Despite New Delhi expressing repeated concern over militant groups getting weapons from China, the trend continues.
A recent report prepared by an external intelligence agency reveals top Ulfa commander Paresh Baruah received a massive consignment of arms and ammunition worth $25lakh from China as recently as in May.
The report submitted to the highest quarters in the government and accessed by this newspaper reveals that “1,600 pieces of arms and ammunition, including AK-47s, rocket launchers, light machine guns and 8 lakh rounds of ammunition” were sent to Baruah from two units of National Ordinance Factory in North and South China.
Sources said Indian intelligence agencies were trying to ascertain the extent to which Chinese authorities were involved in the exercise.
According to the report, the consignment was loaded from the “South Chinese port of Beihai near Vietnam”. It was then brought to the deep sea territory of Bangladesh near Moheshkhali Island.
Incidentally, through the sea route the island is close to Cox’s Bazar where ULFA is said to have a base.
In mid-sea the consignment was shifted to three trawlers and then further transported to Bangladesh.
Sources said two Singapore nationals carried out the job. “These men are said to be close to arms smugglers in the region and organize transport for such activities.”
Since the consignment was to be smuggled into India it was shifted to North Bangladesh closer to Tripura.