A number of cadres of the banned insurgent outfit United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent) are reportedly willing to come overground if given an opportunity, but escaping from the group’s camps in Myanmar remains extremely difficult.
Police sources told The Assam Tribune that living conditions inside the outfit’s camps in Myanmar have deteriorated significantly in recent months.
According to information gathered from ULFA(I) members who either surrendered or were arrested recently, the camps are in poor condition and life has become increasingly difficult for the cadres with each passing day.
Sources said the outfit is also facing a severe financial crisis, leading to shortages of essential resources needed to run the camps. Due to the worsening situation, many cadres are reportedly interested in returning to Assam and surrendering before authorities.
However, to prevent large-scale desertion, the ULFA(I) leadership has allegedly deployed “cut-off” parties in Naga villages across Myanmar.
The role of these groups is to intercept and capture any cadre attempting to leave the camps and cross into India. Sources claimed that cadres caught while trying to escape are subjected to severe punishment.
The “cut-off” parties have reportedly been stationed along key transit routes commonly used by ULFA(I) members while travelling towards India.
Despite these preventive measures, at least eight ULFA(I) cadres have surrendered in recent months, police sources added.
