Assam STF Arrests 21 Terrorists Including ISIS India Chief

Special DGP Harmeet Singh attributed these successes to the STF’s revival under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister.

Assam’s Special Task Force (STF) has emerged as a powerful force in combating crime, protecting national integrity, and ensuring peace across the state.

Briefing the media today at the Assam Police Headquarters in Guwahati, Special DGP Harmeet Singh and Commissioner of Police Partha Sarathi Mahanta said that the STF has played a key role in tackling terrorism and extremism in the state. From March 2023 to December 2024, the STF arrested 21 extremists, including 16 jihadi elements, such as the ISIS India chief, one Maoist, one ULFA-I member, and three members of Manipur-based extremist groups.

These arrests demonstrate the STF’s commitment to safeguarding Assam from extremist threats, they said.

Combatting Drug Trafficking
The STF’s aggressive approach against narcotics has yielded outstanding results. Before March 2023, the STF had confiscated 534.25 grams of heroin and small amounts of other narcotics.

However, between March 2023 and December 2024, the STF made a breakthrough, seizing:

Heroin: 59.414 kilograms
Psychotropic tablets/YABA: 967,898 units
Phensedyl cough syrup: 37,000 bottles
Ganja: 3,999.681 kilograms
Opium: 37.26 kilograms
Methamphetamine: 1 kilogram

In Guwahati alone, 152 operations led to the seizure of 13.720 kilograms of heroin and significant quantities of other narcotics, resulting in 264 arrests.

Addressing Illegal Infiltration
The STF has effectively disrupted networks facilitating illegal infiltration from neighbouring Bangladesh. Between March 2023 and December 2024, the STF apprehended 18 infiltrators, including 15 touts, two Bangladeshi nationals, and one Rohingya. These efforts have fortified the region’s borders and ensured the safety of its citizens.

Seizing Illegal Arms and Ammunition
Through operations like Operation Praghat, the STF has intercepted illegal arms intended for extremist activities. The seizures from March 2023 to December 2024 include:
Four rifles
One pistol
31 rounds of ammunition
Explosives, such as syringe-based IED parts and grenades

These efforts have significantly disrupted plans for violence in the region.

Busting Fake Currency Rackets
The STF has significantly progressed in countering fake Indian currency notes (FICN). Post-March 2023, 12,787 counterfeit notes were seized, along with eight FICN printing machines, compared to just 1,295 fake notes in earlier years.

Protecting Wildlife and Combating Smuggling

Wildlife smuggling has been another key area of focus. Between March 2023 and December 2024, the STF confiscated:
Two rhino horns
14 ivory pieces
Two tiger teeth
15 rhino hooves
1.792 kilograms of pangolin scales

Additionally, efforts against gold smuggling, subsidised fertiliser misuse, and Burmese supari smuggling yielded substantial results.

Seizures of Cash and Vehicles
The STF’s operations also targeted financial and logistical networks supporting crime. From March 2023 to December 2024, the STF seized:
Rs 63,88,659 in cash
134 vehicles
361 mobile phones

These actions disrupted the funding and operations of organised crime groups.

Special DGP Harmeet Singh attributed these successes to the STF’s revival under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The unit’s enhanced focus on intelligence, surveillance, and coordination has led to a marked increase in successful operations.

From March 2023 to December 2024, the STF conducted 254 operations, registered 41 cases, and made 482 arrests. These figures highlight the STF’s efficiency and determination to maintain law and order.

The Assam STF has proven itself as a vital force in combating crime and ensuring public safety. Its multi-faceted operations have addressed drug trafficking, terrorism, illegal infiltration, and organised crime with commendable success.

With sustained efforts and public cooperation, the STF is poised to continue its mission of protecting Assam and its people.

Also Read: Over 15 Labourers Trapped Inside Rat Hole Coal Mine in Assam

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