Dibrugarh: Sivasagar police, under the leadership of Superintendent of Police Papori Chetia, executed an area domination exercise on Sunday along the inter-state border with Nagaland. The team traversed rugged terrain on foot to evaluate security arrangements and strengthen police presence in the sensitive border belt.
Objective of the Exercise
The operation aimed to maintain peace, security, and public order along the Assam-Nagaland border. Sivasagar shares a 57.8 km stretch of this boundary with Nagaland along its southern and south-eastern limits, covering areas such as Nazira, Geleki, and the Bihubor region.
During the exercise, personnel walked through rough, hilly border terrain, inspected patrol routes, and interacted with officers deployed at outposts. Strict patrolling continues as part of an ongoing initiative to ensure public safety.
SSP's Statement
SSP Chetia emphasized that such operations are vital for maintaining a strong police presence. She stated, "Area domination exercises allow us to stay visible in border areas. Our personnel know every part of this terrain, enabling quick responses to threats and reassuring residents that police are with them."
Heightened Security Amid Ulfa-I Activity
Sunday's exercise follows intensified vigilance by Sivasagar police in response to recent security developments linked to Ulfa-I activity. The hilly, forested border terrain, interspersed with tea garden fringes and jungle tracks, has long been vulnerable to militant movement and cross-border flow of arms, cash, and operatives.
On May 6, a midnight raid in Palengi led to the arrest of self-styled Sergeant Major Biren Chetia alias Rontu Asom, a Myanmar-trained Ulfa-I militant. Police recovered an Italy-made Beretta pistol, seven hand grenades, one bottle grenade, and live ammunition. The militant had crossed into Assam from Nagaland after traveling from Myanmar.
On May 25, police foiled an alleged Ulfa-I-linked extortion attempt at Bogidol in Nazira targeting a local businessman. A gunbattle ensued, injuring two suspects. Investigators reported the gang demanded Rs 20 lakh in the name of Ulfa-I and planned to abduct the businessman.
Continued Vigil
Officials view Sunday's foot march as a continuation of the district police's intensified vigil strategy. Such ground-level exercises ensure constant visibility in remote border stretches difficult to monitor regularly. Sivasagar Police reiterated that patrolling and area domination exercises will persist to prevent anti-national elements from establishing a foothold and to maintain law and order for border village residents.
