ULFA planning strategy to counter Bhutan Govt's threat

GUWAHATI, July 21: Worried by the recent Bhutan Government move to launch a full scale Army operation against the ultras, the leadership of the banned ULFA has geared up its security. The ULFA camps which are located at Deothang, Koipani, Sarbhang and Samdrup Jongkhar areas of Bhutan are being equipped with powerful landmines keeping in view a massive operation. The leadership of the rebel group is understood to have directed Pradyut Gohain to increase 'arsenal power' of the seven battalion located at Sukhni area. The self-styled Captain Gohain along with 40-odd soldiers are guarding the seven battalion in the aftermath of the Royal Government's move. It is learnt that the self-styled Captain Banning Rabha has been entrusted with responsibilities of providing security to the General Head Quarter (GHQ) located at Deothang. But, for the leadership main problem is that lower-level cadres are completely demoralised following the Bhutan Government's decision. According to official sources, who are closely monitoring the situation after the development, informed that the movement of the cadres have been restricted and leaders have kept close watch on them so that they cannot escape from their camps. "Earlier the cadres were allowed to go for shopping, but nowadays they have been asked to remain in their respective camps," sources stated. Sources further informed that the insurgent group has suffered a setback after surrender of Lohit Deuri. Deuri who was instrumental in cementing the relation between ULFA and the Royal Government during 1991, but after his surrender the relation has suffered a jolt, they said, adding that Lohit procured a huge cache of arms and ammunition through an international agency before his surrender without informing senior leaders. It may mentioned here that when the Royal Government had asked the ULFA leaders to quit Bhutan during 1996 in the wake of spurt in militant activities in southern part of Bhutan, immediately a delegation of ULFA led by Lohit Deuri held a series of discussions with the Government seeking more time till an alternative arrangement was made. But, of late, the Bhutan Assembly passed a resolution authorising the Royal Bhutan Army (RBA) to launch a full scale operation. Sources said that although RBA has intensified operation along the bordering areas of the country, its strength is too small to match the gun power of the insurgent groups who are taking shelter in different camps. Sources further said that recently RBA personnel and ULFA members were involved in a clash and they (ULFA) snatched away the radio sets from the RBA personnel leading to a turmoil situation in Samdrup Jongkhar. But RBA has deployed more companies in the area to keep strict vigil.