Assam Police Conducts Major Crackdown, Arrests Seven Ulfa (I) Linkmen in Tinsukia
In a significant intelligence-driven operation, Tinsukia police arrested seven alleged linkmen of the United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent), or Ulfa (I), from various locations across the district on Saturday night. This coordinated action deals a potential blow to the insurgent outfit's ground-level support network in the region, highlighting heightened security measures following recent militant activities.
Details of the Arrests and Suspects
The arrests were executed simultaneously across multiple areas in Tinsukia district, reflecting a well-planned crackdown based on gathered intelligence. According to police officials, the suspects are believed to have maintained sustained communication with Ulfa (I) operatives over an extended period. Their alleged roles included providing ground-level information and crucial logistical support, which helped sustain the outfit's operational network.
The seven individuals have been identified as:
- Barlin Neog from Bordumsa
- Mithu Gohain and Lilambar Moran, both residents of Pengeri
- Bikash Deka from Kakopathar
- Manob Dey from Makum
- Shiba Deb and Paritosh Deb, arrested from Tinsukia but hailing from Miao in neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh
The inclusion of suspects from Arunachal Pradesh indicates that the alleged network extended beyond Assam's borders, underscoring the cross-regional nature of the insurgency.
Police Statements and Investigation Progress
Tinsukia Senior Superintendent of Police Mayank Kumar confirmed the arrests and emphasized that the investigation is actively progressing. "The accused are currently under interrogation. We are working to determine the full extent of their involvement and identify any deeper links within the organisation's network," SSP Kumar stated. He added that further arrests are not being ruled out as the interrogation of the seven detainees continues, suggesting ongoing efforts to dismantle the support infrastructure.
Timing and Context of the Operation
The operation comes just days after the Assam Assembly elections held on April 9, with security forces apparently moving swiftly once polling concluded. This timing suggests that intelligence agencies had been monitoring the alleged network for some time, waiting for an appropriate operational window to act without disrupting the electoral process.
Moreover, the arrests follow a sharp escalation in Ulfa (I) activity in the region in recent weeks. On March 22, four Assam Police commandos were injured when Ulfa (I) militants launched a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) attack on a police commando camp in Jagun, near the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border in Tinsukia district. The assailants fired multiple grenades before engaging security forces in a prolonged gunfight, with the outfit later claiming responsibility for the assault, dubbing it "Operation Bujoni".
The timing is further significant as Ulfa marked its 47th raising day on April 7—just four days before the crackdown. The organisation was founded on that date in 1979 at the historic ramparts of Rang Ghar in Sivasagar, adding symbolic weight to the security response.
Strategic Importance of Tinsukia District
Tinsukia district, which shares a sensitive border with Arunachal Pradesh and lies close to Myanmar, has long served as a strategic corridor for Ulfa (I) operations. Its geographical location makes it a critical area for insurgent movements and logistics. Saturday's coordinated arrests suggest that security forces are intensifying efforts to choke off the outfit's support infrastructure in this key region, aiming to curb future militant activities.
This crackdown underscores the ongoing challenges in combating insurgency in Assam and highlights the proactive measures being taken by law enforcement to maintain regional stability.
