What Led to the NIA's Arrest of Two ULFA-I Members in the Guwahati IED Case?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The NIA has arrested two more suspects in the ULFA-I IED case.
- The total arrests in connection with the conspiracy have reached three.
- ULFA-I is accused of planning multiple blasts in Assam on Independence Day 2024.
- The Indian Army has denied claims of drone strikes against ULFA-I camps.
- ULFA-I's leadership is reportedly diminished, with few senior members remaining active.
New Delhi, July 17 (NationPress) The NIA has apprehended two additional suspects linked to the detection of an IED planted by the ULFA-I terrorist group at Dispur Last Gate, Guwahati. This is part of a conspiracy aimed at executing numerous blasts in Assam on Independence Day in 2024, as confirmed by an official on Thursday.
Bhargob Gogoi and Sumu Gogoi, both hailing from Dibrugarh district in Assam, were implicated in this plot orchestrated by the designated terrorist organization to instill fear and undermine the sovereignty, security, and integrity of the nation, stated the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
With their arrest, the total number of individuals detained in this conspiracy has risen to three.
The NIA, which assumed control over the investigation from the Dispur police last September, had previously filed charges against three suspects in this case under various sections of the BNS, UA(P) Act, and the Explosive Substance Act.
The three individuals charged included Paresh Baruah, known by several aliases, and is identified as the chairman and SS Commander-in-Chief of the banned terrorist organization ULFA-I.
The other two suspects mentioned in the charge sheet were Abhijit Gogoi, who has multiple aliases, and Jahnu Boruah, also known by various names.
Earlier this month, ULFA-I asserted that their Eastern headquarters in Myanmar was attacked by the Indian Army using drones, a claim refuted by the Army.
In their press release, the banned group alleged that during these cross-border assaults, 19 of their cadres were killed and another 19 sustained injuries.
Reports suggested that senior ULFA-I commander Nayan Medhi was among those killed, along with several members of Manipuri insurgent factions, including the Revolutionary People's Front (RPF), which serves as the political wing of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of Manipur.
Previously, Lt Col Mahendra Rawat, PRO Defence Guwahati, stated, 'There are no inputs with the Indian Army on such an operation.'
It’s significant to mention that ULFA-I, led by Paresh Barua, currently has just one senior member, Arunodoy Dohotiya, operating from Myanmar.
Another key commander of ULFA-I, Rupom Asom, was apprehended by Assam Police in May.