Police in the northeast Indian state of Assam have arrested three recruits of the militant United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) on their way to Bangladesh, said police of the state on Friday.

Police have also stepped up operations against the banned outfit in Guwahati, the Assamese state capital, and adjoining areas following the arrests.

Police sources said Upen Chabukdhara, 26, Dhan Munda, 25, and Pranjal Rabha, 24, were on their way to Bangladesh when they were arrested Thursday night.

Bangladesh was a safe haven for the ULFA and other militant outfits of the northeastern region till early 2009.

But most militants suffered a setback after Sheikh Hasina took over as the Bangladeshi prime minister.

"The three have admitted that their journey to Bangladesh was being coordinated by ULFA leader Dristi Rajkhowa," said the source.

While Upen Chabukdhara hails from Sadia in Upper Assam, Dhan Munda belongs to Dibrugarh district. Pranjal Rabha is from Goalpara, police said.