Ulfa-I Launches Pre-Dawn Assault on Assam Police Commando Camp in Tinsukia
In a brazen act of violence that has sent shockwaves through Assam's security apparatus, the United Liberation Front of Asom–Independent (Ulfa-I) launched a fierce attack on an Assam Police commando battalion camp in the early hours of Sunday. The incident occurred at the 10th Mile area of Jagun in Tinsukia district, critically injuring four commandos and heightening tensions just days before the state assembly elections.
Details of the Attack and Immediate Aftermath
The assault unfolded around 2:05 am when Ulfa-I cadres unleashed a barrage of rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) on the camp. According to security sources, the attackers fired four to five RPGs in rapid succession, triggering multiple explosions that illuminated the night sky and caused significant damage. In addition to the RPGs, the militants opened fire with automatic weapons, prompting a fierce retaliatory response from the commandos stationed inside. The intense exchange of gunfire lasted for approximately 45 minutes before the assailants managed to escape into the surrounding darkness.
The four injured commandos—identified as Chittaranjan Mili, Debashish Bora, Rabi Garh, and Jimbush Marak—were swiftly transported to Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH) for urgent medical treatment. Preliminary reports indicate that weapons belonging to the commandos were also damaged in the RPG blasts, further complicating the security response.
Ulfa-I Claims Responsibility and Motivations
Hours after the attack, Ulfa-I claimed responsibility through a statement released by its publicity wing. Self-styled Major Nirnay Asom, secretary of the outfit, described the assault as a "military operation" dubbed "Operation Bujoni." The statement asserted that the attack was a deliberate and planned strike in retaliation for the killings of several Ulfa-I leaders and members by security forces over recent years. This claim underscores the ongoing insurgency challenges in the region, particularly as political activities intensify ahead of the elections.
Security Response and Investigations
In the wake of the attack, security measures have been significantly bolstered across Tinsukia district and along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh interstate border, located about 12 km from the attack site. Investigators recovered two spent RPG shells and one unexploded RPG shell from the scene, providing crucial evidence for the ongoing probe.
Tinsukia SSP Mayank Kumar announced that a massive search and cordon operation has been launched, focusing on the Jagun–Jairampur corridor. "The entire area has been put on high alert," he stated, emphasizing the urgency of apprehending the perpetrators. Condemning the violence, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who was in Haflong at the time, assured that "the Army and the police have launched a counter-insurgency operation. I think those who have done this will certainly be caught."
Broader Implications and Regional Context
This attack highlights the persistent security threats posed by insurgent groups in Assam, even as the state prepares for crucial electoral processes. The timing of the assault, just ahead of the assembly elections, raises concerns about potential disruptions to political stability and public safety. Authorities are now prioritizing enhanced vigilance and coordinated efforts to prevent further incidents and ensure a secure environment for voters.
The incident also draws attention to the broader challenges of law and order in the region, with ongoing issues such as environmental degradation and local governance often intersecting with security concerns. As investigations continue, the focus remains on bringing the culprits to justice and reinforcing measures to safeguard against future attacks.
