GUWAHATI: The proscribed rebel group, United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent) or the ULFA-I on Wednesday dismissed as ‘fake’ reports circulated in a section of media about the ‘ the death’ of the outfit’s military wing chief and vice-chairman in an accident.
In a statement emailed to the media here, the ULFA-I state,” We the United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent), have noticed that a fake news with regard to our vice-chairman cum ‘Chief of the Staff’, Major General Paresh Asom (Baruah) Sir has been circulated in a section of media about his so called accident and death. We would like to clarify to our freedom loving people of Asom that our leader is safe and sound and has not met any accident. This is a hoax spread out by people with vested interest. We appeal to the people of Asom not to believe in this kind of propaganda regarding out leader in future.”
Earlier in the day, in an ‘exclusive report’, online news magazine, lookeast.in claimed that Intelligence agencies have picked up ‘inputs’ about the military wing chief of United Liberation Front of Assam (Independent), Paresh Baruah succumbing to grievous injuries sustained in a road accident along China-Myanmar border.
The lookeast.in report further stated the Intelligence agencies ‘are trying’ to confirm the ‘inputs’ and there has not been any confirmation about the death of the rebel leader as yet.
Baruah is said to have fractured several ribs and a leg in the road accident. But the exact spot of the accident is not known but is said to be around Ruili on the Sino–Burmese border.
Baruah is known to have frequented Ruili since fleeing Bangladesh nine years ago. India recently requested the Chinese to hand him over to India but China denied his presence in their territory.
The Indian army recently requested a visiting Burmese delegation to nab Paresh Baruah because he often stayed at the ULFA central headquarters in Taga in Sagaing Division.