Assam Chief Minister Clarifies Remarks on ULFA Amid Ongoing Peace Process
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma clarifies ministers comments on ULFA, emphasizing the distinction between factions involved in peace talks.
Guwahati, October 29 (Daily Kiran) : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma addressed recent comments made by Minister Biswajit Daimary regarding the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA). During a press conference, Sarma clarified that Daimary’s praise was directed towards the faction of ULFA that supports dialogue and has signed a peace agreement with the central and state governments. This is distinct from the ULFA-Independent faction led by Paresh Barua, which remains banned.
Sarma emphasized the necessity of understanding this distinction. The faction involved in peace talks has committed to non-violence and is no longer functioning as a prohibited militant organization, while ULFA-Independent continues to be under restrictions.
Daimary’s remarks had sparked discussions on the government’s stance regarding the long-standing issue of insurgency in Assam. His comments were made during an event in Tinsukia district, where he reportedly commended ULFA for protecting Assam from external forces over the past five decades.
Sarma noted that Daimary was specifically referring to the group associated with Anup Chetia and other leaders who have engaged in the peace process, rather than the faction led by Barua. He reiterated that the government has already signed a peace agreement with the dialogue-supporting faction, which sets it apart from ULFA-Independent, as the latter has not entered into any agreement with the government.
The Chief Minister pointed out that Daimary was highlighting the group led by Anup Chetia, which has since become part of the peace process. Therefore, his statements should not be interpreted as support for ULFA-Independent.
On December 29, 2023, representatives from the central government, Assam government, and the dialogue-supporting faction of ULFA signed a tripartite memorandum of settlement in New Delhi. Under this agreement, the faction pledged to renounce violence, surrender weapons and ammunition, disband its armed organization, and participate in the democratic process.
ULFA-Independent, led by Paresh Barua, remains outside this peace agreement and has chosen a separate path. Daimary’s comments drew attention due to the historical connection between ULFA’s insurgency and violence in Assam, which has led to significant loss of life and property.
Sarma’s clarification aims to delineate the differences between the faction engaged in the peace process and the one that remains outside of it, amidst renewed political debates regarding ULFA’s legacy and the role of the Moran and Mikir communities in the organization’s leadership.
