NIA recovers IED in Assam following arrest of ULFA member in Jigani

In a major operation following the arrest of a suspected terrorist allegedly associated with the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) from Jigani here recently, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday recovered an IED in Lakhimpur of Assam district which was reportedly planted. by ULFA (I) militants as part of their conspiracy to disrupt the Independence Day. The IED was later defused by the Bomb Disposal Squad of the Assam Police.

The NIA found the bomb during investigation in a case related to the earlier discovery of IEDs in North Lakhimpur district by the Assam police on August 15. The state police had swung into action after a video of Paresh Baruah was released, announcing a ‘military protest against a banned terrorist outfit across Assam on The Day. He also called for the public to boycott the Independence Day celebration, warning of dire consequences if people do not obey the instructions.

The NIA, which held an inquiry into the state police on September 17, said it had found that the ULFA (I) leadership had coordinated the planting of several IEDs with the intention of causing explosions in many places in Assam to protest the 2024 Independence Day celebrations, and to instill fear in the minds of people. as part of a larger conspiracy.

The investigation allegedly revealed the involvement of one person Girish Baruah and his associates in the movement and planting of IEDs in North Lakhimpur district. Barah was tracked down and arrested by the Bengaluru-based NIA on September 24 and, during interrogation, revealed the location of an undiscovered IED in North Lakhimpur, the NIA said.

The NIA said the suspected terrorist told them that the IEDs were planned and planted on the orders of Aishang Asom and other top leadership of ULFA (I). Further investigation into the case is ongoing.