Guwahati, Dec 17: The National Investigation Agency (NIA), in collaboration with Assam Police, has arrested a key operative of the banned militant outfit ULFA(I) for planting Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in Guwahati during this year’s Independence Day celebrations.

NIA teams on December 16 raided the residence of Jahnu Barua, alias Arnab Axom, in Dibrugarh, Assam. Digital devices and incriminating evidence were seized during the search, and Barua was subsequently summoned for questioning, which led to his confession.

Barua admitted to planting four out of the 11 IEDs recovered across Guwahati on Independence Day. The explosive devices were part of a planned military protest and boycott call issued by ULFA(I) commander-in-chief Paresh Baruah through a video message, where he had warned of severe consequences for non-compliance.

The IEDs were strategically placed at key public locations, including Pan Bazar, Dispur, Gandhi Mandap, and Satgaon in Guwahati. Barua had been under surveillance for weeks after being identified as a suspect through technical and human intelligence. Authorities believe his actions were aimed at causing large-scale explosions to disrupt peace, damage property, and incite terror across Assam.

Further investigations by NIA revealed that Barua acted under orders from senior ULFA(I) leaders, including Aishang Asom, alias Abhijit Gogoi. The central agency took over the case from Assam Police in mid-September and continues to probe the involvement of other operatives.

This development marks a significant breakthrough in efforts to dismantle ULFA(I)’s regional activities and ensure public safety during national events.

Also Read: Assam to empower 30 lakh women to generate Rs. 30,000 Cr in next decade

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