Ulfa reach worries security forces

Power of influence

Guwahati, Aug 30 : Assam’s security managers are grappling with the challenges that suspension of operations against Ulfa would throw up, given the outfit’s pan-Assam presence.
A source said the suspension of operations with Ulfa, to be signed on September 3 barring last-minute changes, was going to be a different ball game in the sense that it will affect most parts of the state, which is not the case involving pacts with either the Dima Halam Daogah factions or the United People’s Democratic Solidarity or the National Democratic Front of Boroland (P).
Since the earlier suspension of operations were confined to one particular region or district, it was easier for security personnel to keep a close watch and take prompt action.
The Ulfa’s spread and reach in the state was one of the issues that figured prominently at today’s meeting of the strategy group of the chief secretary-headed Unified Command here.
The Unified Command plans and executes counter-insurgency operations in the state.
Besides, GOC 3 Corps and 4 Corps, senior officials from the CRPF, the Railways, Special Branch, BSF, Assam police and home department were part of the meeting.
“Today’s meeting discussed how to function post-suspension of operations, given Ulfa’s pan-Assam presence. As on day, we plan to have around nine designated camps touching six to seven districts such as Nalbari, Bongaigaon, Nagaon, Sivasagar, Tinsukia and Dhubri. If there is violation in one district, it can have a ripple effect on the other districts if not nipped in the bud. This was not the case with suspension of operations with the other groups because their reach was limited. It is an area of concern. It will be relatively difficult for security personnel but we are getting ready for the challenge,” an official said.
What is also troubling the security managers is the rise in extortion cases in Upper Assam, mostly by criminals posing as members of Ulfa.
“All groups, including the NDFB and Ulfa, are facing a funds crunch. Our past experiences suggest that extortion/intimidation is the only way to raise money. We are trying to curb this,” a source said.
Another issue which came up for discussion was the recent blast on railway tracks and ways to check these.
All forces agreed on the idea that there will be no lowering of guard against any outfit and law and order issues have to be dealt with firmly.
Sources said any hurdles in the path of signing of the suspension of operations between the Centre, state and the outfit have been resolved, with the Centre not insisting on deposition of arms.
Like the earlier suspension of operation pact, Ulfa cadres will keep their arms inside the designated camps under double-lock.
One key will be with the administration and the other with the outfit.