Amid heightened security bandobast in Assam ahead of the upcoming Independence Day, police arrested as many as six ULFA (Independent) militants and two linkmen of the recalcitrant outfit from Dhemaji, Demow and Sonari in the past 24 hours.
Sivasagar Police succeeded in foiling a possible militant strike after arresting a rebel leader and two linkmen of the banned outfit from Bokota Nemuguri village near Demow in Sivasagar district. Police also recovered a powerful China-made grenade from the ULFA militant who has been identified as Biren Chetia alias Rantu Asom.
The arrested rebelleader was also involved in the explosion that took place in Demow last year.
The arrested linkmen, meanwhile, have been identified as Jitumoni Tamuli (Nanu) and Akoni Raidongia.
Charaideo Police have also arrested an ULFA (Independent) militant during anti-insurgency operations ahead of I-Day.
On the other hand, Dhemaji Police also arrested four ULFA (I) militants during a stepped-up operation against the outfit ahead of Independence Day. The arrested militants are Parthajit Konwar, Mrinal Phukan (both hailing from Dhemaji) and Jonak Baruah and Uday Baruah of Lahoal in Dibrugarh district.
Various incriminating documents, including flags and posters of the ULFA (I), were recovered from their possession.