Joining mainstream

“The mass surrender reflects growing disenchantment and disillusionment amongst the ULFA cadres and erosion of their public support.’’

The fight against militancy has achieved another success as 27 underground activists surrendered to the authority. Red Horns Division of Gajraj Corps motivated 27 militants including one woman cadre belonging to 27, 109 and 709 Battalions of ULFA to surrender before Maj Gen Chander Prakash, VSM, General Officer Commanding, Red Horns Division at a function organized at Tamulpur in Baksa District of Assam. Present during the surrender ceremony were Chandra Nathan, IGP( Law and Order), Assam Police and GP Singh, DIG Central West Range.

 Surrender of such a large number of ULFA cadres was the result of sustained efforts by the troops of Red Horns Division in coordination with Assam Police and with active support of local population. All these terrorists had undergone training in handling of weapons and explosives and were involved in several acts of terrorism. Large quantity of arms, ammunition, grenades, and extortion notes were handed over by them. Of the 27, the largest 19 were from the  709 Bn of the outfit whereas the others were from the 109 and 27 Bns.

 Most of the cadres who surrendered are from Lower Assam having undergone arms training in Bhutan or Bangladesh. The Army claims that the back of the ULFA in Lower Assam is completely broken now with only around 100 active cadres left. The surrendered cadres said that they were totally disillusioned with the outfit as it has lost all principles and its very cause. 

 This was the fourth major joint surrender ceremony. The first one was held on October 23, 2007 at Tamulpur in which 33 cadres surrendered. This was followed by another joint surrender on November 1, 2007 at Guwahati in which 66 more cadres surrendered and on January 24, this year, 38 cadres of ULFA had surrendered. Overall, more than 300 cadres of various groups have surrendered to the Security Forces during 2007-2008 throughout Assam.

Speaking on the occasion, Maj Gen Chander Prakash, VSM, GOC, Red Horns Division said that the situation in Assam is under control of the Security Forces and credit for this success goes to the synergy between all agencies involved in combating terrorism under the Unified Command. The GOC reiterated the philosophy of Gajraj Corps of fighting insurgency and not insurgents. He further stated that due to sustained operations by the Security Forces, ULFA has suffered huge losses, both in terms of manpower and weapons, and is on the back foot. He exhorted ULFA leaders and cadres to shun the path of violence and join the mainstream in the interest of the Assamese society. ‘’There is an all pervasive depression and gloom amongst the cadres due to complete absence of internal democracy in the outfit’s functioning and self-centric attitude shown by the top hierarchy. ULFA has also lost the public support due to their nefarious activities. The mass surrender reflects the growing disenchantment and disillusionment amongst the ULFA cadres and erosion of their public support.’’, said the GOC.

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