New rebel outfit in Arunachal

TEZPUR, February 7: In order to protect the ethnic identity of the Arunachalis from the increasing infiltrators, a new rebel outfit Arunachal Dragon Force (ADF) has been formed which is being helped by the banned ULFA and the NSCN (K) in imparting arms training. Talking to The Assam Tribune, official sources said that although the Arunachal Pradesh Government is luring the unemployed youths from insurgency by encouraging them to take up plantation in the State on the other hand the growing unemployment in the State is working as a catalyst in turning the frustrated youths towards the gun as a means of livelihood. Giving details about the outfit, sources said that the first batch of ADF consisting of at least 25 cadres, has been imparted arms training by the ULFA at Namsai camps in Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh. Taking the cue from the rest of the Northeastern States, the ADF has already started recruiting new cadres and resorting to large scale extortion after an agreement has been made with the ULFA and the NSCN(K) in order to provide a safe passage to these underground organisations at Arunachal Pradesh due to the ongoing counter insurgency operations.