In what may expose the nexus of politicians with armed rebels once again in the northeast, the Assam police on Monday arrested two pro-talk Ulfa rebels who were threatening and trying to extort the finance minister of Arunachal Pradesh.
Disclosing that the police arrested Ganesh Kumbang and Biraj Sonowal in two separate raids, Dhemaji superintendent of police Pradip Ranjan Kar told this newspaper that they were alleged to have been trying to extort Arunachal finance minister Chowna Mein.
“We were approached by Arunachal Pradesh police in reference to an FIR lodged by the finance minister Mr Mein accusing the caller threatening him with dire consequences,” said Mr Kar, informing that they started investigation and caught Ganesh Kumbang who in his confession revealed involvement of Biraj Sonowal who had given the mobile number of Arunachal finance minister.
Pointing out that they were living in designated camp of pro-talk Ulfa since the cease-fire agreement was signed, Mr Kar suspected that they were maintaining link with many Arunachal leaders.
He said, “We handed over them to the Arunachal police for further investigation as case was registered in Lohit district of Arunachal.”
Meanwhile, arrested Ulfa rebels claimed to have been knowing the Arunachal leaders for past so many years.
Ulfa leader Biraj Sonowal also confessed to have played key role in toppling the Arunachal Pradesh government headed by Jarbom Gamlin.
Accusing the Arunachal leaders of breaching the agreement, he claimed in police custody that he was calling up many Arunachal leaders to fulfil the commitment that they made for their support in toppling the previous government.