' coming forward to take charge after the demise of NSCN-K 'chief' SS Khaplang.

Five extortionists, identified as Dipen Moran, Mantu Moran, Anadi Asom, Rupantor Moran and Dipak Moran, who extorted money in the name of ULFA, were arrested by Police from Kordoiguri in Tinsukia District.

Tatolgre village in Bajengdoba / North Garo Hills District

Police arrested a linkman and gun runner of ULFA-I and GNLA, identified as Nangsem Marak (36), from Tatolgre village in Bajengdoba in North Garo Hills District. Police also recovered an AK assault rifle, two country-made pistols and three shotguns, mobile phones and a digital camera from the arrestee.

Choknyu village/ Mon District

A gunfight broke between the Indian Army Para Commandos and suspected militants in Mon District bordering Myanmar in the early hours. The exchange of fire took place in Choknyu village near Tapi Bridge, when suspected militants fired at the commandos. Police officials said, "The gunfight lasted for an hour and suspected NSCN-K and ULFA-I militants retreated back to the jungles after intensive firing from the Para Commandos."

West Garo Hills District

Six militants from Assam based ULFA-I and NDFB-IKS have 'crossed over' from Bangladesh into the Dalu's Killapara border crossing of West Garo Hills District and surrendered. The identities of the surrendered militants were not revealed reportedly for 'operational' purposes. The 'top secret operation' was orchestrated by Police from neighbouring Assam.

Near Dawki / West Jaintia Hills District

SFs arrested five militants of NDFB-IKS and one militant of ULFA-I from Indo-Bangladesh border area near Dawki in West Jaintia Hills District. According to the sources, huge cache of arms and ammunition were also recovered from the arrested militants.

NS

In a statement, the ULFA-I rejected a call by a 'pro-swadeshi' organization to boycott Chinese made goods in Assam saying that goods from China have not made any adverse effect on the State and China and Assam are friends and not foes.

NS

In a statement, the ULFA-I alleged that the NEEPCO had caused the problem of flood in North Lakhimpur by releasing water of Ranganadi Hydel Project, and threatened the organisation to pay 'adequate compensation' to the affected people.

NS

The NIA filed a charge-sheet before the special NIA court, Guwahati in connection with a case registered in 2013 against self-styled 'chairman' of ULFA-I Abhijit Asom alias Dr Abhijit Barman alias Dr Mukul Hazarika, `c-in-c' of the outfit Paresh Baruah and one arrested cadre, Joydeep Cheleng alias Gagan Hazarika accusing them of waging war against India. The NIA chargesheet against Hazarika has formally confirms that he leads the banned outfit. Hazarika, who hails from Samaguri in Nagoan District in central Assam, is currently settled in London. Hazarika was identified by one of his bodyguards, Joydeep, who is under arrest. The NIA chargesheet against Hazarika has paved the way for Government of India to seek his extradition from UK.

Shillong

The BGB has denied the presence of North East-based militant camps in the country. Addressing a press conference in Shillong after the culmination of the talks with the BSF officials, BGB Additional Director General (North East region) Mohammad Zahid Hasan said Bangladesh has zero tolerance towards anti-social elements and the country's leadership maintains a tough stand against insurgent groups. "These (presence of insurgent camps) are mere perceptions… We will firmly act if there is any," Zahid said. BSF had raised the issue of presence of outfits like GNLA, ULFA-I and HNLC in Bangladesh territory and sought stringent action against them. Earlier, IG of BSF (Meghalaya frontier) PK Dubey reiterated that there are no regulated militant camps in Bangladesh which existed 10-15 years back and there is coordinated action between the border sentinels of the two countries.

NS

ULFA-I 'commander-in-chief' Paresh Baruah aka Paresh Asom issued ultimatum to the Central Public Sector Undertaking , NEEPCO to either rehabilitate the flood affected population of Lakhimpur District or face dire consequences. Baruah last week had asked the PSU to rehabilitate the affected people after which NEEPCO said that the unprecedented flood in Lakhimpur district is not due to release of water from Ranganadi but due to incessant rain in Arunachal Pradesh. In the current wave of flood, 11 persons have lost their lives in Lakhimpur District.

NS

State Government has told the UMHA that it will not recommend withdrawal of the AFSPA of 1958 from a few areas, at least till August 31, because of the possibility of subversive activities by the ULFA-I.

Police arrested suspected ULFA-I linkman Ananta Saikia (38), from a rented house in Bahona on the outskirts of Jorhat town.

