The army in association with the Assam Police arrested six militants of the banned National Democratic Front of Bodoland’s (NDFB) anti-talk faction from the Ripu Reserve forest in the Kokrajhar district, officials said on Tuesday.
The security forces also recovered one M16 assault rifle, six 7.65 mm pistols, 12 magazines, ammunition, medicines and some documents from a hideout on the basis of information given by them.
The faction opposing talks is also known as NDFB(S).
Lt. Col P. Khongsai, Guwahati-based defence PRO, said the arrested militants included deputy finance secretary of the banned organisation.
“Following an information about presence of militants in the Raimana area, the army’s Red Horns Division laid the trap on Monday. The ambush party noticed six individuals moving suspiciously in the area. On being challenged, they tried to escape but were nabbed after a short pursuit,” Khongsai said.
All the six militants, identified as Bahaigya Basumatary alias Belarwm, Ranjolal Wary alias Gobla, Rubiram Goyary alias G Rwmwgwmw, Julesh MusharayA alias M Jujilang, Sailen Borgoyary alias B Sibithao and Rajesh Narzary alias N Railang, were trained in Myanmar, he said.
The arrest is a major setback for NDFB(S) activities in the Kokrajhar district. Due to tough living conditions, sustained pressure of security forces and lack of local support, most cadres were disillusioned and demoralised, the army said.
