GUWAHATI, Sept 14 - Though more than one and half years have passed since the Myanmar Army�s operation against the Northeast-based militant groups in the neighbouring country the details of the operation are yet to be shared with India. Meanwhile, United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent) commander-in-chief Paresh Baruah is still in regular touch with his former colleagues over phone.
Highly placed security sources told The Assam Tribune that the ULFA(I) headquarters in the Taga area was taken over by Myanmar Army in the first part of 2019 but till date, the Government of India is not aware how many militants were arrested in the operation or how many weapons were recovered. One militant was killed and a handful of other militants were later handed over to India. But the government is not aware how many militants were arrested during the operation, sources added.
Sources said the ULFA(I) militants have shifted closer to international border after the operation and they have managed to stay in makeshift camps. �It is apprehended that the ultras did not suffer manpower loss during the operation by the Myanmar Army though they lost their headquarters,� sources added.
Of late, the ULFA(I) is keeping a low profile, but the outfit�s C-in-C Paresh Baruah, who is believed to be in China, has been in regular touch with some people in Assam to know about the situation in the State. Interestingly, Baruah also speaks regularly to a few senior leaders of the pro-talk faction of the ULFA.
There is no specific information about large-scale recruitment by the militant outfit and a number of new recruits managed to return to the State and according to information available, some others may return if they get a chance to do so. There were reports of fresh recruitment from upper Assam districts when the movement against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act was at its peak late last year and early part of this year. But a number of them later returned to the mainstream by surrendering before the police and security forces.
However, the ULFA(I) militants are still taking advantage of the porous international border and come to India from their camps in Myanmar to collect groceries and other materials. Moreover, though the level of extortion has come down, it is apprehended that some businessmen are buying peace instead of informing the police whenever they receive demands from the ultras.
