Guwahati, July 24, 2023: The United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent) issued a statement on Sunday, cautioning Assam Director General of Police, GP Singh, to refrain from what they refer to as “encounters” of local people who are allegedly extorting money in the name of the banned outfit.

The warning comes in response to the recent arrest of two individuals with alleged links to the organization. One of them, Hem Chetia, was apprehended in Dibrugarh and was injured during police firing while attempting to escape. The other, Pushpanjali Gogoi, was arrested at Dibrugarh University campus. Both were accused of collecting extortion money in the name of ULFA.

Although the seized money was purportedly extorted in the name of ULFA, the actual affiliation of the arrested individuals with the outfit is currently under investigation. The police believe that there are other operatives involved, and they are actively pursuing their arrest in Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Sivasagar, and Charaideo districts following reports of extortion demands.

In response to the situation, DGP Singh firmly warned against any activities carried out under the name of the banned outfit, ULFA. He directed security forces to take decisive action against those involved in making extortion demands or collecting such money.

Meanwhile, ULFA (I) denied any association with the arrested individuals, stating that they might have been exploited by others who falsely use the organization’s name for personal gains. The outfit clarified that they had no connection with those involved in extorting money.

Moreover, the banned outfit accused the Assam DGP of engaging in what they called “fake encounters” and demanded an immediate halt to such actions against locals, threatening that if not stopped, he should leave the state. The situation continues to be closely monitored, as both sides maintain their positions.