From Our Correspondent
Guwahati: On the occasion of its ‘protest day’ that marks the beginning of Indian Army Operation against it on this day in 1990, the United Liberation Front of Asom (anti-talks) vowed to continue with its armed struggle until it achieve the goal to ‘liberate Asom’.
The outfit observes Nov 28 as protest day against the launching of first ever military operation – ‘Operation Bajrang’ – against the militant outfit in Assam 22 years ago on the night of Nov 27, 1990.
The state government had put the forces on alert for the past few days anticipating an attempt by the banned outfit to carry out subversive activities to mark its protest day, the official said.
In a statement e-mailed to the media, the ‘chairman of the ULFA hawks Abhizeet Asom stated that it would not allow the supreme sacrifice made by about 13,000 of its martyrs go waste.
He said that despite the all out efforts by the ‘Indian occupational forces’ (Indian Security Forces) to break the backbone of the outfit, its struggle continued to enjoy support of a sizeable section of people in Assam. He said a large numbers of youths were still coming to join the ranks of ULFA.
‘‘It is very heartening that people of Assam have not lost faith on my organization as reflected by the streams of boys and girls volunteering to join the ULFA in the last 12 months.’’
‘‘Despite the all out efforts to silence my organisation and prevent donors from helping us to continue the struggle, dedicated youths from all sections of Assamese society have not lost their nerves and they remain loyal to the cause. Such an appreciation is the life blood of any organization,” the chairman of the ULFA hawks said.
The ‘chairman’ further stated, “Since we (ULFA) embarked upon the meaningful path of resistance in 1990, over 13,000 Assamese youths (ULFA cadres / supporters) had been killed by Indian State Terrorism. It can’t be anything but brutal State terrorism to oppress that is unbecoming of a genuine democracy. These murderous acts by India in ‘occupied Assam’ are surely to ensure a bleak future of the nation of Assam.”
At present there are two factions of the outfit. One is led by its former chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa and some other senior leaders, who are continuing peace talks with the government of India.
The other faction led by its commander-in-chief Paresh Baruah alias Paresh Asom is still continuing with the armed struggle for a ‘sovereign’ Assam. Baruah is reported to be hiding somewhere in northern Myanmar. (With iputs from IANS)