Two ULFA-I cadres held in Tinsukia

Assam Police on Thursday claimed to have foiled a major terror plot with the arrest of two active cadres of the banned United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent), or ULFA-I, during an intelligence-based operation at Jagun in Tinsukia district.

The operation was carried out by Tinsukia Police with assistance from central security agencies.

The arrested cadres have been identified as Siyor Asom alias Humenjyoti Baruah (27), a resident of Panitola, and Manoj Asom alias Papu Moran (30) of Baghjan, both holding the rank of 'SS 2nd Lieutenant' in the outfit.

Police recovered two AK-56 assault rifles, 172 rounds of AK ammunition, two hand grenades, a medicine kit, syringes, opioids, food supplies meant for jungle survival, backpacks and other war-like stores from their possession.

According to the police, preliminary investigation suggests that the two cadres had been tasked by ULFA-I to carry out an indiscriminate attack on civilians in Tinsukia town with the objective of creating fear and panic among the public.

Investigators also suspect that the planned attack bore signs of influence from "external actors" attempting to destabilise the region, although no further details have been disclosed.

A case has been registered and further investigation is underway to ascertain the wider network behind the alleged conspiracy and whether others were involved in planning the attack.

The arrests come amid an intensified crackdown on ULFA-I's activities in Upper Assam. In recent months, Assam Police have arrested several alleged cadres, recruiters and overground workers linked to the banned outfit, particularly in Tinsukia and neighbouring districts, as part of efforts to dismantle its operational and recruitment network.

ULFA-I, led by Paresh Baruah, remains active from bases believed to be located outside India and has periodically attempted to recruit youths from Assam despite sustained counter-insurgency operations.