NLFB linkman arrested for plans to hand over explosives to M Batha

CHIRANG: Assam police has recovered a large number of explosive materials which were supposed to be handed over to the newly formed militant outfit National Liberation Front of Bodoland (NLFB). It is suspected that a civilian who is a longtime associate of NLFB supremo M Batha had been directed to gather which would, in turn, be used to build bombs.

Based on the secret intel that some suspected persons in Indo-Bhutan jungle areas would hand over materials to the NLFB, the Assam police personnel  ‘in the intervening night of April 15 and 16, a rigorous search operation was conducted by the personnel. During the operation, multiple operational groups were formed and a search was conducted accordingly. Some suspected persons were apprehended based on their previous backgrounds and interrogated on the spot.

Lal Singh alias Bonaguru, 45, a resident of Selekhaguri in Chirang has been apprehended on the basis of "suspicious movement." Basumatary, who is close to the insurgent M Batha, is believed to be a linkman of the organization.

"Batha was directly involved in this and had directed Singh to bring him these particular materials," an official has said.

Based on his revelation, his residence and surrounding areas were thoroughly searched.

ALSO READ: Assam to set up COVID-19 vaccine camps in schools & colleges amid 2nd wave of virus

On being led by him, digging was done in a specific place inside his residence.

Seven-and-a-half kilos of suspected explosive substance was dug up from underneath the ground.

Other incriminating materials such as two country-made rifles, a hundred grams of gun powder, small size iron/steel balls, and two brand new pressure cookers were also recovered from his bedroom.

It is believed that Batha -- who is an explosives expert -- would have used the pressure cooker to make bombs.

He led the party to different locations and a search was conducted based on the statement of the apprehendee.

During another operation conducted today, a team of police in Chirang recovered incriminating materials such as two twelve-volt batteries, fifty-one iron/steel balls, and a coiled electric wire in a jungle area under the Chirang Reserve Forest located near the Selekhaguri area.

"From the seized materials and considering the deliberate planning to conceal and hand over/supply suspected explosive substance, it is evident that cadres of active extremist group NLFB are attempting to carry out subversive activities in the BTR area in general and Chirang in particular," an official said.

It is also suspected that the same might have been used by the NLFB cadres to create fear-psychosis among the common public by targeting security forces and VIPs.

A case has been registered at the Runikhata police station vide Runikhata PS Case no. 23/2021 U/S 120(B)/121/122/123 IPC, R/W Section 25(10-b) Arms Act, R/W section 4/5 ES Act.

Follow us on Facebook