“Armed groups also carried out several kidnappings of civilians, often demanding ransom. Failure to meet their demands resulted in killing of the hostages,” the report said. Executive Director (NE) of Food Corporation of India PC Ram, who was kidnapped by the ULFA about a month-and-a-half ago from the heart of Guwahati, has still not been traced.

The underground groups have also been held responsible for numerous incidents of extortion, with the ULFA and the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) topping the list. “Besides abductions for ransom, armed groups were also responsible for extortion,” it said. The report pointed out that there were 27 cases lodged against NDFB cadre for extorting money even after signing of a ceasefire pact with the Government in June 2006.

The Asian Centre for Human Rights in its report also held ULFA cadre responsible for destruction of public property and infrastructure. “They especially targeted the oil installations of the state, blew up pipelines carrying natural gas and crude oil, as also railway tracks,” the report said.