Shillong: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma cleared the air Thursday regarding recent comments made by state minister Biswajit Daimary. Daimary triggered a political firestorm after praising ULFA for defending Assam from outside forces over the last five decades. The minister spoke at a gathering in Tinsukia district. Sarma insisted the minister meant only the pro-talks faction, not the militant ULFA-Independent group.
The distinction matters. Sarma noted that the pro-talks faction signed a peace accord with the Centre and state government, meaning they are no longer a banned outfit. He stated, "The pro-talks faction had entered into a peace agreement and was no longer operating as a banned militant organisation, while ULFA-I remained banned." The government signed a tripartite Memorandum of Settlement with these leaders in New Delhi on December 29, 2023.
Under that deal, the group agreed to give up weapons, stop fighting, and enter democratic life. This faction includes figures like Anup Chetia. Conversely, the Paresh Baruah-led ULFA-I continues to reject peace talks. Sarma emphasized that Daimary specifically recognized the faction that joined the peace process. His remarks also touched on the Moran and Matak communities. The government wants no confusion regarding its stance on the ongoing insurgency.
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