ULFA-I to skip raising day celebration

GUWAHATI: The United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I) has decided against celebrating the outfit’s raising day on April 7 in the wake of the novel coronavirus outbreak.
In a video clip released on Sunday, ULFA (I) leader and a member of the outfit’s publicity unit, Rupak Asom announced that the outfit would abstain from celebrating its 41st raising day taking into account the dangers associated with the pandemic.
“The ULFA (I) has decided to skip the raising day celebration but we appeal to all to observe in their respective homes a minute’s silence at 7am on that day in memory of those rebels who have lost their lives in the liberation struggle of Assam ,” Rupak Asom said.
The outfit also appealed to the people of Assam to refrain from celebrating Rongali Bihu and adhere to the social distancing norms to keep the deadly virus at bay.
“Amid such a pandemic, it is imperative that the norm of social distancing is adhered to and the necessary precautions taken. Bihu celebration would invariably result in social gatherings. But the lives of people are more valuable than the Bihu celebration. If the situation is brought under control, we will celebrate Bihu next year in a big way,” he said.