ULFA(I) trying to return in interstate border areas: Police

Assam Director General of Police Mukesh Sahay today said there were inputs about the resurgence of ULFA (Independent) in certain areas of the state bordering Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland, but asserted that the state police was prepared to counter any offensive.
"There is (report of) resurgence of ULFA(Independent) in certain areas of Upper Assam along Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland but we are fully prepared to give our counter-response. The Unified Command Structure operations are on", the DGP told a press meet here.
Responding to queries Sahay said, "they (ULFA(I) are resorting to recruitment in those areas and under the leadership of NSCN (Khaplang) formed a common platform in a bid to strengthen the North East-based insurgent outfits".

With neutralisation of the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) in the Garo Hills of Meghalaya along the state has helped in controlling ULFA in lower Assam, he said.
On media reports about harassment of civilians who were being lined up together during security operations in the state, the DGP said, "counter-insurgency operations are against anti-national elements and not to victimise the civilians".
DGP Law and Order Kuladar Saikia said, "The people are kept together outside for their safety so that they are not caught in crossfire between security forces and militants".

DGP Sahay also said that the Assam government with assistance from the centre will raise five new India Reserve Battalions to strengthen the state police force and help employ people in the state.

During recruitment for the 1007-strong five battalions in 2017, Sahay said, "special focus will be on areas and people, particularly women, of Assam whose representation is not up to desired level".
As India Reserve Battalion, he said they receive initial funding from the central government and can be deployed in other states as an when required.