Anup Chetia’s initiative blocks Ulfa(I) recruitment plan

The initiative of Ulfa general secretary Anup Chetia to unite all the families who were related to the outfit since its inception has stopped the recruitment drive of the anti-talks faction of Ulfa led by its elusive chief, Paresh Baruah.

Informing that Ulfa (I) chief Paresh Baruah has been desperate to make his presence felt, authoritative security sources told this newspaper that the idea of appearing before television cameras was aimed at arresting the growing influence of the pro-talks faction of Ulfa in the state. Pointing out that Ulfa general secretary Anup Chetia, since his release from Dhaka jail and deportation to India, has started meeting all members of the outfit, security sources said this has not only reduced the number of Ulfa sympathisers but also stopped new recruitment in the anti-talks faction of Ulfa (I).

Informing that even NSCN (I-M) has stopped cooperating with Ulfa (I) rebels in Nagaland, security sources said Ulfa (I), reeling under an acute financial crunch, has the added problem of free movement from their hideouts in Myanmar through Nagaland.

Sources said security agencies are keeping a close watch on the movements of Paresh Baruah in Myanmar, and that it was for the first time that Ulfa (I) chief Paresh Baruah had been seen on television in civilian attire.

Indicating that it may be a strategic move on the part of Ulfa (I) chief Paresh Baruah to portray a “soft image” in the state, security sources said the Ulfa chief has been in the habit of presenting a military image.

Asserting that Ulfa (I) was desperate for funds, security sources said Ulfa general secretary Anup Chetia joining the peace process has been a major setback for the Ulfa (I) commander-in-chief. Security sources said Mr Chetia has been reaching out to all those who have been associated with the outfit.

“Anup Chetia has been meeting even Sulfa leaders who were accused of being involved in the anti-Ulfa campaign of the police and Army,” security sources said, adding that the Ulfa general secretary has also approached the families which suffered due to Ulfa violence.

The approach of the top Ulfa leader, who was once considered the architect of the armed struggle in Assam, has started yielding positive results with the anti-talks faction of Ulfa (I) getting more isolated.