GUWAHATI: The recruitment module of the banned ULFA(I) militants in Tinsukia district was busted by a team of Indian Army along with the Assam Police on February 26.
While four cadres were arrested along with arms, four minor recuits were also rescued.
A senior official of the Indian Army informed, "This was the biggest recruitment module of recent times of ULFA(I). We apprehended four hardcore cadres and four minor recruits from different places of Tinsukia in a marathon operation that continued for two days and two nights since Monday."
As informed two cadres, Diganta Gogoi alias Diganta Asom and Khogen Moran, "involved in carrying out nefarious activities of the organisation and recuiting youths in there respective areas" were arrested on the first day.
The other two arrested are Rana Handique alias Kokai and Abhijit Gogoi.
“Along with them, four minor cadre recruits, all of whom are below 15 years, were rescued. The operation was conducted at various places such as Makum, Digboi and Kakopathar,” the official said.
Amongst the arms seized are two 7.65 mm pistols, one .22 mm pistol, a number of live bullets, three ULFA(I) flags and a pair of jungle shoes were seized.
The operation was undertaken after inputs were received from reliable sources.
Speaking to PTI, the official said, "This was a part of the series of successful operations by security forces to save the youths from getting misguided by joining the ULFA(I). The successful operation could save as many as four minor boys from taking the path of violence.”