Dibrugarh

Security agencies have stepped up vigil after receiving intelligence inputs indicating the possibility of terror strikes by ULFA-I in Dibrugarh District in the run-up to Independence Day. "We have intelligence inputs that the ULFA-I may try to target Dibrugarh town ahead of Independence Day. Use of car bombs by the militants also cannot be ruled out but we are fully prepared to thwart any kind of threat. Counter-insurgency operations have been intensified in the border areas. We are checking every vehicle and two-wheeler at all entry and exit points of the town. Night patrolling is being conducted in all the major roads and streets," said ASP-Headquarters Surjeet Singh Panesar.

New Delhi

The Union Government extended the disturbed area under the AFSPA for one more month, citing various violent activities by insurgent groups ULFA, NDFB, and others. "The Union Home Ministry also declared Meghalaya's border areas adjoining Assam consisting 20 kilometre belt, and three districts in Arunachal Pradesh as "disturbed" under the AFSPA for two more months with effect from August 3 to September 30. In separate gazette notifications, the Home Ministry said entire Assam has been declared "disturbed" under the AFSPA with effect from August 3 till August 31. The three districts of Arunachal Pradesh - Tirap, Changlang and Longding - and areas falling within the jurisdiction of 14 Police Stations in nine other Districts of the State were also declared as 'disturbed' with effect from August 4 to September 30. The 14 Police Stations fall under the Districts of Papumpare, West Siang, East Siang, Lower Dibang Valley, East Kameng, West Kameng, Namsai, Lohit and Lower Subansiri.

Tinsukia

DGP-law and order Kuladhar Saikia and ADGP-Special Branch Pallab Bhattacharya reviewed the law and order scenario in Dibrugarh, Tinsukia and Charaideo Districts of Upper Assam. The meeting was held taking into account a possible ULFA-I's threat before and during Independence Day celebrations. Sources said this year Dibrugarh district is on the ULFA-I radar. Intelligence agencies recently warned that an ULFA group, led by a 'captain' Henry, may carry out remote-controlled IED blasts in Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts targeting security forces and oil installations. ADGP Kuladhar Saikia said additional forces would be mobilized in the sensitive districts in view of the threat.

Dibrugarh/ Nagaon

The NIA served NBW of arrests against ULFA-I's London-based 'chairman' Dr Mukul Hazarika and 'commander-in-chief' Paresh Baruah, who is believed to be based in Myanmar. Two teams of Guwahati office of NIA took the NBWs to the native home of Hazarika at Samaguri in Nagaon District and Baruah's at Chabua in Dibrugarh District.

A Myanmar-trained ULFA-I cadre, Swadhin Saikia alias Jyotish Asom, was arrested from Duliajan town in Dibrugarh District.

A ULFA-I cadre, Naba Kanta Baruah alias Baroo Asom, was arrested after he surrendered before the Superintendent of Police, Sadiya, in Tinsukia District.

The training camps operated by the dreaded Paresh Baruah faction of the ULFA-I in Myanmar house more than 500 militants. All this was revealed by a militant who surrendered to the security forces on August 27.

ULFA-PTF faction on August 29 asked the indigenous communities of the State to stand united against any attacks on 'indigenous community' by 'outsiders'.

Police have registered a case against ULFA-PTF 'leader' Jiten Dutta for alleged racial abuse and treason. Dergaon Police in Golaghat District registered a suo motu case against Dutta under Sections 153A (promoting enmity between different groups and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony) and 121 (waging or attempting to wage war or abetting waging of war against the government of India) of the Indian Penal Code.

NS

ULFA-I asked two CPSU, NEEPCO and NHPC to quit the region or face "military action." "While NEEPCO's 405-MW Ranganadi Hydel project caused such havoc, it is easily understood what disaster is in store in NHPC's 2000-MW Lower Subansiri project. It will wipe out the entire downstream area. Hence both companies should shut down their operations in this (Western South-East Asia) region. Otherwise ULFA-I will carry out a military action against them," the statement signed by 'Major' Arunoday Asom, 'assistant publicity secretary' said.

ULFA-I warned of "armed action" if 22 model colleges, named after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ideologue Deen Dayal Upadhyaya, are not renamed after prominent personalities of the state within six months. In a statement e-mailed to the media here, the ULFA-I asked State Government to remove names of all "outsider Indians" from various educational institutions and rename the same after eminent sons of the soil within six months failing which it would take `punitive' action against those institutions if they fail to comply.

