| Heerak Jyoti Mahanta | |
|---|---|
| Born | Assam |
| Died | Dec 31, 1991 |
| Charge(s) | Terrorism |
| Status | Killed |
Heerak Jyoti Mahanta (Assamese: হীৰক জ্যোতি মহন্ত) was the deputy C-in-C of ULFA, the banned terrorist outfit of Assam. He was killed by the Army on Dec 31, 1991.[1][2] He was said to be one of the hardcore cadre of the outfit.[2] He strongly opposed any kind of surrendering and it never happened within the outfit till his death. After his death, a large section of second rung leaders and members surrendered to government authorities in 1992.[1] Raju Baruah took over the charge of deputy C-in-C after his death.
[3]In the late 1990s, Mahanta became very powerful. He openly criticised the policies of the central leadership of ULFA and posed a potential threat to Paresh Baruah, the C-in-C of the outfit. Subsequently, on the direction of Paresh Baruah, his movement was passed on to the Assam Police, which led to his death in a serene hillock.[4] Most of the newspapers, however, argue that uncompromising Mahanta was killed by Army as he refused to relent even after being caught.[2]