Jorhat: The Army was all set to launch a fresh offensive against the ULFA (United Liberation Front of Assam) following an SOS by the Assam Government to the Defence ministry for immediate deployment of jawans to stop renewed violence.

Army sources said, the State Home Ministry had sent a message to the Defence ministry and following which the Army was ready to conduct operation in 'ULFA infested' districts of Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Sibsagar and Jorhat.

After the operation by the Royal Bhutan Army, this would be the second such offensive and the Army had already ordered its battalions to reach upper Assam border areas, which would be the initial scene of action, the sources said.

The sources claimed that of late the ULFA had been very active in the region with help of a Naga outfit for logistic support in the jungles on the borders of these States.

The Army had also taken note of the fact that the ULFA and the Naga outfit had come to an understanding to launch "joint operations" until their demands for talks were met.

Although the ULFA chairman Arabindo Rajkhowa has reportedly shown desire for talks, hardliners led by Commander in Chief Paresh Baruah has insisted on the three conditions talks to be held in a foreign country, under UN supervision and centering around the issue of sovereignty of the State (which both the State and Central Government have rejected).

Sources said a 14 member ULFA group was currently operating in the border areas of upper Assam and there was an "agreement" with other insurgent outfits active in the region to go for fresh recruitment following the formation of a new "forum" by the insurgents.