Guwahati, 3rd October: The proscribed ULFA (Independent) group on October 3 claimed responsibility for the execution of their high-ranking member, Lachit Hazarika, known as Brigadier Salim Asom, and another member named Bornali.
According to reports, Salim Asom, who had close ties to ULFA-I chief Paresh Baruah and had been with the organization since the 1990s, was sentenced to death in Myanmar’s Sagain area at Hachi camp on September 20. Bornali, who had joined the group in 2021, also received the death penalty from the militant group.
In an emailed media statement, the insurgent outfit accused Lachit Hazarika and Bornali Asom, also known as Nayanmani Chetia, of violating the organization’s constitution and policies. They alleged that the two had cooperated with Indian intelligence forces, blackmailed comrades to surrender their weapons to the enemy, and failed to follow proper procedures when members fled the camp, resulting in their killings without trial or court appearances.
The ULFA (I) further claimed that Chetia and Deuri, influenced by high-ranking Assam Police and Indian Army officers, conspired to disable and destroy the organization’s weapons and radios. They also allegedly provided secret route information to the enemy and assisted new members in fleeing.
The release asserted that Bornali Asom herself admitted to close ties with the Assam Police and Army during interrogation, corroborating the allegations against her. This led to the issuance of the death sentence.
It’s worth noting that Salim Asom had previously been demoted to the organization’s headquarters for various misdeeds but was sentenced to death on September 20, 2023, due to his repeated engagement in anti-organizational activities.