Fight for insurgency, not for insurgents: GOC Jaswal

The Army today said that the terrorism in Assam is on a path of decline and split might take place within the ULFA. The Army also ruled out any future truce with the ULFA.

In a virtual threat to the rebel group, the GOC, 4 Corps Lt Gen BS Jaswal said today: "The ULFA cadres are very keen to join the main stream. I appeal to the parents of the ULFA men to give clarion call to their near and dear one to give up arms or they would have to receive their mortal remains."

In an interaction with the journalists in Guwahati today, Jaswal said: "Terrorism is a wanton endeavour by psychologically-perverted individuals who carry out heinous crimes for personal gratification."

Jaswal, who took over charge in August 10 from Lt Gen RK Chabbra, said: "My strategy is fight for insurgency, not for insurgents. And it is working in Assam now."

Referring to spate of incidents in which six terrorists were lynched by local public, he said: "It is a good sign. The militants have no agenda. I laud the efforts of some NGOs who have come up very openly against the terrorist activities."

Stating that extortion has become a 'business', Jaswal said: "Common cadre is being used as cannon fodder whereas all the laundered money is being utililised by the functionaries for their own benefits. Moreover some of the intelligence organizations in other countries are misguiding these terrorists as a part of their national agenda and sacrificing these terrorists for their gains."

When asked about the arrest of the 28 battalion's top commander Prabal Neog, he said: "The ULFA has become marginalized now. In this moment, they get desperate and try to target soft targets. But it will be tackled by the Army and security forces."

Admitting that Bangladesh and Myanmar have become safe haven for the rebel group now, he said: "The ULFA has shifted to Myanmar. But we cannot start any operation against them without any inter-Government protocol."

The security forces have had sensational successes in the recent past and the terrorists are under heavy pressure. Since January, 2007, 109 rebels were killed, 1295 rebels including linkmen were arrested while 81 had surrendered.

Photo: Lieutenant General Baljit Singh Jaswal,General Officer Commanding Gajraj Corps addressing a press Conference at Narengi, Guwahati on 26-09-07. Pix by UB Photos.