The UTA is an infant organization but speaks with the authority of an adult.
Newly formed ethnic armed organizations are often the brainchild of a parent organization, such as NSCN(K), NSCN(IM), and ULFA. It is common practice for these groups to provide mutual support in terms of safe passage, shelter, and financial benefits. ULFA, for instance, was formed, nurtured, and groomed by the Naga organization. Later, ULFA adopted similar tactics, leading to the creation of groups like the Kamtapur Liberation Organization (KLO), Karbi National Volunteers (KNV), United Peoples Volunteer of Arunachal (UPVA), Arunachal Dragon Federation (ADF), and Garo National Liberation Front (GNLF), Liberation tigers of Arunachal (LTA) during 90s.The aims and objectives of these tactical policies remain largely consistent.
In the context of the newly formed United Tani Army (UTA) of Arunachal Pradesh, the dimensions and intricacies are notably different. In 1996, the then-General Secretary of ULFA, Mr. Anup Chetia (alias Gulap Baruah), instructed his Chief Foreign Officer, Late Jibon Moran, to provide logistical support for the formation of an ethnic armed organization in the Itanagar area, the capital city of Arunachal Pradesh. Around the same time, another armed ethnic organization was formed, the Arunachal Dragon Federation (ADF), became active in the Namsai and Changlang districts. ADF was essentially a fragmented part of UPVA, which had become defunct following Operations Bajrang and Rhino.
Regarding the Liberation Tigers of Arunachal (LTA), its leaders reached out to the NSCN leadership in Myanmar and Bhutan-based ULFA leaders. The ULFA leaders camped in Bhutan, and ULFA leaders devised an extortion plan for Itanagar, which ultimately failed. One of the top LTA leaders was later arrested in Assam's Jorhat district. Heightened security measures crippled the LTA, and ULFA failed to provide further support to
In the meantime, a newly formed group, the United Liberation Front of Tani Land, emerged in the northern bank of Assam, consisting of former LTA cadres. However, this group met the same fate as the LTA and other militant organizations in Northeast India.
The United Tani Army (UTA), however, is a different scenario altogether. It is a matter of serious concern because it involves key tribes such as Nyishi, Adi, Galo, Apatani, Tagin, and Mising. These tribes are spread across Upper Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and even parts of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, making them one of the most prominent ethnic groups in Northeast India.
The demands of this nascent Ethnic Armed Organization (EAO) are significant and consequential. Primarily, they call for dismantling the massive Green Energy projects, specifically the 57,000 MW hydropower projects under construction and nearing completion in different parts of Arunachal Pradesh. Meeting these demands—or failing to address them—could have far-reaching implications for India's strategy to counter China's water dominance in the region.
NewsSource-https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/police-bust-cross-border-militant-recruitment-network-in-arunachal-101746710712496-amp.html
