Guwahati, August 14: Security has been intensified across Assam following calls from the banned militant groups, United Liberation Front of Assam-Independent (ULFA-I) and NSCN/GPRN, to boycott Independence Day celebrations. Officials reported on Friday that surveillance has been heightened statewide to ensure peaceful observance of the day, with additional security forces deployed in sensitive areas.
These organizations have urged the people of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, and Nagaland to refrain from participating in Independence Day events. Unlike previous years, they have not called for a general strike, citing the current flood situation in Assam.
The police have bolstered security at all designated celebration sites, as well as at key establishments, public spaces, and other sensitive locations. Increased patrolling and monitoring measures are in place, with security forces closely watching for any attempts to disrupt the celebrations.
To prevent the movement of militants or any destructive activities, strict monitoring is also being conducted at interstate borders. A senior police officer stated, “We are confident that Independence Day will be celebrated peacefully without any incidents.”
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma will hoist the national flag at Khanapara Field in Guwahati, while ministers and senior government officials will oversee celebrations at various locations across the state.
Earlier this week, a high-level meeting co-chaired by the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police reviewed security arrangements. Senior district officials participated via video conference. The review discussed anti-vandalism measures, monitoring of sensitive establishments, intelligence sharing among security agencies, route sanitization, and 24-hour surveillance of celebration sites.
Calls for boycotts like this have been common in Assam and the Northeast, especially around Independence Day and Republic Day. Historically, ULFA-I has opposed these celebrations under its demand for a sovereign Assam.
In 2022, following similar calls for boycotts and shutdowns, Chief Minister Sarma remarked that the large public participation in Independence Day celebrations was a strong rebuttal to those demanding a separate Assam. In 2021, ULFA-I did not call for a shutdown on Independence Day for the first time in decades. Chief Minister Sarma welcomed this move and urged the organization’s leader, Paresh Barua, to engage in meaningful dialogue with the central government.
This year, officials are relying on coordinated security measures and strict monitoring to ensure that Independence Day celebrations in Assam proceed peacefully, despite the boycott appeal.
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