Itanagar, Aug 8 (IANS) In a major operational success, four hardcore cadres of the proscribed United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent) (ULFA-I) surrendered to the Assam Rifles and deposited arms and ammunition in Longding district of Arunachal Pradesh, officials said on Saturday.
A Defence spokesman said that the surrender of the four hardcore ULFA-I cadres was secured during a meticulously planned Intelligence-based operation conducted along the Chupkhao Track in Longding district.
The operation was undertaken following sustained Intelligence gathering, continuous surveillance, precise operational planning and persistent engagement by the security forces.
These efforts ultimately persuaded the insurgents to lay down their arms and abandon the path of violence to return to the mainstream.
During the surrender, the cadres handed over four weapons, along with ammunition and other war-like stores, to the security forces.
The surrender of the cadres and the recovery of the weapons and other materials are being viewed as a significant setback to the operational capabilities of the insurgent outfit in the region.
The Defence spokesman said the successful operation underscored the effectiveness of the security forces’ sustained counter-insurgency efforts in the strategically important region.
The security forces have been combining robust operational measures with sustained outreach and engagement initiatives aimed at encouraging misguided youth and insurgents to give up violence and embrace the path of peace and development.
The Indian Armed Forces remain steadfast in their commitment to ensuring lasting peace, stability and security across the Northeastern region. The latest surrender reflects the growing confidence among insurgents in the security forces and reinforces the message that the path of peace and development offers a secure and dignified future, an official statement said.
The surrender of the four cadres is also expected to strengthen the security environment in the area and send a strong message to other insurgents operating in the region about the opportunities available to abandon violence and return to the mainstream.
Meanwhile, two alleged cadres of the banned ULFA (I) were recently arrested in a major Intelligence-based operation in Assam’s Tinsukia district, with officials claiming that the duo was allegedly planning to carry out an attack on civilians.
According to officials, the operation was conducted jointly by the Assam Police with assistance from central security agencies at Jagun following specific Intelligence inputs.
The arrested persons have been identified as Humenjyoti Baruah, alias Siyor Asom (27), a resident of Panitola, and Papu Moran, alias Manoj Asom (30), from Baghjan. Police had said both are self-styled second lieutenants of the proscribed outfit.
Officials said a preliminary investigation revealed that the two had allegedly entered Assam from Myanmar through Jairampur in Arunachal Pradesh before moving towards Tinsukia.
Acting on Intelligence, security personnel intercepted their Swift car at Jagun Bazaar and took them into custody. During the operation, police recovered two AK-56 assault rifles, 172 rounds of AK-series ammunition, two hand grenades, backpacks, food supplies meant for survival in forest areas, a medical kit containing syringes and opioid-based medicines, besides other war-like stores.
Officials said the initial investigation indicates that the two militants had allegedly been assigned by ULFA (I) to execute an indiscriminate attack targeting civilians in Tinsukia town with the aim of spreading fear and panic among the public.
–IANS
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