ULFA(I) Attempts to Reorganize Amid Election Security Concerns

ULFA(I) Resurgence Efforts

Guwahati, March 25: The United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent) is reportedly making efforts to restructure its operations and has acquired new weaponry. Nevertheless, law enforcement officials believe that the group lacks the capability to disrupt the upcoming election process.

According to police sources, the ULFA(I) camps located in Myanmar are currently disorganized, and the group is attempting to regroup with limited resources.

In contrast to the 2001 elections, during which the ULFA was responsible for the deaths of at least 30 individuals, authorities now assert that the group is unlikely to interfere with the electoral process.

However, there remains a possibility of isolated attacks in regions adjacent to Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland.

Intelligence reports indicate that a contingent of eight to ten ULFA(I) members is operating along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border, primarily residing in Arunachal Pradesh but occasionally crossing into Assam for extortion activities.

Regarding a recent assault on a police camp in Jagun, sources described it as a desperate move by militants to assert their presence.

There is an abandoned tea garden factory located behind the camp, with a river separating it from Arunachal Pradesh. It is believed that the militants fired RPGs from across the river.

While the police camp typically has night sentries, heavy rainfall at the time may have hindered their vigilance, allowing the militants to evade detection.

Sources acknowledged that police should have monitored the abandoned tea factory more closely, suggesting a lapse in vigilance.

The ULFA(I) is reportedly intensifying efforts to extort funds from local tea gardens, stone quarries, coal traders, and sand mahals. However, many of these businesses have resisted paying the demanded sums, leading to financial difficulties for the group.

The recent attack on the police camp appears to be an attempt to reassert their presence and encourage compliance with their extortion demands, according to sources.

While security measures in the area have been strengthened, the challenging terrain and proximity to Arunachal Pradesh provide the militants with a tactical advantage.