Indian Army and Assam Police’s joint team have caught a recruitment drive operationalised by the banned militant outfit ULFA(I) militants in Tinsukia district and arrested four cadres along with arms, officials issued a statement on Wednesday.
The team also rescued four minor recruits from the captivity of the ULFA(I), an Indian Army official said.
“This was the biggest recruitment racket of recent times of ULFA(I). We apprehended four hardcore cadres and four minor recruits from different places of Tinsukia in a marathon operation that continued for two days and two nights since Monday,” the senior official said.
The input was received from a source, an operation was launched resulting in the apprehension of two cadres-Diganta Gogoi alias Diganta Asom and Khogen Moran-on the first day.
The official also further informed, “These two persons were also carrying out nefarious activities of the ULFA(I) and were recruiting youths from their respective areas”. Further follow up led to the apprehension of two more cadres, identified as Rana Handique alias Kokai and Abhijit Gogoi. Two 7.65 mm pistols, one .22 mm pistol, a number of live bullets, three ULFA(I) flags and a pair of jungle shoes were seized”
The official also stated, “This was a part of the series of successful operations by security forces to save the youths from getting misguided by joining the ULFA(I). The successful operation could save as many as four minor boys from taking the path of violence.”
