GUWAHATI, July 25 � Growing links between the United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent) and Songbijit faction of the National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) have become a matter of serious concern for the security agencies and if both the outfits start operating together, the possibility of deterioration in the law-and-order situation in the State cannot be ruled out.
Highly placed security sources told The Assam Tribune that the ULFA (I) and the Songbijit faction of the NDFB are now getting closer and with both the factions having strong bases in Myanmar, it is easier for the leaders of the outfits to communicate with each other. So far, the members of the outfits have not launched joint operations, but under the present circumstances, such a possibility cannot be ruled out.
Though the ULFA (I) is facing shortage of trained manpower to carry out major operations, the outfit does not have any shortage of weapons and explosives and with his international links, the commander-in-chief of the outfit, Paresh Baruah has the capability to procure explosives and weapons from the clandestine international markets. However, despite best efforts, the ULFA (I) has not been able to carry out major operations apart from the recent blast in Lakhimpur because the outfit is facing shortage of trained manpower. The recruitment of new cadres has also slowed down considerably and the cadres trained in Myanmar could not be sent to India in recent months. Though a team of the ULFA (I) entered Lakhimpur, the leader of the team was arrested and the other members failed to carry out major offensive.
On the other hand, the Songbijit faction of the NDFB does not have shortage of trained manpower on the ground and even now, the outfit has been able to recruit educated persons including college and school teachers. Senior leaders of the outfit including B Bidaui, who was responsible for a number of lethal attacks on security forces, are still on the ground to carry out offensives for the outfit. Under the circumstances, if the ULFA(I) and Songbijit faction of the NDFB decide to launch joint operations, the consequences can be dangerous for the State, sources said.
Sources also said that both the ULFA(I) and the Songbijot faction of the NDFB are desperate to derail the peace process with the ULFA and Ranjan Daimary faction of the NDFB and this common agenda may also encourage them to go for joint operations, sources added.
