Assam CM denies sending spy to ULFA (I) camp amidst viral video controversy

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has firmly denied allegations of sending a spy to the Ulfa (I) camp in Myanmar, following the emergence of a viral video featuring a man claiming to be an Assam police sub-inspector held captive by the insurgent group.

| Updated: 29 January, 2024 1:13 pm IST

GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has firmly denied allegations of sending a spy to the Ulfa (I) camp in Myanmar, following the emergence of a viral video featuring a man claiming to be an Assam police sub-inspector held captive by the insurgent group.

Addressing the controversy, Sarma clarified, “Manash Borgohain is not part of the Assam Police. Borgohain himself has stated that he was studying at an institute called ‘Jest.’ We have cross-checked and verified that he is a diploma engineer. To become a sub-inspector (SI), one must take an exam, which he has not done. Therefore, I believe this is factually incorrect, and Paresh Baruah has a misunderstanding. I request not to punish the boy.”

Contrary to the claims made in the viral video, Assam police have also officially refuted the allegation of sending spies to the Ulfa-I camp. In a statement, the Assam Police categorically stated that they did not deploy any spy named Manash Borgohain to the ULFA-I camp, further revealing that no person named Manash Borgohain was recruited in the Special Branch of the police in 2021.

The ULFA-I, on January 28, released a confessional video of one of its members, purportedly involved in espionage. Shared on YouTube, the video featured ULFA-I leaders announcing the arrest of Manash Borgohain, also known as Mukut Axom, for allegedly ‘breaching’ the outfit’s Constitution.

In response to the unfolding events, Sarma appealed to the men involved to return to their homes.

It is noteworthy that a peace accord was signed in December 2023 involving the Centre, the Assam government, and the pro-talks faction of ULFA led by Arabinda Rajkhowa. This led to the dissolution of ULFA, evacuation of all designated camps, and the surrender of 8,200 cadres. However, the ULFA(I) faction, not part of the peace deal, continues to be active with over 200 members in their camps in Myanmar.

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