GUWAHATI: In the early hours of March 22, 2026, a standoff attack by ULFA(I) was reported late at night at approximately 2 am near an Assam Police Commando camp at Jagun, Tinsukia district, Assam. Reportedly, 3 to 4 Assam police commandos were injured in the sudden attack by the banned outfit.
This is the first attack by the insurgency group ULFA (I) in the last decade on the Assam police. The timing of the attack on the Assam police by ULFA (I) raises several questions. Last week, NIA, based on credible intelligence input, arrested 6 Ukraine nationals and one alleged American CIA agent, Aaron Vandyke, in charge of providing advanced war training to Manipur and Northeastern insurgency groups.
The arrested CIA agent and Ukrainian nationals were also involved in procuring attack drones for the NE insurgency groups, sources said. The arrests made some sensational claims about the assistance of the CIA and the West to the NE rebel groups. But the interest of the CIA in the Northeastern part of India is still not clear, though geopolitical analysts claim that the CIA is backing a Christian state, including Chittagong Hills in Bangladesh, to Arakan in Myanmar, which includes several states of Northeast India.
These conspiracies will be exposed in the NIA investigation. But why ULFA(I) attacked the Assam police commando camp in Tinsukia is questionable. ULFA (I) previously said that they will not attack Assam police, and the banned outfit generally targets Indian army establishments in the past. The question here is whether there is any external pressure on ULFA (I) to attack the Assam police ahead of the assembly election in the state, while the suspected CIA agent Vandyke is in the custody of NIA. Or the NE insurgency groups are under pressure from external forces to create pressure on the Indian authorities. Top sources in security forces said that the agencies are on high alert and can thwart any misadventures by any insurgency outfits.
Indian Army Swiftly Neutralises UXOs
The incident left behind unexploded ordnance, including RPG and UBGL rounds, posing a serious threat to the local population.
Responding promptly, Red Shield Sappers, in coordination with Assam Rifles, mobilised a Bomb Disposal team to the site. The area was swiftly cordoned off, and all safety protocols were meticulously enforced to ensure full control of the situation.
The unexploded ordnance was subsequently neutralised in a controlled manner at a secure location away from civilian habitation, eliminating any risk to life and property. The operation was carried out with a high degree of professionalism, precision and adherence to established procedures.
The swift and coordinated response ensured the safety of the local populace and prevented any collateral damage. The Indian Army remains committed to maintaining peace, security and stability in the region and continues to remain vigilant against emerging threats.
