ISI and DGFI accused of extending support to ULFA : Chhabra

Rangiya, Assam, Nov 22 (UNI) The Army today accused Pakistani ISI and Director General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) of Bangladesh of providing moral and material support to the banned ULFA both inside Bangladesh and in Assam through jehadi elements.

GOC in C of 4 Corps of the Army Lt Gen R K Chhabra told newsmen here that ULFA leaders were sitting in Bangladesh, courtesy ISI and the DGFI.

He also said jehadi elements had struck roots among the immigrant population in the state and some of them were lying low as "sleeper agents" of the ISI after undergoing training in Bangladesh.

The Army official said close coordination between the jehadi elements and the ULFA imparted a new dimension to the insurgency problem in the state.

" As on date jehadi elements are not into terrorism in a big way, but involved in gun running, fake currency rackets and drugs running, but they are ready to strike when provided with the opportunity, " he said.

The Army official underlined that the people of the state had a role to play in resisting extortion drives by the ULFA. He said the energy for the militant group came from its ability to extort money and if extortion could be stopped half the battle against the ULFA would be won.

He was of the opinion that peace process and operation against the insurgents should go hand in hand because as far as terrorism was concerned it would be finally a political solution. The Army had been provided with the job to bring the situation to such a level from where a political process could take place, he stated.

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