Operation Bajrang

Operation Bajrang was a counter-insurgency military operation launched by the Indian Army in November 1990 against the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), a separatist militant organisation operating in the state of Assam. The operation represented the first major military response by the Indian government to address the growing insurgency in Assam, which had become a major challenge to internal security and governance in the region. Conducted under the direction of the Government of India, Operation Bajrang marked the beginning of a series of sustained counter-insurgency efforts in the north-eastern region of India.

Background and Context

During the 1980s, the state of Assam experienced increasing political unrest, fuelled by economic disparity, ethnic tensions, and demands for greater autonomy. The United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), founded in 1979, emerged as a radical separatist movement seeking to establish an independent and sovereign Assam through armed struggle. The organisation drew significant support from sections of the Assamese population disillusioned by corruption, unemployment, and perceived neglect by the central government.
By the late 1980s, ULFA had developed a strong armed wing and was engaging in extortion, kidnappings, assassinations, and sabotage of government installations. Its growing influence, particularly in rural areas, led to a breakdown of law and order. The state government, led by Chief Minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta, was dismissed, and President’s Rule was imposed in Assam in 1990. This created the political conditions for the central government to authorise a full-scale military intervention.

Launch and Execution of the Operation

Operation Bajrang was officially launched on 28 November 1990 with the objective of neutralising ULFA’s militant infrastructure, capturing its leadership, and restoring civil authority in affected areas. The Indian Army, supported by paramilitary forces and the Assam Police, was deployed across the state, particularly in ULFA strongholds such as Lakhipathar, Sadiya, Dibrugarh, and Tinsukia districts.
The operation focused on:

• Destroying ULFA’s training camps and hideouts located in remote forested areas and along the Assam–Arunachal Pradesh border.
• Capturing or neutralising key ULFA leaders.
• Disrupting arms smuggling routes and funding networks.
• Re-establishing government control over areas under insurgent influence.

The Army faced significant logistical challenges, as ULFA militants were deeply entrenched in dense jungles and enjoyed local support in some areas. Despite the large-scale deployment, the operation did not succeed in capturing the organisation’s top leadership, which had largely fled to neighbouring countries such as Bhutan and Myanmar before the offensive began.

Political and Social Reactions

The operation generated mixed reactions among the local population. While many welcomed the government’s efforts to restore peace and law and order, there were widespread allegations of human rights violations, arbitrary arrests, and excesses by security forces. The sudden militarisation of civilian areas led to fear and resentment, and civil rights groups raised concerns about the treatment of detainees and the lack of transparency in military operations.
At the same time, the operation exposed the deep-rooted nature of insurgency in Assam, demonstrating that military force alone would not be sufficient to resolve the underlying political and socio-economic grievances. This realisation later influenced the government’s approach towards combining counter-insurgency with political dialogue and development initiatives.

Outcome and Aftermath

Operation Bajrang achieved only limited military success. Although several ULFA camps were destroyed and many militants were captured, the group’s core leadership and operational command remained largely intact. Following the conclusion of the operation in 1991, ULFA re-emerged with renewed strength, continuing its campaign of violence and extortion.
However, the operation marked a critical turning point in India’s counter-insurgency strategy in the North-East. It was followed by Operation Rhino (launched in 1991), a more coordinated and intelligence-driven offensive that aimed to consolidate the gains of Operation Bajrang while adopting a more systematic approach to insurgency control.
The political process also evolved in parallel, with the government seeking to engage in dialogue with various groups and to address socio-economic concerns in the region. Over time, ULFA’s activities became increasingly fragmented, with splits emerging between hardline factions and those willing to enter peace talks with the government.

Strategic and Historical Significance

Operation Bajrang holds a significant place in the history of counter-insurgency operations in India. It marked:

• The first large-scale military deployment against a domestic insurgent organisation in Assam.
• The initiation of long-term counter-insurgency planning, which later evolved into a combination of military, political, and developmental strategies.
• A shift in public perception, as the operation exposed both the scale of ULFA’s militant activities and the complexities of restoring peace in ethnically sensitive regions.