NIA Charges ULFA(I) Chief Paresh Baruah, Two Others

Guwahati: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has formally filed a chargesheet against three individuals, including United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I) chief Paresh Baruah, in connection with a conspiracy to carry out multiple IED blasts in Assam during Independence Day celebrations in 2023. The chargesheet was filed on Friday in a special court in Guwahati and announced by officials on Saturday. Baruah, who is based in Myanmar and operates under aliases such as Paresh Asom and Zaman Bhai, is accused of masterminding the plot along with two associates, Abhijit Gogoi and Jahnu Boruah. According to the NIA, the trio conspired to execute coordinated IED explosions as part of a larger ULFA(I) strategy aimed at creating disruption and spreading panic across the state on the national holiday. The investigation revealed that the group had placed IEDs at strategic locations, including Dispur Last Gate in Guwahati. The NIA stated that the intent behind the explosives was not only to cause loss of life and property but also to undermine the sovereignty and unity of the nation. Taking over the investigation in September 2024, the NIA invoked provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, and the Explosive Substances Act. Officials confirmed that the evidence pointed to a deliberate attempt by ULFA(I) to use terror tactics to destabilize peace in the region. This chargesheet marks a crucial step in countering insurgent threats in Assam and reaffirms the NIA's commitment to dismantling terror networks and protecting public safety in the Northeast.