The anti-talks faction of the United Liberation Front of Asom (Ulfa) militant outfit has stepped up its activities in five prosperous districts of Upper Assam, targeting MLAs, other politicians and businessmen in its new extortion drive.

Four MLAs, including three from the ruling Congress in Assam got extortion demands varying from Rs. 20 lakh to Rs. 30 lakh from the outfit.

"I got phone calls from a person who identified himself as an Ulfa cadre over the past three days. He threatened me with dire consequences if I failed to pay a huge amount to the outfit," said Bolin Chetia, Congress MLA from Sadiya, Tinsukia.