Guwahati, August 5
The Army today expressed concern over an Assam-based Islamic militant group adding improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to its arsenal.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 4 Corps of India Army, Lt Gen B.S. Jaswal, who heads the coordinated operation against insurgents in Assam said the Muslim United Liberation Tiger of Assam (MULTA) was becoming more active in the lower Assam areas given that the Army had recovered lots of explosives, including IEDs from the outfit.
The Army official observed that there might be a transition from normal threat of terrorist to use of IEDs in respect of the MULTA.
The GOC in respect of proliferation of madrassas in minority dominated river isles (char areas) in Assam and those becoming terrorists’ hub said, “We have some details, these are old details, not new. We have given them to the state government in respect of presence of registered and unregistered madrassas.”
The Army official hoped for peaceful celebration of Independence Day in the state and informed that the Army along with other security forces mounted vigil throughout the state to thwart any bid by terrorists to disrupt celebrations of Independence Day.
About the number of active ULFA cadres in the state, the GOC informed that there were about 350 ULFA men still at large inside and outside the state, while 76 pro-talks cadres were staying in the designated camp at Sadiya in eastern Assam.
Meanwhile, the Assam United Democratic Front (AUDF), a political party of minority groups on the allegation of madrassas turning into breeding ground of terrorists. Ajmal said, “Anybody is welcome to inspect the madrassas and ascertain for themselves the activities going on in it.”
