Did NIA Just File Charges Against 3 ULFA-I Operatives for IED Plot on 2024 Independence Day?
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Synopsis
The NIA has taken decisive action by filing charges against three ULFA-I members involved in a plot to plant IEDs in Guwahati during the 2024 Independence Day celebrations. This development highlights ongoing security concerns and the agency's commitment to counter-terrorism efforts in Assam.
Key Takeaways
- NIA files charges against ULFA-I operatives.
- IEDs aimed at disrupting Independence Day celebrations.
- Extensive security operations were conducted across Assam.
- No injuries reported from the recovered IEDs.
- Ongoing investigations into the larger conspiracy.
Guwahati, June 14 (NationPress) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has submitted a chargesheet against three individuals involved with the outlawed insurgent group United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I) for their suspected role in the placement of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Guwahati during the festivities of the 2024 Independence Day.
The defendants -- Paresh Baruah, Abhijit Gogoi, and Jahnu Boruah -- have been charged under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UA(P) Act), as well as the Explosive Substances Act.
The charges were filed on Friday following a thorough investigation into the terror scheme aimed at destabilizing the region and inciting fear among the populace, according to a statement from the NIA released on Saturday.
The NIA reported that the trio was connected to an IED planted at Dispur Last Gate, Guwahati, which was part of a broader ULFA-I plan to carry out multiple IED explosions throughout Assam.
The objective was to disrupt the Independence Day celebrations and instill terror through coordinated acts of violence.
"The trio were found linked with the IED planted by the terror outfit at Dispur Last Gate, Guwahati, Assam, as part of the ULFA (I) conspiracy to trigger multiple IED blasts across Assam, including at Dispur Last Gate, to disrupt the I-Day celebrations last year," the NIA stated.
The NIA assumed responsibility for the case in September 2024. Its inquiry revealed that the planted IEDs were aimed at causing casualties, injuries, and property damage, with the overarching goal of threatening India's unity, integrity, security, and sovereignty.
"The IEDs had been planted to cause death/injuries to persons and/or loss/damage/destruction to property, with the intent to threaten the unity, integrity, security and sovereignty of India, and to strike terror among the people of the country," the NIA added.
Further investigations into the case are currently ongoing.
The 2024 Independence Day celebrations in Assam were overshadowed by significant security worries after ULFA-I sent emails to several media outlets in the state, claiming to have planted bombs in 24 different sites.
The emails detailed the exact locations of 19 IEDs, while specifics for the remaining five were not disclosed.
As a precaution, security forces and police personnel initially assigned for parades and ceremonial duties were redirected to assist in searching for explosives.
Bomb disposal squads were also dispatched to various locations to identify and neutralize the threats.
ULFA-I claimed in its emails that the devices would not explode due to a technical fault and even requested the public to aid in locating them.
However, security agencies took no chances and commenced an extensive operation throughout the state.
The Assam Police recovered 11 IEDs from multiple sites.
Among these, four explosive devices were found in high-risk areas of Guwahati, such as Pan Bazar, Dispur, Gandhi Mandap, and Satgaon.
Fortunately, none of the IEDs detonated, and no injuries were reported.
On September 21, 2024, the Assam Police and NIA jointly apprehended 15 individuals, including three women, from various locations across the state in connection with the IED planting.
Subsequently, in December, the agency arrested a key ULFA-I operative linked to the same case.
Point of View
It's imperative to recognize the gravity of the situation. The NIA's actions reflect a robust commitment to maintaining national security. The rapid response to the threats posed by ULFA-I demonstrates the importance of vigilance and proactive measures in safeguarding the integrity of our nation. We stand united in the fight against terrorism, ensuring that safety and security prevail.
NationPress
14/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main charges against the ULFA-I operatives?
The operatives face charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, and the Explosive Substances Act for their involvement in planting IEDs in Guwahati.
How many IEDs were recovered by the Assam Police?
The Assam Police recovered a total of 11 IEDs from various locations, including four in high-risk areas of Guwahati.
What was ULFA-I's intention behind planting the IEDs?
The intention was to disrupt the Independence Day celebrations and instill fear among the public through coordinated terrorist acts.
Were there any injuries reported from the IEDs?
Fortunately, none of the IEDs detonated, and no injuries were reported during the incident.
What has been the response from security agencies?
Security agencies launched an intensive operation to neutralize the threats and ensure public safety during the Independence Day celebrations.