Tinsukia

ULFA-PTF 'leader' Jiten Dutta in connection to the Nagaon assault case, called his 'fight' a 'battle' to save the identity of Assamese people. This comes a day after Dergaon police registered a suo motu case against ULFA-PTF 'leader', charging him with racial abuse and Sedition. Dutta said, "I am fighting for our identity and existence, which are in danger. If the government slaps cases against me during the struggle to save the identity of Assamese people, I am least bothered."

Guwahati

Two Central Public Sector Undertakings, NEEPCO and NHPC have sought security cover from Assam Police after ULFA-I asked them to close operations in the state within six months and threatened to launch armed action after the time period,

NS

ULFA-I 'vice chairman' and 'chief of staff', 'major general' Paresh Asom has rejected Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's offer for facilitating the peace process and to join the main stream, saying "we only follow the revolutionary stream that will lead to an Independent Asom."

Five ULFA-I and GNLA militants were arrested during an operation carried out recently by Meghalaya and Assam Police. The two ULFA-I militants were identified as Simanta Rabha and Kusha Rabha of Rongjuli area of Goalpara District and were arrested from the same area. The GNLA cadres are Pillar Sangma, Philip Sangma and Nobin Sangma, the trio was arrested from Williamnagar in East Garo Hills. The modus operandi was such that GNLA Overground Workers would identify potential victims, in this case coal dealers and other businessmen, in the Nangalbibra-Jadigittim coal region of South Garo Hills and they were directed to deliver the money in Assam.

Longding

Security forces have been unable to trace Bedanta Kumar Sinha, an engineer who was abducted by suspected ULFA-I rebels from his rented house at Bordumsa in Changlang district.

Tinsukia

A ULFA-I cadre, Dharmendra Moran alias Mukti Axom, surrendered before Tinsukia Police.

Tinsukia

Police took ULFA-PTF 'leader' Jiten Dutta and seven others into custody for their alleged involvement in a case of arson at Bor-phukial sapori area of Tinsukia District. However, seven, including Dutta, were released on a personal recognizance (PR) Bond. Margherita Sub-Divisional Police official Debabrat Morang said, "

Tinsukia

In protest against the ULFA-I threat hundreds of tea workers of Shree Krishna tea estate blocked National Highway (NH- 38) for over half-an-hour at Digboi-Tingrai in Tinsukia district. The agitation comes almost 48 hours after ULFA-I rebels attempted to kidnap the manager of the Shree Krishna Tea Garden and threatened to shut down the garden for failing to meet their extortion demands.

Tinsukia

ULFA-I has "courteously requested" McLeod Russell's Samdang tea estate in Tinsukia District to "contribute" INR 10 million to the outfit's organisational fund. Tinsukia Superintendent of Police Mugdha Jyoti Mahanta said on November 26 that the extortion note was sent to a garden employee through WhatsApp. The purported extortion note read: "Please accept our revolutionary greetings. You/Your company is courteously requested to contribute INR 10000000.00 to our organisational fund. Your cooperation in making this payment promptly will be greatly appreciated." The note is signed by ULFA-I 'finance secretary' "brigadier" Jibon Asom.

Kolkata

Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said that the strength of the ULFA, a separatist outfit, is "no more" and there is "no law and order problem" in the state."There is no law and order problem in the State and it is now a peaceful State... ULFA's strength is no more," he told reporters in Kolkata. Responding to a query about the reported incident of a Tea Garden being asked to contribute to ULFA-I's fund, he said: "This is misleading information. We have to see the situation in the entire State. "The state is peaceful. Why had investors invested more than Rs 6,500 crore in our regime so far in the state? Only single incident cannot justify. There is no such incident in the state... only WhatsApp message. Cyber activities sometime create confusion in the mind of people."

Tinsukia

Security has been stepped up in the vulnerable pockets like Digboi, Pengaree, Bordumsa, Kakopothar, Doomdooma and Makum following intelligence inputs stating the possible large scale sabotage activities, including abduction and extortion were being planned by the ULFA-I.

Udalguri

Security Forces in an encounter killed ULFA-I militant "sergeant major" Rajan Deka alias Rajan Asom (44), at Khoirabari village Udalguri district. An AK-47 rifle, three magazines, three pistols, 74 live cartridges, eight mobile phones and INR 6,000 were recovered from the militant who carried a bounty of INR 5000,000 on his head.

