Assam: Seven ULFA (I) linkmen arrested in Tinsukia and Arunachal crackdown

By Avik Chakraborty, Manoj Kumar Ojha

Tinsukia: In a coordinated operation across Assam's Tinsukia district and adjoining areas of Arunachal Pradesh, security forces have arrested seven alleged Over Ground Workers (OGWs) linked to the banned ULFA (Independent).

The arrested individuals have been identified as Berlin Neog from Bordumsa, Mithu Gohain and Lilambar Moran from Pengeri, Bikash Deka from Kakopathar, Shiva Dev and Paritosh Dev from Miao in Arunachal Pradesh, and Manab Dey from Makum.

According to police, the accused were suspected of working as linkmen for ULFA (I), allegedly involved in extortion activities and in passing sensitive information to and from the outfit. Officials said the arrests were made based on intelligence inputs and were part of a wider crackdown across multiple locations.

“The detained individuals were allegedly involved in the exchange of information with ULFA((I) over an extended period. The arrests were made possible after police team have carried out operations across multiple locations of the district," said an police official.

Police sources said the arrested persons were under surveillance for some time and were believed to be acting as intermediaries between ground-level operatives and higher members of the militant group.

“These individuals were under surveillance for some time, and their movements and activities raised strong suspicion of involvement in unlawful networks,” a senior police official stated.

Officials further said the accused had reportedly maintained contact with the outfit over a long period and facilitated communication and coordination. The arrests were carried out in separate but coordinated actions.

“The objective is to ascertain the depth of their involvement, identify other possible associates, and dismantle any existing support network aiding the outfit,” the officer added.

Security agencies believe such OGWs play a key role in sustaining militant operations through communication and logistical support. Interrogation of all seven accused is currently underway to trace possible links and uncover the wider network.

Further investigation is in progress, and officials have not ruled out more arrests in connection with the case.