Nine youths missing in Tinsukia, possible ULFA-I link

Nine young men from Tinsukia district in Assam have gone missing, prompting a police investigation and raising intelligence concerns about possible links to the banned United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I).

Missing youths from Kadamguri area

Four of the missing individuals are from the Kadamguri area. They have been identified as Lakshmajit Moran, Biplab Moran, Hati Moran and Nipu Baruah. According to the report, the four left their homes during the Durga Puja celebrations and have not returned since. Their families reported the disappearance to the authorities after failing to make contact. The police have recorded their names and are treating the case as part of the broader investigation into the nine disappearances in the district.

Missing youths from Tekebari village

The remaining five youths are from Tekebari village, which falls under Pengeri Police Station. Their names are Gouranga Baruah, Ujjalit Moran, Bichitra Baruah, Satya Bangra and Gunit Baruah. The report states that Gouranga Baruah and Ujjalit Moran went missing on October 18, while Bichitra Baruah, Satya Bangra and Gunit Baruah have been untraceable since September 27. Sources say the five left their homes on the pretext of meeting friends to discuss a football match, after which their families lost contact. The families approached the police, leading to the launch of an investigation by Tinsukia Police.

Police response and intelligence assessment

Following the families’ complaints, Tinsukia Police opened a formal inquiry into all nine disappearances. The investigation is examining the youths’ movements, the circumstances surrounding their last known whereabouts, and any potential connections to armed organisations. An intelligence source has expressed suspicion that all nine youths may have joined ULFA-I, but the report emphasizes that this suspicion remains unverified. Neither the police nor other security agencies have issued an official statement confirming any militant association.

The investigation continues to assess whether the disappearances are linked to the proscribed outfit or stem from other causes. Families of the missing youths remain anxious for information about their whereabouts, and authorities have indicated that the matter is under active scrutiny. No details of search operations, arrests, or further leads have been disclosed in the source material.