HT Bureau
NAMSAI, Oct 22: In a significant success against insurgency, a joint counter-insurgency operation by the Indian Army and Assam Rifles neutralised a key cadre of the proscribed outfit ULFA (Independent) [ULFA (I)] in Namsai district of Arunachal Pradesh late on Tuesday night.
Based on a credible tip-off regarding the presence of six to seven ULFA (I) cadres in the 6 Mile Lekang Khampti area under Namsai Police Station, Assam Rifles personnel launched a targeted operation in the MS-6 area during the night of October 21–22. On approach, the militants opened fire on the security forces, resulting in a fierce exchange. In the ensuing gun battle, one militant was killed while the rest reportedly managed to flee.
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The deceased was later identified as self-styled Sergeant Major Iwon Axom, a key ULFA (I) cadre believed to be involved in recent militant activities, including the attack on the Kakopathar Army Company Operating Base (COB) in Assam’s Tinsukia district.
Security forces recovered one HK-series automatic rifle, one RPG round, one grenade, and three rucksacks containing various materials, suggesting that the group was possibly preparing for further movements or attacks.
Lt Col Mahendra Rawat, Guwahati-based Defence PRO, said additional columns of the Army, Assam Rifles, Police, and CRPF have been deployed to intensify the search and neutralise any remaining insurgent elements. The operation is still ongoing, with aerial surveillance, drones, and tracker dogs being employed to secure the area.
A police official added that the joint action forms part of a coordinated effort to curb insurgent activities along the Assam–Arunachal border, where sporadic incidents have been reported in recent months.
This operation highlights the continued commitment of security forces to maintain law and order and ensure the safety of local communities. Authorities have cordoned off the area and launched massive operations to prevent the escape of other ULFA (I) elements and disrupt potential militant networks in the region. Security agencies continue to investigate the activities of the group, and local residents have been urged to cooperate with the ongoing operations. (With inputs from PTI)
