Dibrugarh: In a major breakthrough for security forces in the northeast, two active cadres of the banned United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (Ulfa-I) surrendered at the Pangsau Pass in Arunachal Pradesh’s Changlang district on Tuesday night. Officials have termed this development as a significant step in ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the region.
Identity of the surrendered cadres
The two individuals who laid down their arms have been identified as Ashok Sonowal, alias Lekang Asom (31), a resident of Mahadevpur in Arunachal Pradesh, and Biplav Buragohain, alias Nipen Asom (31), from Gohaingaon in Assam’s Dhemaji district. Both were active members of the proscribed outfit.
Details of the surrender
According to official sources, the two cadres deserted Ulfa-I’s joint general headquarters located at Ranu in the Sagaing region of Myanmar on May 3, two days prior to their surrender. They undertook a arduous journey on foot through difficult and remote terrain along the Indo-Myanmar border before reaching the Pangsau security post. There, they formally surrendered before security personnel.
A security official stated, “The surrender of these two cadres is an encouraging development. It reflects the sustained pressure that security forces have maintained on Ulfa-I’s operational network and signals that cadres within the outfit are increasingly choosing the path of peace over armed conflict. We hope this encourages other cadres who wish to return to the mainstream to take a similar step. The door remains open.”
Significance for counter-insurgency
This surrender is seen as a positive sign in the fight against insurgency in the northeast. It demonstrates the effectiveness of security forces’ strategies in pressuring militant groups and encouraging defections. The development may also prompt other Ulfa-I members to reconsider their involvement with the banned organization.
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About the Author
Rajib Dutta is based in Dibrugarh, Assam. He reports on regional issues including law and order, environmental challenges like erosion and pollution, and local governance matters. His coverage highlights important events affecting the Dibrugarh district and its people.
