In a stunning security breach that has raised serious questions about prison administration in Assam, a former militant of the Dimasa National Liberation Army (DNLA) managed to escape from the high-security Haflong Central Jail in the early hours of Wednesday.
The escape has sent shockwaves through the law enforcement community in Dima Hasao district, with authorities launching a massive manhunt to recapture the fugitive. The incident occurred despite the jail being classified as a central prison with enhanced security protocols.
Immediate Fallout and Administrative Action
Responding to the security lapse, jail authorities have suspended the warden on duty at the time of the incident. The suspension order came within hours of the escape being discovered, indicating the seriousness with which prison officials are treating the matter.
"The warden has been placed under immediate suspension pending a thorough investigation into the circumstances that allowed this escape to occur," confirmed a senior prison department official who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Security Concerns in Conflict-Affected Region
This jailbreak assumes greater significance given Haflong's location in the sensitive Dima Hasao region, which has historically witnessed insurgent activities. The DNLA, from which the escaped cadre had surrendered, was actively involved in armed operations before signing a peace agreement with the government.
Security experts have expressed concern about the implications of such security lapses in areas that are gradually emerging from long periods of conflict. "When former militants escape from high-security prisons, it undermines public confidence in the security apparatus and could potentially encourage other criminal elements," noted a security analyst based in Guwahati.
Investigation and Manhunt Underway
Multiple security agencies have joined the search operation, with checkpoints established across the district and neighboring areas. Police have released the escaped cadre's photograph and details to all nearby police stations and outposts.
The incident has prompted the prison department to order an immediate review of security protocols across all correctional facilities in Assam. Additional Director General of Police (Prisons) has constituted a special team to investigate how the prisoner managed to evade the multiple layers of security at the facility.
As the manhunt continues, residents of Haflong and surrounding areas remain apprehensive, while authorities assure the public that every possible measure is being taken to recapture the escaped militant and strengthen prison security to prevent similar incidents in the future.
