GUWAHATI: The ULFA has a tactical understanding with the Indian Maoists, because both have a common enemy in the government that runs this country, ULFA ‘C-in-C’ Paresh Barua has said.
In an interview to a local English daily, Mr Barua said the relationship is not new and dates back to at least 1996.
”The Indian colonial government is also viewed as an enemy by the Maoists. Our enemy is also the same and so there is an understanding with them,” the daily quoted Mr Barua as stating.
”Our relation with them (Maoists) is not new and several of their top leaders had attended ULFA’s Raising Day celebrations in Bhutan in 1996. Subsequently, there have been meetings with them and we have given logistical and moral support to them,” Mr Barua said in the interview.
” The understanding that has been forged will continue into the future as well. The same approach towards the Maoists has been adopted by other revolutionary groups of the Northeast based in Eastern Nagaland,” the ULFA ‘C-in-C’ added.
He, however, refused to be drawn into comparing ULFA’s struggle with the Maoists struggle and said the two groups were different ‘ideologically’.
” The Maoists propagate class struggle. They are not demanding independence. After independence we will assess if the Maoist ideology can be adopted in Assam.
“With the Maoists we have common enemies but ideologically we are different,” he said.
On the possibility of Maoism attracting people of Assam from the ULFA, Mr Barua said it will not be a ‘destabilizing factor’ for the ULFA.
”A movement like the ULFA has sacrificed more than 13000 people and it cannot be eliminated easily. We know the people who have been trying to embrace and spread Maoism in Assam and many among them are already on the back foot,” he said, adding, ” We have a definite strategy and we do not think Maoism will be able to strike deep roots in Assam.”
On the peace talks initiated by a section of ULFA leaders, led by ‘Chairman’ Arabinda Rajkhowa, the military chief claimed that the exit of ‘these leaders have benefited the ULFA.’
”Now we know who is actually committed and who is who. The decision to talk to the government has been taken by people who never had a sense of commitment to the organization’s principles. The water has now been separated from oil,” he said.
Mincing no words in criticizing the pro-talks leaders, Mr Barua added, ” Our burden of feeding them is now entirely on the government.” (UNI)