The secret operation that led to the surrender of Dristi Rajkhowa, ULFA-I's second-in-command

Guwahati: Indian Army formation deployed in Rangia in close coordination with Intelligence agencies, Assam Police and Meghalaya Police, carried out “OPERATION MALAKAND” which led to the surrender of self-styled deputy Commander-in-Chief of ULFA (Independent) Dristi Rajkhowa.

Rajkhowa is second in command after commander in chief Paresh Baruah.

Self-Styled Corporal Vedanta, Yasin Asom, Rop Jyoti Asom and Mithun Asom were others who have surrendered.


Rajkhowa, a known explosive expert, was Deputy Commander-in-Chief of United Liberation Front of Assam (Independent) and was an active member of the militant outfit of ULFA since last 30 years.

Army stated that since last many years efforts were being launched by various intelligence and security agencies of Unified Command for the neutralization of Drishti Rajkhowa. It was this combined effort which has resulted in the success. It is a result of synergy and close cooperation which has been achieved between Indian Army, intelligence agencies, Assam and Meghalaya

Police and other Security Forces of the two States.


Army further said that surrender of these cadres has certainly dealt a severe blow to the ulterior motives of ULFA (I) which had been trying to gain prominence and revive insurgency in lower Assam by undertaking large scale
recruitment. “Rajkhowa and his accomplices will, in the times to come, motivate other misguided youth / cadres to follow their lead and come over ground to lead a dignified life and work for the betterment of this beautiful region. Unified Command

remains committed in maintaining peace and normalcy in the region and lead it to the path of progress and prosperity.” The Army added.

Rajkhowa surrendered to the police in South Garo Hills district of southwestern Meghalaya.Some sophisticated arms and ammunition including AK series rifles were recovered from the militants.

Already a faction of ULFA under the pro talk ULFAgroup is talking to the Centre. Earlier the pro-talk faction of ULFA had submitted a charter of demand to the Centre. The peace talks between a faction of ULFA and Centre started in 2011.

ULFA General Secretary, Anup Chetia was extradited to India in November 2015 from Bangladesh. Later he joined the peace process.Talks gathered momentum with the coming of Chetia.

ULFA (Independent) which is also known as anti-talk ULFA earlier refused to join the peace process unless sovereignty is made the main agenda of discussion and is carrying out subversive activities.