Breaking away from the tradition after 40 years; United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA)-I expresses willingness to talk and have a discussion on Assam’s sovereignty by putting forth “historical facts” and in line with the objective of the outfit.
In the history of 42 years, for the first time, the militant outfit United Liberation Front of Asom led by Paresh Barua has decided to end the boycott for Assam bandh on the occasion of independence day this year.
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Objections that were raised by ULFA-I
ULFA-I raised an objection on the independence day celebration saying that according to the second article of the treaty of yandaboo, signed on February 24, 1826, between the East India Company and Burma “the state was never a part of colonial India”.The outfit also said that the state was annexed with India forcibly.
What are the demands of ULFA-I?
The ULFA-I further demanded the government of India to bring in a constitutional amendment that will “pave away for discussions”.
“The Constitution has been amended many times by India. So why can’t India amend in again and discuss with us? “- asked the ULFA-I’s spokesperson Rumel Asom. The outfit has expressed willingness to end ceasefire on 15th August saying that it has decided not to boycott or call for a strike and bandh on independence day and would also avoid any armed protest. However, it urged the people of Assam to host black flags and black badges as a protest.
Assam Chief Minister’s reaction regarding the statement
Following the statement made by the United Liberation Front of Asom – Independent (ULFA-I) announcing a unilateral ceasefire for three months, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that if the discussion is to be carried forward there is a need to frame certain ground rules.
Sarma further said that Assam has seen enough bloodshed and there is a need for peace. Soon after assuming charge, Sarma appealed to ULFA-I to come and have a discussion and end violence.
