In a major breakthrough, Assam police launched a large-scale anti-militancy operation in Duliajan, Dibrugarh, apprehending suspected cadres of United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA). operation revealed a conspiracy to create a new militant faction named ‘ULFA C Company.’ Along with arrests, police seized a significant cache of arms, ammunition, and other incriminating materials.
crackdown began with arrest of a ULFA cadre, Bitupon Gogoi, alias Jayanta, from whose possession police recovered a large cache of weapons. Subsequent raids, following his confessions, led to apprehension of two more individuals: Bolin Gogoi, alias ‘Dhon’ from Dirial Gaon, and Bharat Sajari from Tengakhat near Duliajan.
Details of Arrests and Seizures
arrests and recoveries underscore scale of operation and seriousness of alleged plans to revive ULFA with a new faction. seized materials include:
Item | Details |
Arms Recovered | A 7.65 mm pistol, live ammunition, and an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). |
Other Seizures | 11 mobile phones, Rs 49,500 in cash, and several incriminating documents. |
Primary Suspect | Bitupon Gogoi alias Jayanta, allegedly linked to multiple extortion cases. |
Subsequent Arrests | Bolin Gogoi alias ‘Dhon’ and Bharat Sajari apprehended based on Gogoi’s confessions. |
first raid occurred at a residence near Duliajan CISS main shelter, where accused were initially apprehended. In a follow-up operation at Number 1 Reserve Borbam Gaon, an IED was recovered, further confirming group’s plans for militant activity.
‘ULFA C Company’ Conspiracy
According to police officials, arrested cadres were allegedly plotting to establish a new ULFA faction named ‘ULFA C Company.’ group reportedly aimed to strengthen its position through extortion and arms procurement. Intelligence reports indicate that firearms were acquired from Dimapur, a known hub for illegal weapons in region.
Aspect | Details |
Group’s Objective | Formation of a new militant faction under name ‘ULFA C Company.’ |
Leader of Faction | Alleged leadership by Bitupon Gogoi alias Jayanta. |
Funding and Logistics | Extortion activities and procurement of firearms from Dimapur. |
Target Region | Operative base suspected to be in and around Duliajan and neighboring areas. |
Background of ULFA in Assam
United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) has been one of Assam’s most prominent militant organizations, advocating for state’s independence since its formation in 1979. Over decades, ULFA split into factions, with ULFA-Independent (ULFA-I) continuing armed militancy and ULFA-Pro Talk supporting dialogue with government.
emergence of new factions, such as proposed ‘ULFA C Company,’ highlights evolving nature of militancy in region. Police officials suspect that revived factions aim to exploit local grievances and perpetuate violence.
Extortion and Militant Financing
Reports revealed that Bitupon Gogoi was involved in several extortion cases, using proceeds to fund militant activities. Extortion has historically been a key source of revenue for ULFA and similar groups. confiscated cash amounting to Rs 49,500, recovered during raids, is believed to be linked to these activities.
Key Findings | Details |
Extortion Cases | Gogoi’s involvement in multiple incidents targeting local businesses and individuals. |
Seized Cash | Rs 49,500 believed to be linked to extortion activities. |
Militant Funding | Extortion money funneled into arms procurement and operational logistics. |
Police Strategy and Intelligence Inputs
operation in Duliajan underscores Assam police’s proactive approach in tackling militancy. arrests were made possible through credible intelligence inputs and rapid action by district police. use of local knowledge and targeted raids highlights effectiveness of Assam’s anti-militancy strategy.
Aspect | Details |
Raids Conducted | At Duliajan CISS main shelter and Number 1 Reserve Borbam Gaon. |
Intelligence Source | Inputs regarding Gogoi’s activities and planned ULFA faction. |
Coordination | Collaboration among local law enforcement and intelligence agencies. |
Public and Official Reactions
successful operation drew praise from local officials and public for Assam police’s swift action. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma commended police for their vigilance and urged continued efforts to root out militancy in state.
Experts have pointed out that despite significant progress in counterinsurgency operations, militancy in Assam requires sustained attention, especially as groups attempt to re-organize and exploit regional vulnerabilities.
Future Implications
arrests and seizures in Duliajan signify a crucial step in thwarting militant activities. However, experts warn that potential for regrouping remains a concern. Authorities are expected to enhance surveillance and conduct follow-up operations to dismantle networks associated with ULFA C Company.
Next Steps | Details |
Enhanced Surveillance | Increased monitoring of suspected militant activities in sensitive areas. |
Community Engagement | Collaboration with local communities to gather intelligence and discourage militancy. |
Focus on Dimapur | Addressing arms smuggling routes linked to Dimapur. |
Summary of Major Developments
Aspect | Details |
Militants Arrested | Three suspected ULFA cadres, including leader Bitupon Gogoi alias Jayanta. |
Seized Materials | Arms, ammunition, IED, mobile phones, documents, and cash. |
Planned Faction | Formation of ‘ULFA C Company’ to revive militant activities. |
Police Action | Raids conducted based on credible intelligence; operations continue. |
Disclaimer
This report is based on currently available information as of 04 Jan 2025. details are subject to updates from official sources. Readers are advised to rely on verified reports and follow developments through credible channels.