Two hardcore militants of the Myanmar-trained United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent) surrendered to security forces on Tuesday in Namsai district, Arunachal Pradesh on Tuesday. The militants, identified as Bhargab Hazarika alias Ban Asom and Astitva Axom, were handed over to Tinsukia police for further interrogation and legal procedures.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Tinsukia Mayank Kumar described the surrender as a positive step in ongoing efforts to curb insurgent activities along the Assam-Arunachal border. “Both militants are in custody and the interrogation process is underway. This surrender strengthens our counter-insurgency operations in the region,” he said.
Following his surrender, Bhargab Hazarika provided valuable intelligence leading to the recovery of an arms cache from a hideout in Nongtaw Khampti village, Namsai police station area. The recovered items include one advanced MQ 81 rifle, 153 live rounds of ammunition, and a rifle grenade round.
According to police, Bhargab was part of a seven-member ULFA-I group involved in a fierce encounter with Assam Rifles at Nongtaw Khampti village on October 21. During the exchange of fire, one militant named Iwon Asom was killed, while the remaining members escaped into the forest.
The surrender follows another notable capitulation last month when senior ULFA-I commander Arunodoi Dohutia alias Bijit Gogoi, close aide to ULFA supremo Paresh Baruah, surrendered along with his security officer at Pangsau Pass, Arunachal Pradesh.
Security analysts view these successive surrenders as signs of growing disillusionment within ULFA-I ranks and credit coordinated counter-insurgency efforts for pressuring the insurgents.
A defense expert commented, “The surrender of these battle-hardened cadres highlights the increasing pressure on ULFA-I and is an encouraging sign for lasting peace in the region.”
The recovered arms and the intelligence gathered during interrogation are expected to aid further operations against the militant group. Security forces continue to remain vigilant along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border.
