Shillong, Apr. 23: In a major breakthrough, the troops of Indian Army in a joint operation with Assam police busted a recruitment racket of ULFA(I) and rescued seven minors from six districts of Upper Assam on 21-22 April 2020.

Based on a specific intelligence input, the joint teams launched a well-coordinated and intensive operation spread over Golaghat, Jorhat, Sivasagar, Charaideo, Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts of Assam. During the massive operation the teams also apprehended four cadres and six Over Ground Workers (OGWs) belonging to the proscribed group. The apprehended persons are actively involved in the recruitment racket. The rescued youths belonging to well to do families were influenced and lured into joining the insurgent group through social media and online propaganda videos.

Post apprehension, Bishnu (name changed to protect identity) and other rescued minor recruits were counselled and reunited with their parents, who were rejuvenated on seeing their missing children especially in these tough times of COVID 19 pandemic.

The parents appreciated the efforts of security forces and also expressed their gratitude for the utmost compassion in the safe return of their wards. The apprehended cadres and OG have been handed over to Assam police for further investigations.