Tinsukia

Six ULFA-I militants, entered Kunapathar Tea Estate in Bordumsa in Tinsukia District and opened fire targeting the estate manager, after the authorities refused to pay extortion money. The attack came 23 days after ULFA-I initially demanded extortion money of INR 4 million from the estate authorities.

Sivasagar

SFs arrested a militant of the ULFA-I, identified as Abha Deka, from Dillighat in Sivasagar District. One pistol, six live rounds and thirteen extortion letters were recovered from him. The arrested militant was reportedly involved in a firing incident in Dillighat in November 2015.

Udalguri

SFs arrested two unidentified ULFA-I militants from Kalaigaon in Udalguri District. One AK-56 rifle, one magazine and 18 rounds of bullets have been recovered from their possession.

Dirak-Hunjan/Tinsukia

ULFA-I militants shot dead a local VDP President Anteswar Mahanta and his son identified as Karun. Tinsukia SP stated that ULFA-I militant identified as Rupom Asom and his group were behind the killing.

NS

Indigenous Forum-Assam,will try to build a consensus on the definition of indigenous people of the state at its first convention to be held here on February 12 and 13. Leader of the forum and ULFA-PTF general secretary' Anup Chetia said at the two-day convention, an attempt would be made to arrive at a consensus on the definition of indigenous or Assamese people for implementation of Clause VI of the Assam Accord.

NS

ULFA-I 'publicity secretary' Arunodoy Asom alleged that the VDP official and his son were spying for SFs.

NS

DGP Mukesh Sahay stated that ULFA-I down but not out. DGP also added that ULFA rebels were using corridors in Nagaland and Arunachal to sneak in and out of Myanmar and create mischief in Assam. He further stated that Chinese weapons including grenades are available with ULFA-I militants.

NS

Talks with ULFA-PTF may come to a conclusion by 2018. Giving this indication, senior Assam police official Pallab Bhattacharya said that the much hyped peace talk is moving towards the right direction

NS

An eight-member delegation of ULFA-PTF led by Anup Chetia and Arabinda Rajkhowa held a meeting with senior Govt officials and state Government. Naga peace accord was also discussed in the meeting.

ULFA-I militants abducted Arunav Phukan, son of an Assamese BJP leader from Tinsukia District. Militants have apparently asked for a ransom of INR 20 million and have also stated that the abducted person is currently in ULFA-I's Myanmar camp.

Meghalaya DGP stated that that Dristi Rajkhowa of ULFA-I have re-entered Meghalaya to avoid the Bangladeshi crackdown. . DGP further added that wanted militant leaders are shuffling between the inhospitable terrains of West Khasi Hills and South Garo Hills District of Meghalaya and added that ULFA-I poses some threat.

ADGP stated that intelligence inputs suggest that the ULFA-I is planning to step up extortion drive as their camps in Myanmar are facing a financial crisis. ULFA-I militants target tea gardens for extortion in Tinsukia district in Upper Assam, bordering Arunachal Pradesh which is used as a transit route to their camps in Myanmar.

Assam CM called up on Paresh Baruah of ULFA-I to come back to the mainstream to help in the efforts for overall development of the state of Assam.

NS

India will move the UK under MLAT or prosecution of ULFA-I 'chairman' Mukul Hazarika alias Abhizeet Azom a doctor based at Billingham in UK. UMHA would route the request through MEA to execute a non-bailable arrest warrant issued against Mukul Hazarika. Hazarika along with ULFA-I 'chairman' Paresh Barua. ULFA-I 'chairman' Abhizeet Asom, hails from Kaxori gaon in Puranigudam under Samaguri Police Station of Nagaon District.

Changmai gaon/Dibrugarh

An OGW of ULFA-I Pradeep Borah and two others were arrested from Changmai gaon in Lahowal in Dibrugarh District. SFs also recovered. demonetized denominations of INR 1,00ss0 and INR 500. Police suspected that the recovered amount was a part of a cash stash of ULFA-I which could not be converted into legal money.

NS

Several arrested ULFA-I militants have confessed before the Police that the outfit has been facing a severe funds crisis after demonetization. Faced with financial crunch, militant outfit has been trying to recover their losses by indulging in mass extortion, targeting the business community and tea planters, especially in Upper Assam districts.

Tezpur

Assam DGP stated that operations against militants in the northeast region have hit ULFA-I adversely. He also urged Paresh Barua, the 'chairman' of ULFA-I and its cadres to return to mainstream. He also stated that ULFA-I recruitment was still continuing and stated that Police had information regarding newly recruited militants. He also stated magnitude of recruitment has reduced.