Assam sounds alert after ULFA threat

GUWAHATI - An alert was sounded in Assam a day after the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) threatened to attack security forces and vital installations in the state ahead of Republic Day celebrations Jan 26, officials said.

“We have already asked our security forces to be alert and extra vigilant,” Assam police chief Shankar Baruah told journalists here Thursday.

Self-styled ULFA commander-in-chief Paresh Baruah Wednesday threatened to target security forces and vital installations in the state.

The rebel leader also threatened action against ‘intellectuals’ who are opposed to ULFA.

The ULFA and other militant groups in Assam and other parts of the northeast are known to step up violent acts ahead of national celebrations like Republic Day and Independence Day.

“This kind of threat is nothing new, but we are not taking any chances,” Baruah said.

The police chief made the remarks after launching the Community Liaison Group (CLG), a mechanism involving the public and aimed at enhancing the security system in the insurgency-ravaged state.

“Under the scheme, there would be a village defence organisation in all villages, thana (police station) level committees in every police stations, CLGs in the district level, besides Citizens Committees in Guwahati city,” the police chief said.

“While the Village Defence Parties are the actual participants in policing, the role of the CLG and the Thana Committees is largely advisory in nature,” he added.

Assam police in recent times have drawn flak after militants were able to strike at cities and towns.

“We hope this community policing would go a long way in tackling crime and insurgency as well,” Baruah said.