ULFA shifting camps to Myanmar forest areas

GUWAHATI, Feb 3: Apprehending a crackdown, the militants belonging to the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) started moving some of their camps in Myanmar deep into the dense forest areas. This revelation came following the surrender of hardcore militant Akash Bora.

Akash, who recently surrendered before the Inspector General of Border Security Force (BSF) in Shillong, revealed some interesting facts regarding the activities of the ULFA in Myanmar and the problems that the militants are facing in the neighbouring country.

Security sources said that from the revelations made by Akash, it was clear that the ULFA is still recruiting new boys and new recruits in small batches are still sent to thecamps in Myanmar for training. The ULFA has four major camps in Myanmar where around 150 to 200 cadres are staying. Sources said that according to Akash, life is tough for the militants in Myanmar because of the terrain and the recent arrests of ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa and other senior leaders created frustration among the cadres, most of whom are now demoralised. Though Akash stayed in theMyanmar camps for years, he never met the commander in chief Paresh Baruah.

Sources said that the camps of the ULFA in Myanmar are run mainly by ULFA central committee member Jiban Moran and hardcore militant Bijoy Chinese and according to Akash, some senior ULFA men are maintaining links with some Army officials ofMyanmar. However, after the crackdown in Bangladesh, they are not willing to take any chances and some of the camps have been moved deep inside the dense forests. Interestingly, whenever any member of the ULFA falls sick in the camps in Myanmar, they are treated by local doctors, said Akash.

Akash was expert in handling of improvised explosive devices (IED) , but planting of the bombs was not part of his duty. “Normally the IEDs prepared in thecamps are brought to India by someone else and the job of planting of the bombs is entrusted to someone else. There have been instances in recent past when the ULFA engaged persons who are not members of the outfit to plant the bombs,” sources added.

Sources said that Akash joined the ULFA in 2005 and was taken for three month training in Myanmar. Though he was arrested once, he jumped bail and went back to Myanmar. Sources said that during questioning the surrendered militant also revealed some other important facts about the activities of the outfit including the names of the hardcore members who impart training to the new recruits.

Source :http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/detailsnew.asp?id=feb0410/at08