Bhutanese abductors arrested in Assam

Five rebels suspected to be mastermind behind increasing abduction in Bhutan have been arrested in Assam.

According to media reports, a joint team of the army and police on Saturday arrested the militants associated with United Gurkha Peoples’ Organisation (UGPO).

Troops of the army’s Red Horns Division in a joint operation with Kokrajhar police, for the first time apprehended the militants at Matijhora village in dense jungles of Parbatjhora sub division of Kokrajhar district. Two 9mm Pistols (Italy made), one 7.65mm Pistol (US made), two country made Pistols and ammunition were recovered from them.

The militants belong to Kokrajhar and Chirang districts of Assam. They had been staying in the village for last one month with the aim to recruit fresh cadres from Parbatjhora sub division and to train them in order to strengthen their new outfit.

They were trained in Myanmar with assistance of NSCN (IM) and seance then working with NDFB(S).

The militants of UGPO might have been used by NDFB(S) to fill the void to continue their terrorists activities in the area without attracting attention of security forces as inhabitants of Matijhora and adjoining villages are all Nepali.

The Bhutanese abducted last month were released after paying ransom while there are reports of fresh abduction demanding ransom.