ULFA (I) denies cadres' involvement in extortion

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GUWAHATI: The United Liberation Front of Axom (ULFA) has refuted reports of extortion by its cadres after Assam police claimed to have shot one of it cadres for demanding extortion money in Jaipur under Naharkatia police station in Assam’s Dibrugarh district.

The ULFA (I) in a statement said that none of its current members are engaged in extortion activities.

In a communiqué undersigned by Lieutenant General (self-styled) Pravesh Axom, said that none of its members have indulged in extortion activities since signing a uni-lateral ceasefire agreement with the government.

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The ULFA (I) said that it has banned such activities and would continue the same until the expiry of the ongoing ceasefire.

“From some time, we have seen that a section of people have been carrying out such activities in the name of the ULFA (I)… A section of authorities and unscrupulous businessmen under the banner of 'Chamber of Commerce' have been taking immense amounts of money from local businesses in the name of the ULFA (I) Chief Paresh Baruah.” It said.

The outfit has asked to close down the 'Chamber of Commerce' or else "be prepared to face consequences."

On Wednesday Assam police said the ULFA (I) linkman, identified as Babul Deka, served extortion notes on Sarada Tea Factory at Jaipur.

Police said Deka, a resident of Dhaman Kachuoni village under station, demanded Rs 20 lakh from the tea factory.