NEW DELHI, April 2 – Security agencies here have gone into a tizzy following reports that at least 10 truckloads of sophisticated weapons were seized in Bangladesh. The huge consignment was reportedly on its way to the North-East. According to sources here, acting on a tip off, security agencies in the neighbouring country today consficated a big huge cache of AK-47 assault rifles and other small arms in a pre-dawn raid at Chittagong. The weapons carefully sealed in large wooden boxes and jute bags were in the process of being loaded in two country boats on the banks of the River Karnafuly when security personnel scooped in. There was however, no report of any arrests.
Suspected ultras fled in the boats and police gave chase for several hours only to find the crew had already jumped overboard and escaped local authorities later told newsmen. The Bangladesh authorities were also tight-lipped about the destination of the weapons. But security agencies have been alarmed by the reports given that all major North-East-based militant outfits operate out of Bangladesh and usually smuggle in weapons through the Chittagong sector.
Sources said that needle of suspicion pointed toward ULFA, which recently lost its entire arsenal of weapons in Bhutan in the aftermath of Operation All Clear. The ULFA after the Bhutan operation was reported to have been shopping around for weapons, sources divulged. The recovery the weapons also came at a time when the general election is taking place. Security agencies were keeping a close watch on the situation. The vigil along the international border has been tightened to check cross border movements.